Monday, June 1, 2009

Professional Food Styling Secret - Use A Napkin

Easy Food Photography Tip

In a previous post I shared how my food photography improved when I started to focus on the appearance of the food rather than the camera skills. This little tip is an example of that philosophy.

Turn the page of any food magazine and you will see this tip in action. It's a bit of a trend right now really, and I totally see why. Utilizing this simple trick transforms an otherwise mundane photo into something spectacular. Want to know what the secret is?

Food Styling Secret in second part of post...

Use A Napkin As A Prop

It's really simple. All you do is take a paper or cloth napkin and place it underneath the food, or even underneath the plate. Most of the time you don't even notice this little detail. But adding the napkin separates the food from the table top, adding visual contrast and interest.

In the two photos above, the fruit galettes didn't photograph well on plates, so I simply folded a paper napkin and placed it underneath each galette. Voila!

Have you tried doing this before? Do you have any tips on how best to do it? Why don't you share your thoughts in the comments.

Below are some really beautiful examples of professional food photographer Matt Armendariz's photographs where he utilizes this technique.







17 comments:

  1. That napkin just invites you to grab the treat, settle in to a comfy chair and tuck in. It is so comforting. Great tip, thanks!

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  2. That's a really great point KT! The napkin adds an element of narrative and gives the air of comfort and casualness.

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  3. Hooray for napkins! I'm also a big fan of placemats. Both are quick and easy ways to add a little visual interest to your shot. :D

    +Jessie

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  4. Excellent idea ... another great tip that I'll hopefully remember for next time! Thks!

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  5. I often use a napkin for a colored background, but rarely fold them like that. I'll have to try it. It looks great! I love your bamboo mat also.

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  6. Thanks Carolyn. Just curious, how do use the napkin as a background? Do you tack it up somehow?

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  7. Thanks for this tip - I'm giving it a try! ~ Robyn

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  8. I've noticed that trend too. It's sort of driving me crazy with constant use, and I feel like rebelling against it. Alas, I'll probably cave and use it when it goes out of style lol.

    Great tip by the way.

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  9. Happy to have found your site today. Great tips for newbies.

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  10. Thanks for the comments everyone! Welcome to all the new readers!

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  11. I'm new to Food photography. I find your post very interesting. Thanks for sharing, I'll give it a try next time I shoot some food photos.

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  12. I'm so excited to find this blog...I can't wait to read through everything!

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  13. A friend sent a link to your website and I'm excited to implement your tips in the future.

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  14. Jackie, Tiffany, and Cia,

    Welcome to the blog! I hope all three of you find the information here helpful. Thanks for reading!

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  15. Great little tip! I'm going to go and have a peek at the rest of your blog now :)

    -Kitty

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  16. Thanks for this great tip! I've been trying to figure out how to add some more color to my photos; I like my all-white background but when my food is particularly beige-y or light-colored, I could use some help to delineate it.

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