Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Food Styling Trend: Two Is Better Than One

 
Example of Food Styling Tip

Food Photography Tip

Last week I posted about a certain prop styling trend I was noticing involving napkins. Napkins tucked under plates. Napkins crumbled in the background. Napkins, napkins, napkins!

While flipping through my recent Bon Apetit I noticed yet another trend: Double dishes. Using this styling trick is a simple way to add visual interest to an otherwise dull image....and it's double the fun!




Make Two, Not One

What I really like about this styling trick is it's simplicity. To utilize this trick all you have to do is plate two of whatever it is you're photographing.

Place one in the foreground and one in the background...and you're done!

The reason this trick works is because having two of the same thing adds repetition and pattern which is always pleasing to the eye. Having two plates also helps to fill the frame without adding too many props and over crowding the shot. The following images are all from Food & Wine magazine. Take a look at how using two food items can give different results.





Do you utilize this styling trick in your shots? If so I'd love to see your images! I'm trying something new on this post which will allow readers to share their images.

If you have a post that has an image that uses this styling trick just add your blog's name and a link to the post in the widget below. Please make sure to only add a link to a specific page, not just your homepage.



7 comments:

  1. Great post! This is a challenge for me for sure. I find it pretty difficult for me to get two dishes both in focus and keep visual interest. With two dishes I tend to make my pictures a bit too even/symmetrically framed, so I have learned that it is easier for me to opt for one of them to be the focal point and the other serve more as background. Loving that pasta shot though!

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  2. I used this technique in my recent post for Blueberry & Cinnamon Tarts. Have entered the link above.

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  3. Great photos thus far! Thanks for linking and please keep them coming!

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  4. Thought that I'd throw in my "two salads" worth. Check them out at link posted above. Just discovered your site Danny. Keep up the good work.

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  5. I think I tend to do 3 more often, but I'm going to try 2 intentionally next time and see how it goes. Thanks!

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  6. I actually used 3 in the link I gave you. I'm really enjoying your posts and appreciate your info.

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  7. Hi, I accidentally posted my home-page instead of the specific blog-post with the two-plate styling... so there are two links from me! Live and learn! Great idea, that widget! Love your blog.

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