5 Food Photography Myths You Can Stop Believing Right Now

Some myths just never seem to die. I hear this question, “Is it true that you use motor oil for syrups” all the time. There are so many myths surrounding food photography that is, in fact, are false. I want to set the record straight on some of these myths.

Natural light is best for food photography.

People believe that natural light is best for food photography, but that’s an opinion. Not a fact. The main thing to remember is that the quality of your photos depends on how you use light, not on whether you use natural or artificial light.

Professionals stick with one style of photography.

As food photographers, we are always learning, practicing, and growing. The biggest mistake I see is that my clients try to pigeonhole themselves into one style of photography. Much like any other creative craft, food photography is an art form perfected over time through trial and error.

Professional food photographers don’t take bad photos.

A lot of amateur photographers look at pros and assume that they’re just born with the ability to take great photos, that they found their niche and now they’re just raking in the cash. This couldn’t be further from the truth. No one is perfect, even if it looks like it on Instagram.

Food stylist’s job is to make fake food look real.

A food stylist’s job is to make real food look appetizing on camera. Period.

It’s all about the camera, not the photographer.

A camera records things exactly as they are, but the photographer makes decisions about how the subject will be framed and exposed. The two are inseparable. A better way to put it would be “photography is all about the photographer, not the camera.” A photographer with a $500 camera and good editing skills is going to create better quality photos than a photographer with a $5,000 camera and no editing skills.

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