11 Things Great Food Photographers Do

I’ve been shooting food professionally since 2015, and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go in this industry. One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that there’s no shortage of people who want to be great food photographers. But what makes someone truly great? What are the things that make the difference between those who get hired by big brands, and those who don’t?

Well, I’m going to tell you. Here are 11 things great food photographers do:

1. Is an excellent collaborator and listener

They listen to the client’s ideas, to the stylist’s ideas (if you have one), and to any feedback the art director has.

2. Find ways to enhance their client’s ideas while keeping within their budget.

A great food photographer thinks about what their clients’ needs are and what can be done without.

3. Willing to tell you if your ideas aren’t working, not just go along with them to please you.

A great food photographer communicates clearly and openly with their clients about what they see happening in front of them.

4. Have strong relationships with their team and are able to direct each other based on their strengths.

They know that different people have different strengths, and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

5. Treats any space like a blank canvas, creating beautiful work no matter what the set looks like or how much time they have to create it.

They’re able to think outside the box and create beautiful visuals without any constraints—no matter what settings they have to work with, no matter how little time they have to complete the shoot, no matter where it takes place (even if it’s just their kitchen).

6. Their images transcend food photography and feel modern, relevant, and artful.

A great food photographer should be able to take your restaurant’s menu and make it look like art. Their images should transcend food photography and feel modern, relevant, and artful.

7. Capable of visual and conceptual thinking

Great food photographers go beyond just capturing an image; they also convey meaning through design elements like color schemes or composition techniques like rule-of-thirds or dynamic symmetry.

8. Knows how to work with a team.

A great food photographer knows how to work creatively as well as collaboratively with other people on the set.

9. Is patient and calm under pressure.

There could be last-minute changes at any time during a shoot, meaning that a good food photographer needs to stay flexible and patient throughout the entire process.

10. Pushes themselves creatively

It’s common to think that the creative process is something that comes naturally, but you’ve probably heard the old adage: “Creativity is a muscle.” You have to practice in order to get better.

11. Communicates effectively, frequently, and clearly.

When you’re working with a team of people, communication is essential to your success. When it comes to food photography, this means communicating frequently and clearly throughout the process.

Transparency about what you need from each person on the team will keep everyone on the same page as well as create an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions or making requests.

Food photography is a form of art, and in order to create art, it’s important to be authentic.

Great food photographers are not only able to capture what your brand looks like, but they are also able to capture who you are. They know how to get into the heart of your brand, and that’s what makes them great photographers for food brands.

If you’re looking for someone who will make sure that your product shots are perfect and ready for prime time, look no further than our team. Contact us today for a quote.