6 Simple Tips to Make Your Food Look Pretty

Elevate your dishes by embracing creativity

Choose props and backgrounds thoughtfully—such as rustic wooden boards for a homely feel or vintage glasses for a touch of elegance; use colour and texture with intention by pairing vibrant foods with neutral plates and adding textured linens for interest; experiment with light and angles, trying side lighting near a window to highlight the natural beauty of your ingredients; and finish by adding garnishes like fresh herbs or edible flowers for a vibrant, inviting touch.

With just a few simple tips- see below- you'll be amazed at what you can achieve!

1. Using Light

Light plays a crucial role in creating appetising food images, so aim to photograph near a window or in a well-lit area, where daylight can gently illuminate your dish without casting harsh shadows. If you find the sunlight too strong and want to create a more balanced look, consider using a simple white card or a piece of baking parchment to bounce light back onto your dish and fill in any unwanted shadows. This approach is straightforward and accessible, making it ideal for beginners who are keen to achieve beautiful results at home.

Overcast weather is often ideal, as the clouds act like a giant soft box, diffusing the light gently over your scene. As you arrange your scene, pay attention to the direction and quality of the light, angling your plate or props to emphasise textures and bring out the best in each ingredient.

You can further refine your images by experimenting with different times of day; for example, try photographing a bowl of fruit at midday by your kitchen window, then again in the late afternoon—the difference in the quality of shadows and the richness of the colours can be striking.  

2. Choosing Props and Background

Neutral-toned plates such as white, beige or grey highlight the natural colours of food, making dishes look fresher and more appetising. These tones provide a clean canvas that draws attention to the meal itself, whereas colourful dishes can offer striking contrast for single-coloured foods, adding an extra pop to the presentation.

The plate’s shape and size also play a vital role in perception: round plates tend to showcase food more attractively than square ones and leaving about a quarter of the plate empty avoids overcrowding, helping to create a sense of abundance. Piling food up not only generates visual interest but also suggests generosity, making the meal appear more inviting. Always leave a visible rim to frame the food and enhance the overall look.

When selecting props, think carefully about subtle details such as the texture of your linen napkins, the shine of your cutlery, or the understated elegance of a wooden board, as these can all contribute to the story your food tells. Opt for accessories that harmonise with the overall colour scheme and mood you wish to convey—perhaps a rustic basket for bread or a vintage glass for drinks—ensuring each item supports, rather than distracts from, the main attraction.

The key lies in restraint: a thoughtfully chosen prop or two will frame your dish beautifully, while too many can overwhelm the scene. By keeping backgrounds simple and using props that enhance rather than compete, you allow the natural beauty of your food to take centre stage, effortlessly drawing the eye and inviting everyone to savour the moment.

3. Creative Use of Colours

Colour plays a significant role in food styling and food photography. Different hues can evoke specific emotions and set distinct moods: for example, warm colours such as reds and oranges tend to make dishes appear more appetising and inviting, while cool tones like blues and greens are often associated with freshness or a sense of calm. This emotional impact encourages viewers to imagine themselves enjoying the food.

When selecting props and backdrops, collaborate carefully—either independently or with another stylist—to ensure the food remains the focal point. For instance, choosing neutral-toned plates and simple wooden boards allows vibrant salads or colourful dishes to stand out, so the presentation enhances rather than distracts from the meal itself.

In compositions featuring multiple colours, assess how plates and ingredient layers can be utilised to frame the dish, ensuring that the presentation is not overshadowed by surrounding elements. Observe how the white rice in the accompanying curry image provides an internal frame on the plate, allowing the curry to take centre stage.
 

4.Creative Use of Texture

Texture is just as important as colour when it comes to making food appealing. By thoughtfully incorporating a range of textures, you can transform a bland dish into something truly delicious visually pleasing.

Strive for a harmonious balance by varying the textures of your ingredients: sprinkle toasted nuts over a smooth purée, layer roasted vegetables with a tangy yoghurt, or add crisp salad leaves atop a warm grain bowl. These simple yet effective touches not only enhance the eating experience but also make your dishes visually enticing.

Texture can also refer to the tactile qualities of the items surrounding the dish, such as the softness of a napkin, the natural grain of a wooden table, or the crumbly surface of a slice of cake. These surrounding textures are important because they engage more than just the sense of taste—they add visual and tactile interest that enhances the overall dining experience, making the setting feel more inviting and memorable.

5. Consider Garnishes

Garnishes can be a purposeful and beautiful element that instantly lifts a dish visually. This could take the form of fresh herbs, edible flowers, an artful drizzle of dressing or sauce, or chunks of fresh, creamy cheese. If you are serving a beige-coloured bowl of porridge, crumble some freeze-dried raspberries on top for an incredible pop of colour. Similarly, if you find yourself with a slightly overcooked cake, dust it in icing sugar and decorate with some edible petals—and you'd never know the difference!

A thoughtful finishing touch shows care—often, small details make the biggest impact.

Beyond just aesthetics, garnishes can also introduce an extra layer of texture or a hint of contrasting flavour, drawing the eye and the palate to what makes the dish unique. When selecting a garnish, think about how its texture, colour, and even aroma can enhance the main ingredients without overwhelming them. For example, a few shards of candied citrus peel can add a tangy brightness to a rich chocolate dessert, while a scattering of microgreens or a twist of lemon zest can provide a refreshing counterpoint to hearty mains. Above all, choose garnishes that feel intentional and harmonious, elevating the plate with both visual appeal and a final flourish that ties the whole composition together.

6. The Choice of Angle

Position your camera to capture the most appetising angle, whether that’s overhead to showcase an artful arrangement or at a slight angle to highlight height and depth.

Whether you shoot overhead to emphasise arrangement, at a 45-degree angle to showcase plating, or at eye-level to capture layers, pay attention to how elements like herbs, sauces, or garnishes guide the eye toward the star of your composition.

Whichever angle you select, be sure to consider how the interplay of light and shadow brings out the best in your dish—gentle, natural illumination can highlight colours and textures, while subtle shadows add drama and definition. Rotate the plate or adjust your viewpoint to see how different perspectives reveal new details, always ensuring your focal point remains sharp and enticing. Keep backgrounds and props understated so the food remains the centrepiece and choose utensils or napkins in shades that complement or softly contrast with your plate.

Looking Ahead: More to come

You can rest assured that I will continue to share more tips and advice on food photography. There is so much more to discover about how elements like composition and styling can influence your images and the creative process. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where I’ll showcase practical examples and introduce new techniques you can try straight away to elevate your food photography.

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