Photographing food is not much different than photographing anything else. The average person is not interested in taking close-ups of food, but there are times when images of food are necessary. Typically, we see photographs of food as editorial illustrations in cookbooks.

When food is photographed, timing is of great importance. The peak time to take images of barbequed food is straight off the grill while it's cooking and at the point it is ready to be pulled off the grill. The smoke adds to atmospheric perspective (which is another design concept).

If part of the barbeque grill shows, this is appropriate. We like to see what the food is resting on. The whole grill does not have to show because we get the idea. When taking pictures of cooked food, be mindful of shooting it's best side. Another tip, when photographing food which is meant to be served hot, photograph it hot, it makes a difference visually. When photographing cold food such as salads, the cool moisture looks good and it should be photographed when it's cool (and fresh).

Food has better angles than others. For instance, most wedding cakes have a front side, and if they don't, caterers' usually set up cake tables with a front side.

Photographing food at wedding receptions is difficult. Most people are not interested in having images of the food necessarily, but they want indications of having it at their receptions. Showy buffet tables photograph okay; but most often, these photographs are not that interesting. Typically though, photographs of bridal couples by buffet tables or sitting at head tables with their plates of food before them (before they start to eat) are ideal shots. Food is implied, but the focus of the wedding storybooks remains on the bridal couples.

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer http://www.debjensendesigns.com