Improve Your Food Photos with Natural Light

Today, I want to dive into one of the simplest yet most effective ways to instantly improve your food photography: using natural light. I hope you find these tips helpful.

Why Kitchen Lights Aren’t Ideal 

Many of us naturally think to take photos in the kitchen, under the bright overhead lights. However, these lights can cast harsh shadows and give your food an unappetising colour. The yellowish or sometimes bluish tones from kitchen lights can make your dishes look less appealing. 

The Power of Natural Light 

To make your food photos look more vibrant and mouth-watering, simply move near a window. Natural light is softer and more flattering, bringing out the true colours of your dishes. It helps to create a more inviting and professional look. 

Try Side Lighting 

Once you’ve found a good window, position your food so that the light comes from the side. Side lighting creates gentle shadows that add depth and texture to your photos, making the food look more three-dimensional and realistic. 

Experiment with Backlighting 

Another technique to explore is backlighting, where the light comes from behind the food. This can create a beautiful glow around the edges and enhance the texture. Just be careful not to let your main subject become a dark silhouette. A simple reflector (even a white piece of paper) can bounce some light back onto the front of the food to balance the exposure. 

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Real World Example

This image of a jug of sangria shot for El Cerdo Tapas Bar in Bourne End uses all the tips in this article. It was shot with natural light alone and the light source was to the side and behind the subject - check out the shadows falling diagonally towards the camera. The table was also placed in front of a white building which reflected light back into the frame much like a large bounce card.

Sangria shot for El Cerdo Tapas Bar, Bourne End

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Quick Tips Recap: 

• Move Near a Window: Use natural light for more flattering photos. 

• Side Lighting: Position the light to come from the side for depth and texture. 

• Backlighting: Light from behind can add a beautiful glow and highlight textures. 

Give these tips a try and see how they transform your food photos! If you have any questions or want to share your results, feel free to reach out or tag me on social media at @munchfoodphotography. 

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks in the next edition of The Monthly Bite. To make sure you don't miss any free tips and advice, subscribe to my mailing list to receive future blog posts directly to your email inbox.

Let me know what you find most difficult with your food photography so that I can give you some tips in future editions. 

Best wishes, 

Matt Stevenson 

Munch Food Photography

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What is the one thing you find most difficult about capturing your food?

I want to make these blog posts as useful as possible for you so please let me know your answer to this question and I will make sure to include it in future editions.