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When I first picked up a camera, I had no idea that food photography would become such an essential part of my life. I knew I loved capturing the essence of food, but figuring out how to make my images stand out took years of trial, error and discovery. The journey to finding your unique food photography style can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences as a creative.

So, I’m here to share five practical steps that can help you carve out your style. These steps are simple, personal, and based on what has worked for me over the years.

1. Experimenting with Angles

Your unique food photography style often lies in the angles you choose to capture your subject. The angle of your shot can completely transform the story you’re telling through food photography. Should you shoot from above to capture the intricate details of a platter, or would a side angle work better to highlight the layers of a decadent cake?

When I started exploring, I realized I gravitated towards overhead shots for flatlays and close-ups for textures like melting chocolate or frothy coffee. But it took a lot of trial to figure that out. Don’t be afraid to play around—move your camera to see the same subject from multiple perspectives.

Start with three basic angles—top-down, 45 degrees, and straight-on. Observe how each changes the mood and focus of your image. Over time, you’ll notice certain angles resonate with your aesthetic more than others.

2. Draw Inspiration but don’t Imitate

I can’t stress this enough but find inspiration but make it yours. When I began, I followed countless food photographers on Instagram and saved Pinterest boards full of styles I loved. I was inspired by the clean, minimalist work of some and the dramatic, moody setups of others.

Instead of copying what I saw, I started asking myself why I was drawn to certain images. Was it the colors? The textures? The lighting? Understanding your attraction to specific elements helps you incorporate those into your own work in a way that feels authentic.

I also encourage you to step outside the world of food photography for inspiration. Art, nature, movies and even everyday moments can inspire how you compose your shots. For example, the color palette of a sunset once inspired me to experiment with warm tones in my dessert photography.

3. Practice Consistently

In the beginning, I’d often feel frustrated because my photos didn’t match what I envisioned. It’s easy to get discouraged when your work doesn’t immediately live up to your expectations, but practice is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.

Set aside time regularly to practice. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—you could start with a simple setup using natural light and one dish. Try different props, angles, and compositions. Not every photo will be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. What matters is the consistency.

When I look back at my old photos now, I see how far I’ve come—and that progress wouldn’t have happened if I had given up after the first 10 (or 50) failed shots.

4. Learn to Read Images like a Photographer

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to “read” images. By this, I mean analyzing photos in detail to understand what makes them visually appealing. Every photo you admire is like a puzzle—breaking it down piece by piece can teach you so much about photography style.

Ask yourself questions:

What’s the lighting like—soft and natural or bold and directional?
How are the colors balanced?
What props were used, and how do they complement the food?
What’s the focus point, and how does it draw your eye?

When you look at photos critically, you begin to notice patterns and techniques that you can experiment with. For example, I once studied a photo that used backlighting to highlight the transparency of honey in a jar, and it inspired me to use similar lighting for a syrup pour shot.

5. Stay True to Yourself

At the end of the day, your food photography style should feel like you. I’ve gone through phases where I tried to mimic trends just to fit in, but the truth is, trends come and go. Your passion and authenticity are what make your work timeless.

Ask yourself:

What foods do you love photographing?
Do you prefer bright, airy vibes or dark, moody tones?
Are you drawn to minimalism, or do you love detailed, rustic setups?

For me, the joy lies in capturing the little imperfections in food—the drips, crumbs, and textures that make it feel real and inviting. Once I embraced this, my photos started to feel more authentic, and I found my rhythm.

Remember, it’s okay to evolve. Your style today might look different a year from now, and that’s part of the journey.

If I had to leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: enjoy the process.

Take pride in the small milestones, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re often the best teachers.

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