A photo of a huge, juicy burger (or Beyond Burger) with crisp green lettuce and small drops of water on thinly sliced tomato will make your mouth wet. The same is true when you’re watching a Coke ad and notice the fizz and spritz from the drink, which makes you thirsty. Food imagery has a lot of power, and making it seem beautiful is a big effort. It’s a complete profession in and of itself.
Diana Jeffra, from Virginia, has been a culinary stylist for the past nine years. While a photographer is responsible for photographing the cuisine, Jeffra’s role is to prepare the meal and set up the shot.
Whether the shot is for a magazine, advertisement, or product packaging, or if she’s assisting with the production of a commercial, the goal is the same: leave the viewer wanting whatever it is they’re looking at.
How to Take Your Food Photography to the Next Level
You might not want to be a food stylist. Perhaps you just want to improve your food blog or Instagram images. Is there anything you can do to improve your photos that doesn’t include buttercream and half-baked turkeys? Jeffra is pleased to share some advice. One is to utilize fresh items, particularly fruit and herbs. This is when the colors are at their brightest.
“Adding small drops of water on food or drinks, like on… a Coke can, makes it appear incredibly fresh and refreshing,” Jeffra explains, revealing another another of her tried-and-true techniques. Jeffra notes that adding a little oil to some meals, such as newly made rolls or hamburger buns, may give them a beautiful shine.
