How To Master The Foodie Flat lay And Become A Picasso Of Your Kitchen
To start 2021 off, I wanted to explain my own process when photographing food as a hero shot or flat lay photograph.
Firstly, let me explain both terms:
The hero shot shows the benefits and context of use. This is called a picture-perfect version of food taken from above for food photography.
Flat lay refers to a type of photograph that is simply a photo of objects arranged on a flat surface, captured directly from above.
After understanding both these terms, you will understand that they both refer to the same camera position and angle. This is when taking a photo of a product or food dish. See image example.
You may ask, how do I set up this type of photograph?
THE PROCESS OF A FLAT LAY/HERO SHOT
Lighting
The first task is to decide which type of lighting you will use, natural or artificial.
Using natural lighting
Natural light refers to any light shining through a window or outside. When inside your home, place your flat lay/hero shot near a window
A key tip when shooting: use a reflector or white foam boards that can be placed opposite the light source.
When you use this type of lighting, the white card/board will reflect light back onto the object you are photographing. This is an excellent way to even out shadows or brighten up the dish you are photographing.
Using artificial light
The most common way to diffuse artificial lighting is to make it look as natural as possible. One way to set up this light is to use two lights so that the object or dish has even shadows. If you photograph high-end products, this setup would be ideally suited.
For food, you need shadow and tone. If you shoot food under artificial light. Learn how to bounce and reflect your lighting, with reflectors, cards, mirrors and foam boards. Check out these image examples.
Set up your tripod
The next step in setting up this type of photograph is the camera position. This is based on the objects or dishes you are photographing
Here is how to position your camera. See the image example.
One issue you may have when setting up this camera position is keeping your tripod supported, as gravity will fall it. So use weight bags to prevent this from happening.
You should also make sure you can see the back of the camera. To do this, use a chair or ladder to stand on, so that you are high and can see.
If you cannot do so, arrange your food items on the floor. This will allow you to get more distance. If you plan to shoot flat-lay food photography, I recommend getting a tripod with a 90-degree arm.
Now that you have set up the lighting, camera position, and camera settings, this will get you started. This same process and setup can also be used for mobile phones.
Here are some other options to make your images look amazing and pop.
Consider the background, and make sure it flatters your dishes.
Include props to tell a story.
Build depth and play with dish composition and positioning.
After reading this blog I want you to remember two main things. The camera position is crucial, and it needs to be parallel and at a 90-degree angle.
Before you take your final photo, make sure you manage the lighting, as you need realistic colours and subtle shadows. Shadows add extra depth or unique effects, but they can also be annoying and appear in weird places.
After reading my thoughts, processes and points, I hope this has given you a small insight into a photographer’s mind when shooting this type of angled photography.
Chatting Food Contributor: Sam Peel
Published - 5th Feb 2021
Follow the link to the site: https://www.chattingfood.com/post/perfect-food-flatlay-hero-shot