Episode description

In episode 654, Megan chats with Ashley Freeman about professional food styling, including how to embrace ‘mess’ and other key elements that make food images visually appealing and unique.

Ashley Strickland Freeman is the creator of the blog Little Black Skillet. Just like a "Little Black Dress," she strives to create approachable, everyday recipes her audience can trust and turn to again and again. With over 19 years of experience as a food stylist, cookbook author, recipe developer and tester, and culinary producer (culinary content creator for short), Ashley offers a unique perspective having worked on all sides of culinary publishing. In addition to developing recipes and food styling for some of her favorite brands, she's currently working on her fourth cookbook.

In this episode, you’ll discover the essential equipment for capturing mouthwatering food photos, how props can make or break your shots, and the role of color theory in food photography.

Key points discussed include:

- Invest in a quality camera and lens: Having the right equipment, such as a DSLR camera and a versatile zoom lens, can make a significant difference in your food photography.

- Use a sturdy tripod: A geared tripod, like the Manfrotto, allows you to achieve precise angles and compositions for your shots.

- Experiment with budget-friendly props: Look for unique items at thrift stores, fabric shops, and even your own home to create visually appealing scenes.

- Embrace color theory: Understand how complementary colors can enhance the visual appeal of your food photos.

- Prioritize composition: Use odd numbers, multiples, and strategic placement to guide the viewer's eye through your images.

- Enhance food appearance: Techniques like brushing cheese with oil or using thickened syrups can help make your food look fresh and irresistible.

- Embrace the "mess": Don't be afraid to capture the natural imperfections and realistic details that make your food photos more approachable.

- Practice and trust your intuition: Continuous practice, studying other photographers' work, and having confidence in your own style are key to improving your food photography.

You'll also love Episode 492: Exquisite Food Photography – How to Tell a Story with Lighting, Props, Food and Textures with Murielle Banackissa.

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Connect with Ashley Freeman

Website | Instagram