The digital world we live in has shaped the trajectory of many things and food photography is no exception. With the increased capabilities provided by smart devices, our culture has shifted to capture and share the foods we eat at a nonstop pace.
As fresh produce marketers we strive to tell the story of food that is grown. In an interview with Food and Wine, Andrew Zimmern shared his thoughts on food photography:
“Food is good. Food with a story is better. Food with a story you’ve never heard of is best of all, and food with a story you’ve never heard of but that you can relate to is the holy grail.”
To help you make your photos even better, we’ve collected some insights and trends that we see shaping the future of food photography.
Food Photography Trends
Less Perfection
Audiences want to see food that is real and not painstakingly staged for hours. Showing the raw attributes of your product, including blemishes is no longer taboo and creates a feeling of genuineness for your brand.
Macro Images
Even our team of fresh produce marketers is amazed regularly by the beauty of produce. Macro images are incredibly close up and showcase the finest details that can go unnoticed. These small intricacies are captivating and a great way to bring attention to your product.
Classic Elements of Photography Composition
As a new generation of photographers learn their craft, they are moving beyond automatic settings and learning classic elements of photography. We predict food photography featuring heavier contrast, clever use of composition and a playful use of shadows and light, will become more common in 2018 and beyond.
Movement and Action 
Showcasing the moving elements in a recipe or food preparation can add a new level of drama to an image. Capturing a single moment of movement conveys a story that pulls you into the image.
Natural Elements
What better way to showcase something that comes from nature than with natural elements! Food photographer will continue to highlight food with wood grain, natural stones and other textures that can be found in nature.
Behind-the-Scenes or Candid Images
This trend ties back to creating authenticity for your brand, show your audience who and what your brand really is. For food photography this can mean shots of your produce in the field or being used in a recipe. Don’t shy away from reality, embrace it!
What do you think about these trends? Have you noticed them popping up on your Instagram feed? As food photography continues to evolve stay tuned for more insights.
{{cta(‘1ad982ae-8813-4831-afab-e9d745b2b8af’,’justifycenter’)}}
