The landscape of all businesses looks different, and store after store keeps closing because of online businesses. The type of business we see consistently is the dining establishment, and their need for content is immense.
In addition to restaurants, we have Farmer's Markets moving from a swap-meet vibe to upscale attractions, individual brands that serve meals to their customers, and more. They all need your skills to photograph their products beautifully. I'm happy to take you on a video tour to one of my photoshoots for a couple of food brands.
Food photography by Walid Azami
How to Shop for Props
If you want to dabble with food photography, then you will soon realize that your prop list will grow to new levels! In this video, I'll take you shopping with me to the store as I purchase bowls, plates, silverware, and items that are important for a successful food shoot. If there is one thing I've learned about food props, it's all about simplicity. The more we help the food become the star, the better the photographed result is.
Another important item I've learned is to embrace and support your local yard sales, second-hand stores, and even look into your pantry. You will not need a full set. In fact, the majority of shots only included one plate and a bowl, meaning you can purchase one of each. This allows your arsenal of props to grow quickly, which means you get a greater variety of food photography.
Food photography by Walid Azami
Working With Your Team
The photography team around a food shoot is often smaller because we don't have hair, makeup, or wardrobe. What you will need is a food stylist which is a vital part of any shoot! They are the essential ingredient to making food look good, making sure food looks better than it does with whichever tools they need to use. That would mean motor oil, pins, makeup sponges, shoe polish, and more.
Not only do they come up with creative ways of making food photogenic, but they are a wonderful second voice when it comes to finding the right angle or simply if the plate is good enough!
Unless you're working on a simple item, working with a food stylist is a must in a professional food photography shoot! In this video, you will see me talking to mine, plus the assistants on set.
In addition to getting a view of the project, you can see the lighting equipment and gear used to create these shots and how I created the background.
Walid Azami is a Photographer/Director and creative consultant from Los Angeles. He got his start working with Madonna + Co by contributing to her many projects. It was then he realized his place in the creative world & began teaching himself photography. He has since shot Kanye, Mariah Carey, Usher, Bernie Sanders, JLO, amongst others
