Simplicity is beauty, space is beauty. I've listed my absolutely top 5 compositions in my food photography and styling work!
Food styling is essential part of my work, which I absolutely love. Working on new project reminds me a situation of blank canvas waiting for an artist to fulfil. A new idea, a new selection of props, ingredients, a selection of colours, tones, arrangement of dishes, and composition selection.
I'm presenting my favourite five compositions, which are more catchy, and keeps attention for much longer. The compositions are driven by art rules known from centuries. That's what will make your picture really stand out.
FIND PLACE FOR NEGATIVE SPACE
1. NEGATIVE space
Negative space in photography is a surface/surrounding for the subject. It's a 'room', kind of breath for the viewer's eyes. We need to respect and include a negative space in our pictures especially, now, when we are overloaded with bright, dynamic, complex images . Negative space gives us rest and kind of comfort zone. In pictures gives a feeling of balance, unity, harmony and equality. A sense of cleanliness and minimalism. Negative space is not only empty background or area on the picture. It can be also a neutral, not disturbing the main object, props or ingredients. Something poorly visible, inconspicuous.
2. C shaped Flat Lay food composition
This type of flay lay compositions is definitely my favourite. Technically we set all props, main dish and ingredients in C shape (or reversed C), sometimes leaving the middle area bare. It gives bit more interesting, modern and dynamic structure into the picture. We can see more story on the picture. It's no secret that the job here is to drive and channel the attention. Through this arrangement allows the photographer/food stylist to efficiently direct the viewer's eye.
3. FRAME food
I love to use fabric for food styling and food photography. All kind of beautiful napkins, towels, serviettes, tablecloths works perfectly with the food pictures. Especially when I want to add more texture, shape and layers to the composition. I often use the fabric to build a frame around the main subject. This in the creative way helps me to highlight the most important element in the composition.
4. diagonal line
In diagonal line composition all props on the picture are arranged like a diagonal line. This arrangement brings more dynamism complemented with more interesting mood than vertical and horizontal lines. Diagonal line suits in props arrangement. Also works perfectly when is used in the background, more often with depth of field rule.
5. Triangle
What could possibly work more inclusively for all elements to build unity? Simple basic shapes comes to help - a triangular composition. Through this method the food stylist gains a great tool to keep at bay all important food elements. All details are united. Forever! The eye follows triangular shape before you know it.
my General rule is... KEEP IT SIMPLE!
No matter what composition you use, there is nothing more satisfying than simplicity. It helps you to take control over your elements before you take the picture. Remember not to flood your compositions with unnecessary elements. I'm sure the effects will be visually rewarding for sure.