Minimalist food photography is the idea of approaching a photo shoot with a ‘less is more’ attitude. If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while, you might know that earlier this year I began studying and exploring minimalist food photography. And over the last six months, I spent a gazillion (sometimes frustrating) hours in the studio, challenging myself, pushing my creative storytelling and practicing minimalism.
Now, coming out of that study, I realize that the whole experience not only added so much to my toolkit but also made me a better, stronger and a more confident food stylist. So, in this week’s blog, I wanted to share three of the biggest lessons that helped me get there. I hope this inspires you to try out minimalist food photography and if not, grab a few tips from my study.
Jump to:
Minimalist Food Photography Lesson #1: Techniques speak louder than props
When I started photography, I was attracted to and inspired by heavily styled images constructed with lots of props. Or in other words, the complete opposite of minimalism. At the time, I believed that to create a heavily styled image meant to fill every square inch of the frame with props. However, a few months into the study of minimalism, I took a look at some of my work from the early days and realized I had just been throwing props left and right into the frame, with zero technique.
What do I mean by technique?
An image is constructed by bringing together a variety of visual elements. Visual elements are a combination of objects used and techniques applied by a photographer. These objects and techniques are what brings to life an image that is both aesthetically pleasing and conveys a story.
- Visual objects refer to any tangible objects that you bring to the scene. Main subject along with props such as ingredients, dishes, cutlery, glasses, linen etc. are all visual objects.
- Visual techniques refer to how you chose to use those tangible objects within the scene. I.e. Will the props carry a color story? Which compositional rule will their placement follow? Which direction should the props be facing? Do their placements bring a sense of balance to the image? etc.
Read that again!
Visual objects are the “what” and visual techniques are the “how”.
When constructing heavily styled scenes, it can be very easy to get lost in the idea and quantity of all the different visual objects and forget about technique. This is exactly what happened with me.
Minimalist food photography on the other hand limits the quantity of visual objects that can be used, forcing you to learn, focus and rely on techniques more heavily. And overtime, you begin to realize that what makes minimal images really beautiful is their simplicity. And, what translates that simplicity into beauty are the techniques behind it. Because, no matter how many visual objects you include, without technique, it all falls flat. Techniques speak louder than props.
Minimalist Food Photography Lesson #2: Styling starts long before you go behind the camera
Like we discussed earlier, minimal images rely on a limited number of visual objects. So, one way to keep your image interesting without relying on external objects is to come up with ways to style your food through the recipe itself.
Let’s take a look at an example:
Below is a photograph of a pumpkin chocolate marble loaf. While developing the recipe for this shoot, I realized that a bunch of plain, orange color, pumpkin loaf slices aren’t going to look too exciting once photographed. So, I started thinking of ways to bring in some contrasting colors that would make the image more interesting. Now, if I was creating a heavily styled shot, I could’ve and would’ve easily added color and contrast through other visual objects. But, the challenge was to keep the image minimal and still make it pop.
So, what did the trick? Tweaking the recipe to a marble loaf instead of a plain pumpkin loaf! And, I intentionally picked chocolate to create the marble pattern, as I knew it would add that contrast and color I was looking for, to the final image.
So, here’s the moral of the story. Kicking off your styling process alongside recipe development/preparation not only gives you a good head start once you’re behind the camera, but it also teaches you to,
- better plan a photoshoot from beginning to end
- be more intentional about styling decisions
- pay attention to the finer details of your work
All the above were honestly a life saver for a lot of the work I did during the minimalism study. So today, for any and all shoots (i.e., minimal or not), I make a conscious effort to start the styling process before going behind the camera.
Taking a quick break to promote one of my all time favorite brands and chocolates; Mid Day Squares. They come in 3 delicious flavors and are vegan, gluten free, diary free, soy free and non GMO! Order today at middaysquares.com and use code DULANJI15 to get 15% off.
Please note that this is an affiliate link. This means that if you make a purchase using my code, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Minimalist Food Photography Lesson #3: Negative space is more than empty space
When I started photography, I used to be so afraid of negative space. The empty spaces of an image just seemed SO boring. I would often find myself cramming props in to every inch of the frame, to get rid of the space.
In photography, these empty spaces are referred to as negative space. And, minimal images are defined by the large amount of negative space they carry.
The purpose of negative space:
Negative space is what provides breathing room to an image. A cluttered image without the right amount of negative space ends up with every visual element screaming for the viewer’s attention. An image with well thought out negative space on the other hand, let’s the viewer’s eye rest while helping outline the positive space (i.e., visual elements).
More importantly, it is the creative and balanced use of BOTH negative and positive space that ends up communicating the composition of an image to the viewer effectively.
It took me months of practicing minimalist food photography before I truly started to understand this real purpose of negative space and embrace it for what it is. Today, I use negative space as a styling tool to help consider each element of the scene and construct a stronger image.
I came out a better stylist and so can you
Minimal images are an incredible way to hone your eye to the finer details of your work. They teach you to create intentionally and challenge your story telling skills.
If you’re looking to improve your food photographs and haven’t yet tried out minimalist food photography or always tend to shy away from it, this is your sign friend! I came out a better stylist because of it, and it might help you too.
Did you find this blog helpful? Let me know by leaving a star rating and a comment below.
vorbelutr ioperbir says
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again!
http://www.vorbelutrioperbir.com
Brooke Tishler says
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!
https://www.zoritolerimol.com
wholesale jeans in usa says
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
https://juajeans.com/
Token Deployment Tool says
I like the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great articles.
https://officeblock.io
Teena says
When I initially commented I cliced tthe “Notify me when new comments are added” chrckbox annd now eaqch timee a coomment is addfed I gget four emails withh the same comment.
Is there aany way yyou ccan remov eople frrom that service?
Cheers!
Here iis mmy log post: 5272
jean factory says
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks
https://juajeans.com/
exterior home painters tallahassee says
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent job on this topic!
https://superiorpainting.net/
Jovita says
I don’t even understand hhow I eded up ight here, howver I believed thnis
submit wass onhce great. I do not now whho you’re but deffinitely yyou arre going too a
well-known blogger should you are not already.
Cheers!
Herre is mmy site; xxx porn tube
Modesto says
Saed aas a favorite, I love your blog!
Check oout myy homepage: sitemap
nonprofit marketing strategy says
Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
https://forgrantedmedia.com/
tlovertonet says
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for!
http://www.tlovertonet.com/
custom jacket suppliers says
Whats up very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?KI’m happy to search out so many helpful information right here in the put up, we want develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
https://juajeans.com/custom-jackets-manufacturers/
bomber jackets for men says
This site is my breathing in, really wonderful pattern and perfect content.
https://juajeans.com/bomber-jackets-manufacturers/
Toronto Escort says
F*ckin’ amazing issues here. I’m very satisfied to look your article. Thanks a lot and i am having a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
https://www.thehiddenpages.com/escorts/canada/toronto-escorts/
Mandyt says
SEO Optimizers Team https://zetds.seychellesyoga.com/info
Zoet says
I offer mutually beneficial cooperation https://zetds.seychellesyoga.com/info
Juliett says
Cool website. There is a suggestion https://zetds.seychellesyoga.com/info
Samanthat says
I really liked your site. Do you mind https://zetds.seychellesyoga.com/info
Ginat says
Here’s what I can offer for the near future https://zetds.seychellesyoga.com/info
Mayt says
You will definitely like it https://zetds.seychellesyoga.com/info
Vanessat says
Content for your website https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Sheilat says
Web Development Wizards https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Sharont says
Can provide a link mass to your website https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Patriciat says
Your site’s position in the search results https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Zarat says
Free analysis of your website https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Sandyt says
I offer mutually beneficial cooperation https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Victoriat says
Cool website. There is a suggestion https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Tiffanyt says
I really liked your site. Do you mind https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Josephinet says
Here’s what I can offer for the near future https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Ellat says
Web Development Wizards https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Irenet says
Can provide a link mass to your website https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Emmat says
Your site’s position in the search results https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Katherinet says
Free analysis of your website https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Jacquelinet says
SEO Optimizers Team https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Rachelt says
I offer mutually beneficial cooperation https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Cherilt says
Cool website. There is a suggestion https://ztd.bardou.online/adm
Candyt says
Content for your website http://myngirls.online/
Tinat says
Can provide a link mass to your website http://myngirls.online/
Heathert says
Your site’s position in the search results http://myngirls.online/
Pamelat says
Free analysis of your website http://myngirls.online/
Britneyt says
SEO Optimizers Team http://myngirls.online/
Leonat says
I offer mutually beneficial cooperation http://myngirls.online/
Candyt says
Content for your website http://fertus.shop/info/
Lilliant says
Web Development Wizards http://fertus.shop/info/
Tinat says
Can provide a link mass to your website http://fertus.shop/info/
Heathert says
Your site’s position in the search results http://fertus.shop/info/
Pamelat says
Free analysis of your website http://fertus.shop/info/
Britneyt says
SEO Optimizers Team http://fertus.shop/info/
Leonat says
I offer mutually beneficial cooperation http://fertus.shop/info/
Teresat says
Cool website. There is a suggestion http://fertus.shop/info/
Gwent says
I really liked your site. Do you mind http://fertus.shop/info/
Oliviat says
Here’s what I can offer for the near future http://fertus.shop/info/
Beatricet says
You will definitely like it http://fertus.shop/info/
Laurat says
The best prices from the best providers http://fertus.shop/info/
Susant says
Additional earnings on your website http://fertus.shop/info/
Gloriat says
Analytics of your website http://fertus.shop/info/
Norat says
I would like to post an article http://fertus.shop/info/
Barbarat says
How to contact the administrator on this issue http://fertus.shop/info/
Kellyt says
Shall we exchange links? My website http://fertus.shop/info/
Stacyt says
The offer is still valid. Details http://fertus.shop/info/
Gillt says
We offer cooperation on SEO optimization http://fertus.shop/info/
Natalyt says
Content for your website http://fertus.shop/info/
Averyt says
Web Development Wizards http://fertus.shop/info/
Shirleyt says
Your site’s position in the search results http://fertus.shop/info/
Lilliant says
Web Development Wizards http://fertus.shop/info/
Heathert says
Your site’s position in the search results http://fertus.shop/info/
Britneyt says
SEO Optimizers Team http://fertus.shop/info/
private investigation services says
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
https://www.fuduku.com/
Tienda informática says
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
https://tienda.dgs-sti.net/
aizen power reviews says
What Is Aizen Power? Aizen Power is presented as a distinctive dietary supplement with a singular focus on addressing the root cause of smaller phalluses
https://youtu.be/ma1bH3l1ZpQ
professional hackers for hire says
This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?
https://www.actualteam.com/contact/
user-965201 says
awesome
user-164862 says
awesome
Illuderma review says
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
https://youtu.be/7IDhVlV6-38
Eyefortin review says
Very interesting topic, thanks for posting. “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” by Herbert Spencer.
https://youtu.be/3zP9p-Rg4vs
Refirmance review says
I enjoy your piece of work, regards for all the informative content.
https://youtu.be/XPwygCshVpI
Fitspresso says
It¦s really a cool and useful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
https://youtu.be/BanYFY6l55c
puravive says
Puravive is a weight loss supplement that targets the root cause of weight gain issues in men and women.
https://youtu.be/RH79zdi_ypQ
Java Burn Review says
Great post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Appreciate it!
https://youtu.be/RMfjaV0vkyQ
hire a hacker today says
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web site.
https://www.revtut.com/hire-a-hacker/