Banana bread is all the rage these days.
Everyone and their da has been busy baking up a storm, and the results have – for the most part – been nothing short of spectacular.
Or they’ve been a complete mess, inedible, and you’ve ruined all your crockery in the process.
Either way, baking is happening, cooking is happening, and the creation of lots of lovely foods are definitely happening.
And no matter what the quality of what you make, it deserves a picture. A quick share to your IG Story, a cheeky tweet on your timeline, a full square on the grid – you made it, so show it off.
Or maybe you didn’t make it at all and are simply eating it, tucking into food that someone else has prepared and desperately attempting to pass it off as your own.
Either way, each and every one of us should possess the skills to take the perfect Insta-food pic – especially now that we’re stuck at home and not out enjoying a stunning brunch in a location absolutely worthy of the ‘Gram.
It’s the little things.
Food blogger and influencer Fifi Heather has teamed up with Deliveroo to put together a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to ensure that you take the perfect food shot every single time – all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
According to her, it’s less about what you’re actually eating and all about how you show it off.
1. Use natural light
“The most highly recommended of all, but the most valuable, is choosing an area to shoot your food imagery with natural light,” says Fifi.
“Using artificial light can lead to the creation of a yellow hue over your food. Natural daylight optimises colour and illuminates the food in the most flattering way possible. It is also the cheapest light source available.
“While the evenings begin to stretch as we head towards summer, the opportunity to capture every meal in natural daylight arises. I almost always shoot my food imagery by the window in order to capture the best lighting.”
2. Presentation is everything
Fifi says that any meal can become Insta-perfect if presented the right way.
Captivating imagery, she says, is the key to ensuring your food looks its best – whether it’s a homemade sourdough or a Chinese takeaway.
“Arranging your food in beautiful dishware such as plates and bowls can hugely improve the aesthetic of the image,” she says.
“Cardboard delivery containers take from the beauty of the food and can be unflattering. Focus on complimentary colours such as pairing an orange tikka masala curry with a matte black bowl, bringing out the bright colour of the food.”
3. Set up a decent background
“When choosing your food photography background, focus on non-distracting, neutral colours. White or wood is generally my go-to,” says Fifi.
The blogger suggests staying away from busy backgrounds that will take away from the actual food. If this isn’t possible on your counter or table, try using a white chopping board or tablecloth instead.
4. Make it personal
Include a piece of yourself – or somebody else – in the shot.
Fifi says that a hand, or even a full body shot, can be the difference between a food photo that performs well and one that tanks.
“This would be suitable for something such as takeaway pizza photography,” she says.
“Holding the slice of pizza in your hand gives your followers a personal insight into your life and story. Attaching a face to your creative platform gives a broader opportunity for personal connection and growth.”
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5. Make minimal effort and just order in
Since restaurants have been forced to close their sit-in services due to Covid-19, many have turned to takeaway to keep their business going – even a number of Michelin star restaurants have gone take out only.
Popular restaurants including Madd Egg (Dublin), Roosters Piri Piri (Cork) and Shouk (Dublin) are now available on Deliveroo for the first time.
No better time to support local, is there?
You can follow Fifi on Instagram here.
