5.3. Angles

Takeaways:

  • Most popular shooting angles are table height or straight on, overhead and 45 degrees angle.
  • For different kinds of food you would use different angles to showcase the food in the best way.
  • Straight on angle is used for sandwiches, layer cakes, pancakes, drinks… everything that has some height to it and anything that is stalked or piled.
  • When you are shooting from a table height angle, make sure your horizon line is straight and you are using a right backdrop.
  • Overhead angle is used for soups, salads, bowls… anything that would look flat from straight on angle.
  • When you are shooting overhead, you might want to use higher aperture numbers to make the props look sharp if that is what you are going for. If you need low shutter speeds for the right exposure, it makes sense to use a c stand.
  • 45 degrees is a universal angle and you can shoot a lot of different dishes from this angle. It looks natural to the eye because that’s the angle you would usually look at your food if you are going to eat it.
  • When you are shooting flatlays or large table scenes, you can add dimension and depth to your picture by including elements with slightly different heights. For example, 2 or 3 plates (one of them slightly higher than the rest, either by putting it on another plate or in a stalk of coasters), a mini cream pitcher, cutlery, a piece if fabric or a kitchen towel, a few ingredients around. All of these items will have a slightly different height, adding dimension to your scene. Remember that if you want all of it in focus, you should use higher aperture numbers, starting from around f/8. That would depend on your lens and the lighting you are using.

Homework:

What angle do you usually shoot your food from? Is there a dish that you struggle to photograph because you are not sure what angle is best? Share in our Facebook group. Ask for feedback if you need it.

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