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Healthy Nibbles by Lisa Lin

Healthy Nibbles by Lisa Lin

simple, healthy recipes for everyone

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Photography Resources

When I started blogging, I could barely taking a good photo on my phone, let alone a fancy camera. But I knew early on that if I wanted people to take notice of my blog, I would need to improve my food photography dramatically. Over the course of a year, I have poured over many posts, books, and videos about how to improve my photography.

If you’re looking to expand on your food photography skills, here’s a quick run-down of what I use for my own photos and a list of good photography resources.

Camera & Lens

The photos from the first posts on this blog were taken with my iPhone. I got by, but I wanted brighter, crisper images and be able to control the focal point of the photos.

I spent the first few months of blogging learning more about exposure and food composition on my iPhone before upgrading to a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. (Yay!) Starting in April 2014, I shot photos with a Nikon D3200 camera, which I am VERY happy with. For the first two months, I used the kit lens, but it wasn’t ideal for the low-light setting in my apartment.

HNB Camera Kit

Since in May 2014, I have been shooting with this Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens, and I’m very happy with how crisp my photos turn out. I can’t zoom with the 35mm lens, so I need to move around and sometimes get up close and personal with my food to get a good shot. It took time to get familiar with using the lens, but it was the best investment I’ve made.

Camera Accessories

In addition to having a good camera, you might also consider getting these:

Lens Protection Filter

My camera lens is my bread-winner, so I want to make sure that it stays in good shape. I use this lens protector prevent the lens from scratches, food splatters, or any accidents.

Camera Wireless Remote

To get those action shots on my blog, I usually use my remote control to take the picture. That way, I don’t have to stand behind the camera to take the photo.

Tripod

For the most part, the lighting in my apartment sucks. As a result, I need to take my photos with a slower shutter speed to get more light into my photos. But slower shutter speed also means that I need to hold the camera verrrry still while taking my photo, or else the photos will turn out blurry. It can be quite a pickle sometimes.

I use a this tripod to keep my camera still while I take photos. It’s been a life saver. I also use the tripod to help me take action shots.

Free Tips for Beginners

There are many great resources out in the interwebs that provide great tips on improving your food photography. Here are some quick posts that I’ve found very useful:

Food Photography Tips for Food Bloggers (Cookie + Kate)
Photography 101 (Broma Bakery)
Beginner’s Guide to Food Photography (Serious Eats)
A No BS Guide to Food Photography (The Healthy Maven)
Photography Tips (Food Bloggers Central)

Additional Paid Resources

Tasty Food Photography eBook
Tasty Food Photography (Pinch of Yum): If you’re looking to step up your food photography game and learn the basics about using your DSLR camera, you’ll want to read this e-book from Lindsay at Pinch of Yum. I started reading this e-book a month after buying my Nikon, and I learned SO MUCH from it. Lindsay breaks down lighting, composition, editing, and other photography tips in an easy-to-understand language, perfect for slightly tech-averse people like me. Besides, if you checked out Lindsay’s blog, you’ll want to learn how to take photos as good as hers!

Food Photography School (Minimalist Baker):  Dana’s Food Photography School are for people who prefer visuals over books. There are a ton of videos on there that teach you the basics of photography and how to style and edit your photos. I pin photos from Dana’s blog ALL. THE. TIME. I joined her photography school so that I can learn how to how create beautiful images like she does on Minimalist Baker. I’m definitely not there yet, but I have learned a great number of tips so far. If you’re not ready to pay for the service yet, check out her free tutorials.

Study, Study, Study

Finally, I work on my food photography by studying what other people do. I’m always on Foodgawker or Tastespotting to look for attention-grabbing photos, and I keep a food photography board on Pinterest inspiration. I also subscribe to a ton of food magazines and draw all over them to make notes on what I like about a particular shot and how I can recreate that look.

Primary Sidebar

Lisa Lin Head Shot

Hello! I’m Lisa Lin.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve helped Mama Lin (my mother) make misshaped dumplings and beat the fluffiest egg whites for her famous angel food cake. That’s probably where I picked up my love for cooking.

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