Unblemished Whiteness
Image Source: Reddit
Milk is a staple in many drink and food photographs, but the lighting can sometimes cause it to appear yellowish. The pros add a hint of blue food coloring to preserve its pristine white appearance. This counteracts the yellow tint caused by lighting, resulting in a visually appealing drink that appears fresh and inviting. Be cautious when adding the food coloring, as a little goes a long way. The goal is to achieve a subtle bluish tone that enhances the milk's whiteness without making it look artificially colored. With this trick, your milk will look irresistibly pure in every shot.
Glue Instead of Milk
Image Source: Reddit
Capturing the essence of milk in food photography can be challenging due to its unpredictable nature, but Elmer's Glue becomes an unexpected hero when shooting milk-dependent items like cereal. Besides food coloring, marketers often swap out milk with this reliable substitute to achieve a thicker and visually striking appearance. The glue's consistency enhances the milky effect, resulting in a photogenic bowl of cereal or an enticing splash of "milk" in the composition. If you plan on using this tip for your photos, keep in mind that the trick is exclusively for visual purposes and should not be consumed, no matter how tempting it looks!
Faux Grill Marks
Image Source: Quora
Grill marks on a steak can elevate its visual appeal, but achieving them on demand is not always feasible. Instead of firing up the grill, pros opt for a pan-frying technique that delivers the desired results. They cook the steak to a certain level of doneness through pan frying, and once cooked, they allow it to cool slightly before utilizing shoe polish to mimic the distinct grill marks. They apply the polish using a brush, replicating the pattern of a grill grate. This simple yet effective technique adds a touch of sizzle and enhances the visual allure of the steak.
Creamy Deception
Image Source: Reddit
Whipped cream adds a delightful touch to desserts, but it can quickly lose its fluffy appeal. Enter shaving cream, the secret weapon of food photographers: They replace whipped cream with shaving cream for desserts that look picture-perfect for hours. Unlike its edible counterpart, shaving cream maintains its shape and consistency, allowing you to capture multiple angles without worrying about it deflating. Just be sure to let everyone know it's for photography purposes only so they don't mistake the dessert for a shaving cream treat!
The Wax Effect
Image Source: Reddit
Sauces can be tricky to photograph, often losing their vibrant colors and separating into unappetizing layers. To combat this, food photography experts add a touch of wax to their sauce. The wax not only intensifies the colors, making them pop in the photograph, but also creates a more consistent and visually appealing appearance. Adding a thin layer of wax ensures that the sauce maintains its enticing allure throughout the shoot. Planning on using this trick? Just be cautious not to overdo it, as too much wax can affect the texture.
Cake Support
Image Source: Reddit
Cakes are the stars of many advertising photographs, but their delicate nature can make them prone to mishaps. Experts strategically place cardboard supports within the layers to ensure that their cake remains intact and visually appealing. These supports provide much-needed stability, allowing them to capture the perfect slice or towering creation without worrying about any collapses. The cardboard remains hidden beneath the frosting and decorations, giving the cake that flawless appearance that makes everyone crave a slice.
Syrup and Oil Swap
Image Source: Reddit
To prevent the syrup from being quickly absorbed by pancakes during a photoshoot, marketers give them a protective coating of Scotch-Guard. This clever trick buys them more time to capture the ideal shot without the pancakes becoming soggy. As for the syrup itself, they often opt for 10W30 motor oil instead. Its viscosity and appearance closely resemble syrup, allowing them to create a natural-looking drizzle that won't get absorbed. If you plan to shoot a few pancake photos, remember that these substitutes are solely for photography purposes, so save the real maple syrup for your actual breakfast enjoyment!
Ice Cream Impersonator
Image Source: Reddit
Ice cream can be a challenging subject to photograph due to its melting nature. But fear not, as there are substitutes that won't leave you with a puddle. Shortening or mashed potatoes can impersonate the look of ice cream flawlessly. These alternatives remain stable under hot lights, keeping that picture-perfect scoop intact throughout the shoot. Shape them into enticing mounds and swirls, and you'll have an ice cream stand-in that won't give you the chilly stress of melting dessert.
Refreshing Bubbles
Image Source: Reddit
To enhance the fizziness of carbonated beverages and make them look even more refreshing, marketers add antacid tablets to the drink. This simple trick creates vibrant and long-lasting bubbles that add visual interest to the photograph. They simply drop a tablet into the beverage and watch the effervescence come to life, capturing that irresistible fizz that makes viewers crave a sip. If you wanna copy this trick, just be mindful of the timing, as the bubbles may dissipate over time, so be ready to snap that perfect shot while the fizz is at its peak!
Sparkling Beverage
Image Source: Reddit
To create a captivating effervescent effect in beverage photography, you can also add a pinch of edible glitter or tiny edible confetti to carbonated drinks. These shimmering particles will mimic the appearance of bubbles, adding an extra touch of excitement and sparkle to the drink. Be sure to use edible decorations that are safe for consumption and won't alter the beverage's taste. Whether it's a refreshing soda or a sparkling cocktail, this trick will make your drinks come alive with a visually stunning display of effervescence, enticing viewers to reach for a glass.
Flawless Produce
Image Source: Reddit
When photographing fruits and vegetables, it's crucial to capture their freshness and juiciness. To enhance their visual appeal, food photographers spray the produce lightly with water and strategically place glycerin droplets. This simple technique creates an illusion of plumpness and juiciness, making the fruits and veggies look irresistibly ripe. The water gives them a fresh, dewy appearance, while the glycerin droplets imitate the natural shine of moisture. With this trick, every carrot, apple, or tomato will look like it just came straight from the farm.
Meat Moisture
Image Source: Reddit
One of the challenges of photographing meat is keeping it moist and succulent-looking. To achieve that desirable appearance, experts brush meat products with a mixture of vegetable oil and water. This technique adds a glistening sheen and prevents them from drying out under intense lights. The combination of oil and water gives the meat a moist and juicy appearance, making it look incredibly appetizing. Whether it's a perfectly grilled steak or succulent chicken breasts, this trick ensures that your meat takes center stage in the photograph.
Perfectly Creamy Pasta
Image Source: Reddit
Pasta is a versatile and visually appealing food, but it can be tricky to capture its allure without clumping or looking messy. Marketers cook the pasta just enough to be pliable to achieve picture-perfect pasta shots. Then, they use pins, toothpicks, and other props to position each strand perfectly. This meticulous technique allows them to arrange the pasta in an aesthetically pleasing manner, showcasing its texture and shape. By avoiding clumps and uneven distribution, every strand will look delectable and showcase the pasta's beauty. Your viewers will be craving a bite in no time!
Magical Misting
Image Source: Reddit
To create the illusion of condensation on cold drinks, food photography experts reach for a spray bottle filled with a mixture of glycerin and water. They lightly mist the surface of the glass or bottle (if you want to do this, watch as tiny droplets form, making the beverages appear refreshingly chilled). This simple trick adds an extra touch of realism to the photograph, making viewers crave a sip of that cool drink. Just remember to adjust the amount of misting based on the desired effect, and don't overdo it, as too much condensation can obscure the visibility of the drink itself.
Illusionary Stacking
Image Source: Reddit
When photographing burgers or sandwiches, achieving the perfect stack of layers can be challenging. To ensure each ingredient is visible and in place throughout the shoot, marketers usually employ the help of toothpicks or hidden support structures. They strategically insert toothpicks into the layers, securing them together and maintaining their desired arrangement. Alternatively, they use hidden support structures like small props to keep the layers in place without compromising the visual appeal. This trick ensures that every component of the burger or sandwich is showcased flawlessly, making viewers crave a bite with each glance.
Steaming Perfection
Image Source: Reddit
Creating the illusion of steam in product photographs adds a sense of freshness and allure. To achieve steaming perfection, grab a piece of cotton wool and soak it in hot water, making sure it's not overly saturated. Position the damp cotton wool strategically behind the object you want to appear steaming. The heat from the water will generate a misty effect that lingers longer than the natural steam from the product. This trick works wonders for hot beverages, soups, or any item that emits steam, giving your photographs an extra touch of tantalizing appeal.
Picture-Perfect Cheese Stretch
Image Source: Reddit
There's something undeniably tempting about a gooey, stretched cheese effect in food photography. Food photographers microwave a small piece of cheese until it's slightly melted to achieve that mouthwatering appearance, and then, they carefully pull the cheese apart to create the desired stretch effect. This trick ensures that the cheese looks irresistibly gooey and captivating. Whether it's a cheesy pizza or a grilled cheese sandwich, this technique takes your cheese shots to the next level, making viewers yearn for that cheesy pull with every glance.
Steamy Coffee Trick
Image Source: Reddit
When photographing coffee cups, capturing the inviting steam rising from the brew adds to the overall experience. To enhance the appearance of steam, you can use a hand steamer or create your own makeshift steam effect. Direct the steam towards the cup using a hand steamer, capturing that enticing misty vapor. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in hot water, then position it near the cup to create the illusion of steam. This technique adds a touch of warmth and coziness to your coffee shots, making viewers crave a sip of that aromatic brew.
Tempting Condiments
Image Source: Reddit
When it comes to sandwiches or burgers, perfectly placed condiments can make all the difference in a photograph. Marketers use a clever trick involving glue or gelatin to ensure they stay in place and won't smudge during the shoot. They apply a small amount of glue or gelatin to the underside of the condiments, then position them on the sandwich or burger. This technique keeps the condiments securely in place, allowing you to capture their photogenic appearance without worrying about any mess or movement. From ketchup and mustard to pickles and onions, your condiments will look tempting and pristine.
Ice Cube Substitutes
Image Source: Reddit
Real ice cubes can be challenging to work with during extended photoshoots, as they tend to melt and dilute the beverages. Instead, experts opt for acrylic or plastic cubes as substitutes. These artificial cubes maintain their shape and chill without any melting. Whether it's a refreshing cocktail or a glass of iced tea, the synthetic cubes will keep the drink looking perfectly chilled and photogenic throughout the shoot. Say goodbye to watered-down beverages and hello to pristine, visually appealing drinks that make viewers crave a sip.
Sweet Reflections
Image Source: Reddit
To add an extra layer of visual interest to your dessert or drink photographs, use glass or transparent surfaces, like the pros. Place the desserts or drinks on these surfaces to capture captivating reflections. The reflections add depth, dimension, and an element of sophistication to the composition, making the image more visually appealing. Whether it's a slice of cake, a scoop of ice cream, or a cocktail in a glass, the reflections create a delightful play of light and shadow, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the photograph.
Glistening Meat
Image Source: Reddit
When it comes to meat, achieving an appealing glistening effect can make it look even more irresistible. To achieve this, brush the meat with a mixture of oil and soy sauce, just like they do at Mcdonald's marketing offices. The oil adds a subtle sheen, while the soy sauce enhances the meat's color, making it look juicy and succulent. Whether it's a perfectly seared steak or a grilled chicken breast, this trick ensures that your meat takes center stage with its mouthwatering appearance. Viewers won't be able to resist the temptation to take a bite.
Freshly Baked Illusion
Image Source: Reddit
Nothing quite beats the inviting aroma and warmth of freshly baked bread or cookies. Food photography experts place a slice of bread or a cookie in the oven for a few minutes to create the illusion of just-out-of-the-oven goodness. The gentle heat will warm it up, releasing that irresistible aroma and giving it a slight golden hue. This trick adds a sense of comfort and homeliness to the photograph, making the bread or cookie appear freshly baked and enticing. Whether it's a sandwich or a dessert shot, this technique brings that extra touch of warmth to the composition.
Delicious Gravy
Image Source: Reddit
Gravy is a delicious addition to many savory dishes, but it can be challenging to capture its appealing appearance without it losing its visual appeal. Marketers substitute gravy with motor oil to ensure a more consistent and visually appealing result. The motor oil maintains a smooth texture and glossy shine without sacrificing the appealing look of the dish. Be mindful not to consume the dish after using motor oil and reserve it strictly for visual purposes. With this trick, your gravy will retain its allure and keep the focus on the dish itself, making viewers crave a taste.
Smoke and Mirrors
Image Source: Reddit
For a touch of drama and visual interest in your food photographs, consider adding a captivating smoke effect, just like the pros do. Place food-safe smoke pellets or a small amount of dry ice beneath hot dishes to create an intriguing smoke effect that adds an element of mystique. As the smoke gracefully billows around the dish, it enhances the overall ambiance and makes the food even more enticing. Whether it's a sizzling steak or a steaming bowl of soup, this trick elevates the photograph, captivating viewers and piquing their curiosity.
Liquor Trickery
Image Source: Reddit
In the world of drink advertisements, sometimes it's the visual appeal that matters most, not the actual alcohol content. To achieve this, swap out alcoholic beverages with colored water. This clever trick ensures that the drink looks enticing and refreshing without the need for alcohol. Whether it's a vibrant cocktail or a glass of wine, the colored water will mimic the desired hue, allowing you to capture the perfect shot without any concerns about the drink's actual content. With this technique, you can create visually appealing drinks that are perfect for any beverage advertisement.
Faultless Poultry
Image Source: Reddit
Airbrushing isn't just for artwork — it can also work wonders in food photography, particularly with poultry. By utilizing airbrushing techniques, you can give the chicken a flawless and perfectly cooked appearance from every angle, and that's exactly what food photographers do. Whether it's a whole roast chicken or succulent chicken breasts, airbrushing ensures that every inch of the poultry looks tantalizing and ready to be savored. The even coloring and ideal texture achieved through airbrushing make the chicken appear irresistibly delicious, leaving viewers tempted to take a bite right off the screen.
Fruity Shine
Image Source: Reddit
To enhance the visual appeal of fruits and give them an irresistible shine, marketers use a rather surprising trick: a light spritz of deodorant. This unconventional technique adds a glossy finish that makes the fruits look even more vibrant and tempting. However, choosing a deodorant with a neutral or subtle scent is important to avoid altering the natural aroma of the fruits. Whether it's a juicy apple or a luscious grapefruit, this simple trick will make your fruits look as if they were freshly picked and ready to be enjoyed, creating an enticing visual feast.
Baking Beauties
Image Source: Reddit
When capturing the enticing golden brown color of baked goods, a touch of shoe polish can be a game-changer. Marketers usually brush a thin layer of shoe polish onto the surface of pastries and bread to enhance their color and add depth to their photographs. This technique highlights the richness and texture of the baked goods, making them even more visually irresistible. If you wanna use this trick, remember that a little goes a long way with shoe polish, so use it sparingly to achieve that perfect golden hue that will leave viewers craving a bite of your delectable creations.
Perfect Grains
Image Source: Reddit
When photographing cooked grains such as rice or couscous, it's essential to make them look freshly cooked and moist rather than dry and dull. To achieve this, marketers use a spray bottle to give them a light mist of vegetable oil. The vegetable oil adds a subtle sheen, enhancing the appearance of the grains and making them appear more appetizing. With this simple trick, every grain will look plump, glistening, and inviting, whether it's a steaming rice bowl or a colorful couscous salad. Your grain dishes will entice viewers with their mouthwatering appeal, leaving them eager to dig in.