Question 1

How do I prevent my overhead shots from looking flat and boring?

Accepted Answer

The secret lies in 'micro-shadows.' While the camera is flat, the light should never be. By positioning your light source to the side, you create small shadows under the edges of the food and plates. This creates a sense of three-dimensional depth, even from a two-dimensional perspective.

Question 2

What is the best background for Chinese food photography?

Accepted Answer

We recommend matte surfaces to avoid distracting glares. Traditional dark wood, grey slate, or even a textured linen cloth works well. Avoid high-gloss tables, as they will reflect your camera and tripod, which are difficult to remove even with advanced editing software.

Question 3

How do you handle steam in flat lay shots?

Accepted Answer

Steam is notoriously difficult because it can fog up the lens when the camera is directly above the food. We use a small handheld fan to gently direct the steam to the side, or we use 'fake steam' techniques like placing a dampened, microwaved cotton ball behind the dish to create a controlled vapor trail.

Question 4

Can I use AI to generate Chinese food photography?

Accepted Answer

AI is a powerful tool for generating concepts or background elements, but it has limitations with cultural accuracy. In our experience, AI often struggles with the specific 'fold count' of a dumpling or the exact appearance of regional ingredients like bitter melon. For authentic brand representation, a real photograph or a heavily supervised AI-enhanced image is superior.

Question 5

What camera settings do you recommend for low-light restaurant environments?

Accepted Answer

If you aren't using professional strobes, keep your ISO as low as possible (under 800) to avoid grain. Use a slower shutter speed and a tripod to compensate for the low light. If the food is stationary, a shutter speed of 1/10th or even 1/2 a second is fine as long as you use a remote shutter release.

Question 6

How many dishes should I include in a single flat lay?

Accepted Answer

Less is often more. While we want to show variety, overcrowding the frame makes it hard for the viewer to focus. We usually suggest 3 main dishes and 2-3 small accents like a bowl of rice, a condiment dish, and a pair of chopsticks to create a balanced 'odd number' composition.

Mastering Flat Lay Chinese Food Photography