Question 1

How do I prevent the fish from looking dry in photos?

Accepted Answer

Fish loses its luster quickly under studio lights. We recommend having a small brush and a bit of neutral vegetable oil or water nearby. Lightly brushing the surface of the fish just before pressing the shutter restores that fresh-off-the-knife 'glow' that signals quality to the viewer.

Question 2

Which lens is best for Flat Lay Sushi Photography?

Accepted Answer

We suggest a 50mm prime lens for most setups. It provides a natural field of view that closely mimics the human eye and offers excellent sharpness. If you are working in a tight space, a 35mm lens works well, but be careful of 'barrel distortion' at the edges.

Question 3

Can I use AI to generate these sushi images?

Accepted Answer

AI tools are excellent for creating backgrounds or generating concepts, but they currently face limitations with specific sushi textures. AI often struggles to render the precise grain of sushi rice or the translucent marbling of high-grade Toro correctly. For authentic brand trust, real photography is often superior.

Question 4

How do I handle reflections in the soy sauce?

Accepted Answer

Reflections in liquid are the biggest challenge in flat lays. We use a polarizing filter on the lens to cut through the glare on the surface of the soy sauce, or we slightly tilt the sauce dish using a small piece of putty to change the angle of reflection.

Question 5

Is natural light better than studio light for sushi?

Accepted Answer

Natural light is beautiful but unpredictable. We prefer a mix; using a large window as the primary source while having a small LED panel on hand to fill in shadows ensures consistency throughout a long shoot, especially when the sun moves.

Question 6

What are the most common mistakes in overhead shots?

Accepted Answer

The most common error we see is 'lens sag' on tripods, which results in a shot that isn't truly flat. Another mistake is over-styling; sushi is naturally beautiful, and adding too many props like lanterns or extra dishes can distract from the craftsmanship of the food itself.

Question 7

How much post-processing is necessary?

Accepted Answer

Less is more. We focus on color correcting the whites (rice) to ensure they aren't yellow, and slightly bumping the saturation of the greens (wasabi/cucumber) and reds (tuna). Avoid heavy filters that make the fish look 'neon' or unnatural, as this can trigger distrust in diners.

Mastering Flat Lay Sushi Photography: A Professional Guide