Question 1

How do I make stir-fried vegetables look fresh and not oily?

Accepted Answer

The secret is timing and a light touch with the brush. We recommend undercooking the vegetables slightly so they retain their vibrant green color. To manage the oil, use a polarizing filter on your lens to cut down on specular highlights, or lightly dab the food with a paper towel before shooting to remove excess grease while keeping the shine.

Question 2

What is the best background for Home Style Chinese Food Photography?

Accepted Answer

We've found that dark wood or neutral stone works best. These surfaces provide a rustic, grounded feel that complements the warm tones of soy sauce and sesame oil. Avoid high-gloss white backgrounds, as they can make traditional Chinese dishes look washed out or like they belong in a laboratory rather than a kitchen.

Question 3

Can I use a smartphone for these photos?

Accepted Answer

Yes, modern smartphones are capable, but you must control the environment. Use 'Portrait Mode' to mimic a shallow depth of field, and always use manual exposure to avoid blowing out the highlights on white rice. However, for large-scale printing, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a dedicated macro lens is still our preferred recommendation for professional results.

Question 4

How do you capture steam effectively without it looking like smoke?

Accepted Answer

Backlighting is essential for steam. Place your light source slightly behind the food. We recommend using a dark background so the white vapor stands out. Our experience shows that using a 'canned air' or 'steam wand' can help, but nothing beats the look of natural steam from a fresh-off-the-wok dish captured within the first 30 seconds.

Question 5

Should I use AI to generate these images?

Accepted Answer

AI is an excellent tool for rapid prototyping and generating conceptual backgrounds, but it has limitations. Current AI often struggles with the specific physics of liquid sauces or the exact structural nuances of certain dim sum. We recommend using AI to enhance your workflow, but for high-trust brand assets, real photography remains the gold standard for authenticity.

Question 6

What props are essential for an authentic look?

Accepted Answer

Keep it simple and culturally relevant. We recommend high-quality chopsticks (not the disposable kind), small sauce dipping bowls, a cast-iron teapot, and linen napkins in muted tones. Avoid 'over-propping'; the goal is to make it look like a real meal is about to happen, not a cluttered antique shop.

Question 7

How do I handle the 'brown food' problem in Chinese cooking?

Accepted Answer

Many of the most delicious Chinese dishes are shades of brown. We solve this by adding pops of color through garnishes—think bright green scallions, red chili flakes, or white sesame seeds. Also, using a blue or teal-toned ceramic plate can provide a beautiful color contrast (complementary colors) that makes the brown tones appear richer.

Capturing Authenticity: Home Style Chinese Food Photography