Question 1

How do I handle blue tints in my shadows?

Accepted Answer

When shooting in the shade or on cloudy days, your photos may take on a cool, blue cast. We suggest adjusting your White Balance to the 'Shade' or 'Cloudy' setting in-camera. Alternatively, you can use a warm-toned reflector to bounce light back into the dish, neutralizing those blue tones and making the food look more inviting.

Question 2

Is it possible to use AI for this type of photography?

Accepted Answer

AI is a powerful tool for conceptualizing layouts and generating clean backgrounds, which can save hours of set design. However, it currently has limitations with 'micro-textures.' For example, AI often struggles to replicate the exact irregular 'pull' of hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles or the specific glistening of a traditional Cantonese glaze. We use it to augment, not replace, the fine details.

Question 3

What is the best angle for Chinese food photography?

Accepted Answer

The '45-degree' angle is our go-to because it mimics how a diner sees the food while sitting at a table. However, for flat dishes like scallion pancakes or beautifully arranged dim sum platters, a 90-degree 'flat lay' shot captured in soft natural light can emphasize the geometric beauty and variety of the spread.

Question 4

How can I capture steam without it looking like smoke?

Accepted Answer

The secret is back-lighting. Position your dish so the light comes from slightly behind it (the 10 or 2 o'clock position). We recommend using a dark background to provide contrast. Ensure you are ready to shoot the moment the dish arrives, as the most photogenic 'heavy' steam only lasts for about 30 to 60 seconds.

Question 5

Do I need an expensive camera for natural light shots?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Because natural light is so forgiving and high-quality, even modern smartphones can produce great results. The key is the 'quality' of light, not the 'cost' of the sensor. Focus on your composition and light placement first; we've seen incredible professional-grade Chinese food photos taken on mid-range devices by simply mastering light modifiers.

Question 6

How do I deal with reflections on soup or glossy sauces?

Accepted Answer

Reflections are actually your friend—they indicate moisture. However, if they are too large and white, they mask the food. We use a polarizing filter on our lenses to cut through the glare, allowing the camera to see 'into' the soup. If you don't have one, simply moving the dish a few inches away from the window can change the reflection angle.

Mastering Natural Light Chinese Food Photography