Question 1

What is the best lens for Peruvian food photography?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend a 50mm or 100mm macro lens. The 100mm is particularly useful for Peruvian cuisine because it allows you to get close-up shots of intricate textures, like the fibers of a well-cooked Lomo Saltado or the delicate scales of a red snapper, without getting the camera too close to hot steam.

Question 2

How do you keep ceviche looking fresh during a long shoot?

Accepted Answer

Ceviche is notoriously difficult because the acid 'cooks' the fish over time, making it turn opaque and lose its luster. Our expert tip is to keep the fish and the marinade separate until the very last second. We also use a light coating of vegetable oil on the fish to maintain a wet, fresh-from-the-sea sheen.

Question 3

Can AI replace a professional food photographer for Peruvian dishes?

Accepted Answer

AI is a powerful tool for generating concepts or enhancing existing photos, but it has limitations. Current AI often struggles with the specific regional garnishes and the exact viscosity of Peruvian sauces like Huancaína. While it's great for speed, we believe human oversight is essential to ensure cultural and culinary accuracy.

Question 4

Which lighting setup works best for dark, saucy dishes like Seco de Cordero?

Accepted Answer

Dark stews can easily look unappealing on camera. We use 'back-lighting' to create highlights on the surface of the sauce, which provides the necessary contrast to see the ingredients within the stew. Using a small reflector in the front helps fill in the shadows so the meat doesn't look like a dark void.

Question 5

Do I need expensive props for a Peruvian-themed shoot?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. We find that authentic textures, such as a piece of woven Andean fabric or a simple stone plate, go a long way. The key is to avoid anything too 'busy' that distracts from the food. Focus on natural materials like wood, stone, and cotton that reflect the origins of the ingredients.

Question 6

What is the most important camera setting for food?

Accepted Answer

Shutter speed is less critical since the food isn't moving, but Aperture (F-stop) is vital. We generally stay between f/4 and f/8 for overhead 'flat lay' shots to ensure the entire plate is in focus. For 45-degree shots, we drop to f/2.8 to create that beautiful, professional-looking depth.

Mastering Peruvian Food Photography: A Professional Guide