Question 1

What is the best lens for capturing salads?

Accepted Answer

We consistently recommend a 85mm or 100mm macro lens. These focal lengths allow you to stay far enough back to avoid distorting the bowl while providing the 1:1 magnification needed to capture the intricate details of herbs and spices. It creates a professional compression that makes the dish look full and appetizing.

Question 2

How do I stop the lettuce from wilting during a long shoot?

Accepted Answer

Our secret is a two-fold approach: first, use a glycerin and water mix in a fine-mist spray bottle to simulate dew without the water evaporating. Second, keep the dressing off the leaves for as long as possible. If you need a 'dressed' look, lightly brush the leaves with plain vegetable oil, which provides shine without the acidic breakdown caused by vinegar.

Question 3

Should I use natural light or studio strobes?

Accepted Answer

While natural light is beautiful, we prefer studio strobes for commercial Salad Photography because of the needed consistency. Strobes allow us to lock in a specific color temperature (usually around 5600K) and an aperture of f/8, ensuring every leaf is crisp. Natural light changes too quickly, which can make a multi-dish menu look disconnected.

Question 4

How does AI-generated food photography compare to traditional shoots?

Accepted Answer

AI has become an incredible tool for speed and conceptualizing backgrounds. It excels at creating perfect lighting and 'idealized' versions of common ingredients. However, we've found it can struggle with very specific, local menu items or highly complex layering that a human stylist can achieve. For high-volume e-commerce, AI is an efficient solution, but for a signature 'hero' dish, a hybrid approach is often best.

Question 5

How do I handle white plates without blowing out the highlights?

Accepted Answer

We use a technique called 'flagging.' By placing small pieces of black cardstock just outside the frame, we can 'suck' light away from the edges of a white plate. This maintains the texture of the porcelain while ensuring the focus remains on the vibrant colors of the salad itself. Always check your histogram to ensure you aren't losing detail in the whites.

Question 6

What is the best angle for a salad: 45 degrees or overhead?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the salad's structure. For flat salads or grain bowls with many toppings, a 90-degree 'flat lay' (overhead) is excellent for showing variety. For tall, leafy salads like a Wedge or a Cobb, a 45-degree angle is superior as it showcases the height and the layers of ingredients tucked inside the greens.

Question 7

Can I use a smartphone for professional-looking results?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you control the environment. We suggest using 'Portrait Mode' to simulate a shallow depth of field and always avoiding the digital zoom. Use a tripod to keep the ISO low, which prevents the 'grainy' look often seen in low-light smartphone shots. However, for large-scale printing or high-end branding, the sensor size of a DSLR or mirrorless camera is still the industry standard.

Expert Salad Photography: Capturing Freshness and Texture