5 FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS TO HELP YOU EAT HEALTHIER

Food photography is a wonderful way to share your delicious meals and recipe creations with the world. But, did you know that food photography can also be used to help you eat healthier too?
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Photo by Layla Mays
Food and prop styling by Kirsten Pohle

1. Eat the rainbow.  Colorful dishes are the most pleasing to the eye and will earn the most likes on Instagram! Adding richly colored fruits and vegetables to your plate also adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try topping a salad with multicolored tomatoes or making a rainbow smoothie bowl. 
   
   
2. Use smaller plates. Styling your food on a smaller plate allows you to put normal sized portions on a plate without having too much negative space. Plating with smaller dishes is more appealing in photographs and is also a great way to practice portion control and cut calories. 
   
   
3. Shoot with natural light. Natural sunlight is the best way to highlight your colorful, healthy dish. Diffused sunlight through a window is ideal for food photography. While in a restaurant, ask to sit by the window to capture mouthwatering images of your food. 
   
   
4. Garnish your plate with herbs.  Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro to add a pop of color to a dish. Adding garnishes to dishes like tomato soup will make your photo more interesting and add a contrast of color. Herbs are also a great way to enhance the flavor of a dish without adding extra salt. 
   
   
5. Create a visual food diary.  Food photography is an innovative way to create a visual food diary and practice mindful eating. Taking photos of your meal forces you to slow down, analyze your plate, and visualize portion sizes to prevent overeating.

Do you take pictures of your food?  Share them with us!

layla 

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Layla is a registered dietitian-to-be and professional food photographer. She graduated with honors from Lipscomb University with a BS in Dietetics and will be continuing her studies at Texas State University’s dietetic internship. Layla is passionate about combining her creativity and nutrition expertise to pursue a career in nutrition communications.

Instagram/Twitter: @laylamays
Website: www.laylamaysphotography.com