Create a storyboard and shot list in preparation for a food photo shoot

Introduction: Why Food Photography is Awesome

Take it all in!
Examine your experience with photography and prepare to enjoy the process.

Research materials

Pin your inspirations
Are you all over the place or diverse? it's all good!

Pay attention to the following:
- Tones/colors
- Different textures
- Patterns vs. plain
- Minimalist or busy full frame images?
- Messy and lived in or more organized and restrained?
- Repeat compositions - what do you repeat?
- Emotional impact
Some of my favorite photographers:
- Ditte Isager
- Michael Graydon/Nicole Harriot
- Ellen Silverman
- Aran Goyoaga
- Gentl & Hyers

What are you shooting & what is the message?

Identify your subject and message
What story are you trying to tell with the food you chose?

Scout the location

Gather your materials

Get together all items in various stages of (from raw to "done")
You'll want your food items in 3 stages.

Props

Borrow from friends & use things you love
It helps to have a tender connection to the objects that you photograph. I like to gather my props from second-hand stores.

Set up: make a studio on the cheap

Assemble your materials
All you need is foam core in white and black, a window and a surface.

Create a storyboard and shot list

Make a story board and shot list of your own
Write a list of shots you want to capture and create a storyboard. Upload these two items to get feedback from peers and improve your food images.

Laura Holmes

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