food photography background ideas

Food Photography Backgrounds for All Budgets

There are all kinds of ways to use backgrounds in food photography. Here, I list some of my personal favorite solutions to fit any type of budget!

Food photography is one of my favorite passions. But we all know getting into food photography is expensive. I still firmly believe it’s not the equipment that makes a great photo, but the photographer. This list is full of photography background options for all budgets.

learn how to make your own food photography backgrounds diy

Easy DIY Food Photography Backgrounds (in under $25!)

Take your food photography game to the next level with this super easy DIY tutorial. Even if you think you don’t have a creative bone in your body, you can make these. Best of all, they can be made in just under $25 each!

Ever lust over some photos on Instagram and think “man, I wish I could take photos like that?”

We’ve all been there. Heck, I’m still there.

I’m always looking for ways to improve my food photography skills. From styling and composition to equipment, my eagerness to learn is never complete!

One topic I’ve recently become obsessed with is new backgrounds.

And after drooling over Erickson boards and not wanting to fork up the $$$, I decided to Google some tutorials and wow, I was impressed and inspired. Then a friend of mine did a demo on how she made hers and that really encouraged me to take the plunge.

I’m artsy. I can do this.

So to Home Depot, we go!

Food Photography Composition: Rule of Thirds -- Learn about the basic photography composition concept - rule of thirds - and how it is useful for food photography! #nikon #canon #foodphotography #tips #resources | mindfulavocado

Food Photography Composition: Rule of Thirds

Rule of thirds – a very elementary photography composition concept. Let’s talk about what it is and how this applies to food photography!

What is the rule of thirds?

Rule of thirds is dividing a photo into 9 squares. 3 across and 3 down. With this grid, you can use it to build a compelling composition.

Rule of thirds helps create balance and intentionally draw the viewer’s eye to certain points of a photo.

Note: If you’ve never heard of this concept let alone applied it, chances are you’re already using it! This is most natural to the human eye which is why it’s such a desirable photography technique!

Can’t envision 9 squares when taking a photo? Cameras have a setting so you can apply this grid on your viewfinder.

How to apply grid settings on your DSLR camera

Each camera is slightly different (real convenient, right?) but it’s in the menu settings on your camera. A quick Google research of your camera make and model + “grid settings” or “guidelines” should land you to the right place!

Why RAW is Better than JPG in Photography

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, “always shoot in RAW” but why? This article is here to break down the reasonings why RAW files are so much more special than JPG formats.

vegan rhubarb galette topped with vanilla ice cream on light blue napkin

What is the difference between RAW vs JPG

When you take a picture with your camera, there’s some processing and compression that goes on in the background. RAW files contain minimal processing and as a result, there’s more “raw” information stored in the file.

On the contrast, a JPG has more processing and some information or quality is lost.

RAW files = higher quality and more information.

Camera Lenses for Food Photography -- This article breaks down the different types of lenses and my favorite for taking mouth-watering food photos! #photography #nikon #foodphotography #foodphotographytips #blogger | mindfulavocado

My Top 2 Camera Lenses for Food Photography

Getting equipment for food photography can be overwhelming, to say the least. Not to mention how expensive everything can get! Here I list my 2 favorite lenses for capturing stellar food photos!

the best camera lenses for food photography with nikon dslr camera

When I think of photography, I like to think of it as part science, part art. Yes, there is a science to operating a camera, but the results can be completely subjective. Therefore; these lenses are MY FAVORITE which may not be the same case for other photographers.

It’s important to note that you can rent camera equipment before purchasing which may be a good option since lenses can be expensive.

Now before I get into the lens, I want to take a brief moment to go over some important factors to consider when thinking about purchasing a lens.

Best Apps for Food Photography -- This article is all you need to take professional, mouthwatering food photos! Check out my favorite phone apps and how I use each one to edit photos on the go! #photography #iphone #android #foodphotography #phonephotography | mindfulavocado

Best Apps for Food Photography

Whether you have an Android or iPhone, taking food photos and editing them through your smartphone has never been more of a breeze! Edit photos to look professional with these apps for food photography.

Best photo editing apps for food

My Food Photography Equipment - A list of all the photography essentials I use to take mouth-watering photos! This list is great for beginner to intermediate photographers. #photography #foodphotography #dslr #nikon #foodphoto | mindfulavocado

My Food Photography Equipment

So let me guess. You’re here because you love to cook and now you want your photos to be stunning.

Food photography equipment is slightly different than portrait or landscape photography because the subjects are all so different. Whether you’re a professional or a food photography newbie, this list is a great start for diving into taking delicious food photos!

Please note this post may contain affiliate links which do not impact the cost to you but gives me a small commission. Thank you for your support!

my food photography equipment - list of all the equipment i use to take food photos