I learned most of these tips from my fantastic friend Quinn’s segment on Studio 5. She is a food photog genius and does classes that I would highly recommend. These photo tips are for the super beginner and can be done with the $99 point and shoot model.

Photography Tips for Food or Crafts

• Place the object just outside natural light. This will give it good light without the harshness of direct sun.
• Use the timer on your camera to avoid shaking while taking the picture.
• Look for helpful items in unexpected places. I found this mini tripod on the right at Dollar Tree. It is small enough to fit in a purse as it only extends to about 6 or 7 inches tall, but works wonders for keeping pictures still so they aren’t blurry.
• If you don’t have a tripod, place the camera on a box with a bag of rice or beans on top to keep it steady. (I love this tip and used it regularly with 3 boxes of rice-a-roni topped with a bag of pinto beans before I found my tripod.)
• Use a reflector to brighten dark areas. Quinn suggests a silver car window screen or tin foil scrunched up for those who don’t have a reflector. I brought home on of the cardboard lids with the shiny side from Cafe Rio to try out as a reflector.
• Don’t be afraid to get close.
• Try out different settings on your camera and lots of different angles.

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