We recently had the pleasure of working with a local sushi and sashimi company, Suishin izakaya & sake bar to capture the essence of their delicious dishes through stunning food photography. Our job was to create images that would be used for their menu, social media, and website, and to make the sushi and sashimi look as delicious as possible. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that taught us a lot about food photography, working with chefs, and the art of capturing the perfect shot.
Working with the Chef
Our first step was to work with the chef to understand the dishes, their presentation, and their unique features. We discussed the ingredients, plating, and the different components of the dishes. The chef also shared his vision for the images and what he wanted to convey through them. This helped us to create a plan for the photo shoot and to decide on the right angles, lighting, and props to use.
Setting Up the Photo Shoot
On the day of the photo shoot, we arrived early to set up our equipment and to prepare the food. We worked with the chef to plate the dishes, paying close attention to every detail. We used props such as chopsticks, soy sauce, and wasabi to add visual interest to the images. We experimented with different backgrounds, lighting, and angles to capture the perfect shot.
Tips and Tricks for Food Photography
Here are some tips and tricks that we learned along the way that can help you take amazing food photos:
- Lighting is key: Good lighting is crucial for food photography. Natural light is the best, so try to shoot near a window or outside if possible. If you're using artificial light, use soft lighting to avoid harsh shadows.
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Use props: Adding props such as utensils, napkins, or ingredients can add visual interest to the image and make it more dynamic.
- Play with angles: Experiment with different angles to find the best shot. Try overhead shots, 45-degree angles, or even straight-on shots to capture the dish from different perspectives.
- Use the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that suggests dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing the main subject on one of the intersection points. This can help to create a balanced and visually pleasing image.
- Edit with care: Editing can enhance the colors and details of the image, but be careful not to overdo it. Keep the editing subtle and natural-looking.
One of the biggest challenges of food photography is making the dish look as delicious as possible. 
Here are some tips that we used to make the sushi and sashimi look bigger, juicier, and more mouthwatering:
- Use rice to make the sushi look plumper: We added extra rice to the sushi to make it look plumper and more filling.
- Add water droplets to make the sashimi look fresher: We added water droplets to the fish to make it look as if it had just been caught from the ocean.
- Use garnishes to add color and texture: We used garnishes such as shiso leaves, radish slices, and green onions to add color and texture to the dishes.
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Show the texture: We took close-up shots of the fish to show its texture and freshness, and used props such as soy sauce to add visual interest.
Next, we focused on the lighting. Good lighting is key to capturing the details and colors of the food.
We used a combination of natural light and artificial light sources to create the perfect lighting conditions for each dish. This involved positioning the dishes in the right spot and adjusting the lighting to avoid harsh shadows or glare.
Once again, working with the chef is super crucial in capturing the essence of each dish. We asked the chef to plate the dishes in a way that highlighted their unique features and presentation. We also worked with the chef to ensure that the food was at its freshest and most appealing state before we began photographing.
Another important factor to consider when photographing food is the angle and composition of the shot. We experimented with different angles and compositions to find the most visually appealing way to present each dish. We also made sure to focus on the most important elements of the dish, such as its unique features and presentation.
We selected the best images and began the process of editing them.
We wanted to enhance the colors and textures of the sushi while still maintaining a natural look. We also made sure that the images were consistent with the company's branding and message.
The final images were stunning. They showcased the vibrant colors and intricate details of the sushi rolls, making them look even more delicious and appetizing. The company was thrilled with the results and used the images on their menu, social media, and website.
Through our work with this sushi company, we learned valuable lessons about the art of food photography. We realized the importance of understanding a company's goals and vision, as well as the role of collaboration between photographers and chefs. We also learned how to experiment with different angles, lighting setups, and props to create a variety of images that showcase food in the best possible way.
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Our final thoughts!
If you're a food company looking to improve your photography, here are some tips that we learned from our experience:
Understand your goals and vision: Before starting any photography project, it's important to understand your goals and vision. What message do you want to convey through your images? Who is your target audience? What do you want your images to say about your brand?
Collaborate with your chef: Yes!! One more reminder haha! Your chef is an important part of the photography process. Work with them to create the perfect dish and to arrange it in the best possible way for the camera.
We hope that these tips will help you improve your food photography and showcase your dishes in the best possible way. If you're interested in working with us to take your food photography to the next level, please don't hesitate to contact us.