For all its popularity (400 million active users at time of print), Instagram has a bad rep among food purists. We hear of acclaimed restaurants banning phone photography, citing bad manners, infringement of intellectual property and disturbance of other diners’ experience. No surprises there.
Top down or eye level?
'Top down. For the iPhone, it has some limitations in terms of light capabilities, depth of field and lens distortion so I shoot all these from the top down. It’s also more graphic so I can use the rim of a plate or a bowl to focus attention on the food.' – @davehagerman
Top down
Eye level
Human element or without?
‘My photos have a lot of human element. Not only in showing hands; things like napkins, keys, newspaper, all of that highlight human elements. People can resonate with it, and it’s more raw and natural.’ – @trishates, food stylist
With human element
Without human element
Negative space or cluttered?
‘Depending on the mood I’m in. Cluttered, but with sufficient space.’ – @sherreenl
Negative space
Cluttered
Foodstagramming tips
1. @trishates: 'Don’t use generic hashtags as your airtime will be limited. Try participative hashtags. My favourites are #wwllt (what work looks like today) or #fromwhereistand.'
2. @davehagerman: 'For me, I work fast. If the shot doesn’t come together quickly, it will likely not get posted. Tuck in when the food is still hot.'
3. @sherreenl: 'Try to sit by a window for more natural light, and go earlier in the morning or later in the evening when sunlight is at an angle.'
