Photography of food that’s used in advertising is all about making the photographs look good enough to eat, and to compel people to buy or order the food being shown.
As you’ll discover, it’s not always the best photographer that wins or has the most success in business, it all comes down to who is the best marketer.
If you’ve ever wanted to get started in food photography, or want to know the difference between editorial and advertising photography in the food business, you’ll love this fun chat with food photographer Michael Ray.
About Our Guest: Michael Ray
Food photography by Michael Ray
Michael Ray is a food photographer and has been photographing food professionally for more years than he cares to admit. Most people would consider him an advertising food photographer, as opposed to an editorial food photographer, but the truth is that Michael’s work has appeared in many national food publications as both advertisements and editorial content.
Most people that truly understand the food photography industry would say that it’s Michael’s lighting that separates him from his competition. He has the ability to light food in such a way as to bring out the maximum texture and to accentuate the appetite appeal of the food.
Michael is also well known for his many articles about the art and craft of advanced food photography. He also maintains a very informative food photography blog, where he shares behind the scenes, photos and videos, image critiques, and industry observations.
Episode Summary
Here are some of the great topics we talked about in this episode:
- How Michael got started as a professional food photographer…
- Having different niches but marketing them separately…
- Why the best marketers win the business…
- The importance of good SEO…
- The differences between advertising and editorial food photography…
- The qualities of a successful food photographer…
- The role of food stylists in advertising food photography…
- Effective marketing channels for food photographers…
- Keeping in touch with your past clients…
- How photographers can get started in the food photography business.
- Pricing photography and working up the pricing ladder…
Recommended Reading
Food Styling for Photographers: A Guide to Creating Your Own Appetizing ArtBy Linda Bellingham
Food Styling for Photographers is the next best thing to having renowned food stylist Linda Bellingham by your side.
If you’re hungry for unique photo assignments and want to expand your portfolio, this guide provides the well-kept secrets of food styling techniques that can make your photos good enough to eat.
Each chapter covers step-by-step instructions with mouth-watering photographs illustrating techniques for the creation of hero products that photographers at any level can whip up.
