Cover A table of hawker food captured by Chun Rong Tan (@xlbcr) with an iPhone
A table of hawker food captured by Chun Rong Tan (@xlbcr) with an iPhone
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Discover five simple iPhone-specific tips from renowned food influencers to transform your Instagram feed into a feast for the eyes
In the age of social media, the world of gastronomic delights has found its virtual playground on Instagram. We previously explored how professional food photographers masterfully transform their culinary captures with simple tricks. But what about those of us who prefer to rely on the trusty iPhone as our lens?
Fear not, for we have sought the wisdom of some of Singapore’s top food influencers, such as Chun Rong Tan (@xlbcr), Leon Chua (@uncle_lim_chiak), and Veronica Phua (@veronicaphua), who have mastered the art of tantalising their followers with delectable food pictures taken with their iPhones.
Here, we uncover the secrets behind those mouth-watering shots you see on Instagram.
In case you missed it: How to upgrade your Foodstagram: 5 simple tricks from food photographers
1. Go low and invert your iPhone
To offer a different and captivating perspective, Chua suggests inverting your iPhone, with the lenses positioned horizontally to the objects. This unique approach highlights hidden details, adds depth, and transforms the perception of space and proportion. Shooting from a lower perspective makes the food appear more prominent, resulting in visually striking photos that set your images apart from the usual top-down or eye-level shots. Viewers are more interested and captivated by this unconventional technique, making them more likely to engage with your content.
2. Capture the whole table with the ultra-wide mode
When it comes to effectively capturing a spread of food from an overhead perspective, Tan recommends using the iPhone’s ultra-wide mode. By switching to this mode, you can capture the whole table in one shot, showcasing the full array of delicious dishes in all their glory. This approach not only allows the viewer to appreciate the impressive spread but also provides a sense of the overall dining experience, capturing the ambiance and excitement of sharing a delectable meal with friends and family.
Now read: Top 5 social media food trends that have taken over your social media feeds
3. Use the built-in flash as lighting
Good lighting can make food look more alluring on camera. For this, Phua recommends utilising the built-in flash of your iPhone to enhance lighting and make the dish appear exceptionally delicious. To achieve the desired effect, ask a fellow diner to assist by shining their phone’s flashlight on the dish. Then, adjust the position of the light source until it strikes the food in a flattering way. However, it’s essential to be considerate of other diners and keep the beam pointed downwards to avoid causing any disturbance. And of course, it’s crucial to capture those photos and videos quickly, so you and your fellow diners can dig in while the food is still hot.
4. Close up as much as possible
Emphasising the importance of details in food photography, Chua advocates getting as close as possible to the subject. By taking close-up shots, Chua aims to create images that evoke a strong sense of desire in viewers, making them crave the deliciousness of the food showcased. For instance, a dish with caviar becomes even more enticing when the individual beads of caviar are visible. Utilising the iPhone’s macro mode for close-ups, Chua is able to enhance the level of detail to produce more visually tempting photographs.
Read more: Feeding the feed: 8 tips for the best Instagram food photos
5. Use portrait mode to capture single dishes
Above Ngoh hiang captured using portrait mode by Chun Rong Tan (@xlbcr)
Ngoh hiang captured using portrait mode by Chun Rong Tan (@xlbcr)
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When capturing single dishes, make sure that the subject occupies 60-70 per cent of the frame. To further enhance the visual appeal, Tan leverages the portrait mode on iPhone. This feature creates a pleasing blur in the background while keeping the main subject in sharp focus, producing a soft and creamy bokeh effect that beautifully highlights the details in the dish. Combining this technique with natural light or diffused artificial lighting can create a beautiful contrast between the subject and the blurred background.
