Photo by Sonny Thakur
Cover Photo by Sonny Thakur

Follow these photographers to fill your social media with the most gorgeous images of food and to keep updated on great local brands

Let’s face it. We love to look at food. We follow restaurants, food bloggers, cooking pages and chef Instagram accounts to stare at mouth-wateringly delicious images of dishes that we long to have a taste of.

The art of food photography is much harder than it may seem, even though almost every single one of us whips out our phones pre-meal to snap photos ourselves. Lighting, timing, perspective, angles and that distinct eye in styling a table or a plate of food is essential to the success of your photograph. Trust me, we are not all food photographers.

To best capture food, I personally think you must be a foodie yourself. The synergy between someone who is able to appreciate the meal for what it is, learn to work around its temperatures, and how the dish changes as time goes by during the shoot only contributes to the excellence in their craft.

I have seen some phenomenal talents work their magic and remain thoroughly impressed at how they are able to capture the essence of the food before them–from its crumbs, crevices, jus, many textures, and deliciousness—in totality.

Here are some of the best names in the business:

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1. Fern Dy

Known for bright and bold images, Fern Dy is responsible for a great deal of The Moment Group's eye-catching campaigns. 

2. Gabby Cantero

She started out in the industry by taking portraits which were then seen in numerous publications. Then she carved a space for herself in the realm of F&B, now known for clean, crisp, photographs peppered with texture, a strong handle on colour. Did you know that she even studied Culinary Arts and even directs commercial campaigns? 

3. Miguel Nacianceno

If there's a man who can make food look even better than it tastes, it's MigNac (as he is fondly known). On top of being a co-founder of Grid Magazine, he is both an editorial and commercial photographer with a healthy obsession with food and all things dining. 

See also: Foodie Finds with MigNac

4. Chichi Tullao-Garcia

Chichi Tullao-Garcia is the country's most sought after food-stylist–and for good reason. Under the monicker Happy Tummy Travels, not only can she make any tablescape, buffet or flat-lay come alive, but she can also take stunning photos for her clients, herself. This do-it-all woman sure knows how to impress! 

See also: Foodie Finds with Chichi Tullao-Garcia

5. Sonny Thakur

Sonny Thakur lives to eat and can easily make all of us drool with envy through his stunning food photography. This co-founder of Grid Magazine has not only mastered the technique and taste level to effortlessly capture a meal as it should be seen, but also loves to cook up a storm. 

See also: Foodie Finds with Sonny Thakur

6. Justin De Jesus

This food and lifestyle photographer skillfully plays with lighting and angles to best portray the dishes before him. De Jesus proudly worked on the cookbook of the Immaculate Conception Academy titled Lai Chi (Let's Eat) which documents beautiful Chinese recipes. To further his practice and immerse himself in food, he lived in one of the greatest food cities of all time: Japan. 

7. Rob Frogoso

This photographer can turn a plate of food into something so visually interesting that you can't help but stare. He is best known for portraiture and his playful mastery of lighting and colour. 

See also: From Nat Geo to Dior and the Nobel, What Can't Photographer Hannah Reyes Morales do?

8. Justin Ventura

This creative director of photography and photo editor is a popular talent who is responsible for a wide range of eye-catching images for well-known brands. Aside from the dining scene, he has quite an eye for travel photography too.  

9. Mars Guisala

From food and props styling to studio rentals, and photography, Mars Guisala is a go-to when you need scrumptious looking images. She is behind campaigns for huge brands like Starbucks, Johnny Walker, The Singleton, and Chow King to name a few.  

See also: Photographer BJ Pascual Takes his Work Seriously and so Should you

10. Arnold Camacho

Arnold Camacho is a sought after commercial photographer, graphic designer and food stylist too. He has created the works for commercial projects for the likes of Kuya J, Popeye's, Pound, Domino's, and Mendokoro Ramenba amongst many others.  

11. Patrick Martires

This photographer specialises in commercial food photography and has proven himself to be a must-know name in the business. With an eye that can spot brilliant angles and through thoughtful perspective, Martires continues to capture food at its most delicious. 

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