Shooting Angle in Food Photography

Mozzarella in Food Photography

Close up of sausage with cheese oozing out in Food Photography

Pricing Strategies for Food Photographers: Finding Your Competitive Edge

Getting started in food photography doesn't require breaking the bank. Here are some affordable options for beginners looking to make a mark in New York City's culinary photography scene.

Not Just Food Photography

Photography Bags for Food Photography

Francesco offers valuable advice for aspiring food photographers. He emphasizes the importance of mastering lighting and composition. He also suggests starting with simple equipment and gradually investing in better gear as skills improve. Networking and building relationships with restaurants in cities like New York can open doors to new opportunities. Lastly, he encourages photographers to find their unique style and continuously learn and adapt to stay relevant in the ever-evolving field of food photography.

Cheese Pull in Food Photography

Francesco's journey in food photography began with the advent of digital cameras. He reflects on how digital technology revolutionized the field, making it more accessible and allowing for greater experimentation. The ability to instantly review and adjust shots has been crucial in his development as a food photographer. Francesco's experience shows that embracing new technology can significantly enhance one's creative process and output, particularly in a vibrant city like New York.

Action Shots in Food Photography

Almost ten years ago, I landed my first food photography gig with The New York Times in New York City. It was a defining moment in my career, one that I’ll never forget.

I remember the excitement when I got the call. The NY Times! It was the big league. I knew this could be a game-changer for my career in culinary photography. I prepped like crazy, making sure every shot was perfect. The lighting, the angles, the plating - everything had to be on point.

Unlocking Opportunities: Francesco's Strategic Approach to Marketing

When a client grants you creative freedom, it's a testament to their trust in your expertise and vision. This trust is empowering. You get to experiment with new techniques, play with lighting, and explore unique compositions. Each photoshoot becomes an opportunity to push boundaries and discover fresh ways to capture the essence of food.

Wagyu Beef, My Love

Aspect Ratios in Food Photography

There’s a huge difference between shooting a dish for a delivery app vs for social media.

In the first case, you dont need any props and you just want to show what the dish looks like. In the second case, you’re trying to create an emotion and that requires a much more complex story.

It’s still food photography but the storytelling aspect is totally different.

For Francesco, food photography is about more than just taking pictures of dishes. It's about capturing the essence and story behind each meal. In New York City, where food culture is rich and varied, he finds endless stories to tell through his lens. By focusing on the details, from the texture of a steak to the steam rising from a hot soup, Francesco creates images that invite viewers to experience the food with all their senses. His work demonstrates the power of photography to convey the beauty and appeal of culinary creations.

I worked my first food gig for the New York Times back in 2014. It all began when I sent a copy of my newly published book to the photo editor for the Food Section

My equipment for food photography