The way you see will guide your actions with your camera and editing programs

You will learn what your camera and editing programs can do, but if you don’t develop a sense of how to see food, your actions won’t be informed. The first step to learn how to see is to actually see food as a subject that will be photographed. You will need to slow down and consider the colors, shapes, light and textures of food. You will start to see that a drizzle of sauce is beautiful or the cracks in a crusted bread are interesting. You will also see that a perfectly glazed item may be too perfect. Seeing is where your personal style will develop.

Experiment and see what you like. If you like a lot of color and patterns, incorporate those things into your photography. If you like simple, try to simplify. Practice looking at light. Natural light is different throughout the day. Practice taking note of how the light changes in your house and how it affects the food you are photographing. Try to practice patience and watch your food as you photograph it.

Don’t be afraid to wait a bit or come back to it. I have learned that sometimes it is better to take a break and return to my editing with fresh eyes. In the beginning, it may seem like a lot to take in, but the more you photograph, the more you will begin to see and understand how food photography works.

Practice restraint. Too many props or garnishes can ruin an otherwise beautiful photo. Practice removing things and using the white space in your image. Learning to see and developing a sense of restraint will help you develop your style and will help you improve your food photography.