Create Mouthwatering Visuals with Videography: Tips and Tricks

Lighting and angles are key components in making food look its best in commercial videography. To make food look as delicious and visually appealing as possible, videographers must consider the type of lighting and scene set-up they create. 

This guide provides tips on creating the perfect lighting and angle to make food look its best in commercial video production.

Select the Right Type of Lighting

The type of lighting you select is the first decision to make food look its best in your commercial video. Natural light is considered the best choice because it creates a more natural look and provides the most accurate colour for food. 

When using natural light, consider the time of day and the direction of the light. Natural light is generally best in the morning and late afternoon when the light is soft and diffuse.

If you’re looking for a more dramatic look, artificial lighting, such as LED, spotlights, and tungsten lights, can give your food shots a greater impact. Position the lights correctly to create the desired effect. Use spotlights to draw attention to some aspects of the food, while tungsten lights are used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Create Interesting Angles

The angles you select when capturing food in your commercial videos can also affect how their appearance looks to viewers. Consider shooting from a low angle to accentuate intricate ingredients and textures. 

You can also look down into a bowl or pot. On the other hand, a wide-angle lens may be a good option if you're shooting from a distance.

Experiment with various angles to create a sense of depth and interest for your food footage. Try shooting from a higher angle to get a bird’s eye view of the food. You can also get creative with angles and incorporate other elements into the shot, such as the hands of the chef or the tools used for preparation. 

Choose a Variety of Shots

No matter what style of commercial video you’re creating, selecting a variety of shots is essential. This can help make the footage more dynamic and exciting. Try to capture close-ups of key ingredients, mid-shots of food preparation, and wide shots that reveal the ambience of a scene.

Integrate Motion

One way to add a layer of dynamism to your food footage is to utilise motion. This can include camera pans, zooms, and slow-motion shots. For example, slowly moving the camera across the plate gives viewers a better sense of the food’s size and texture. 

Another way is to zoom in on a particular detail of the food. You can draw viewers’ eyes to the most exciting parts of the plate and build a sense of anticipation. Lastly, slowing down the action can create a dreamy effect that adds an extra layer of dynamism to the scene. 

Create the Perfect Plating

When setting up the food you’re shooting, take the time to plate it in an imaginative way. This can help make the food look even more appetising, positively impacting potential customers watching the video.

Use Props and Backgrounds

Using props and backgrounds can help to construct an appealing scene for your food footage. Place your food on stylish and colourful plates or display it alongside other elements that enhance the presentation. Additionally, adding backgrounds and textures to your footage can add a visual appeal.

When choosing props and backgrounds for your food video, it’s essential to consider the type of food you’re shooting. For example, if you’re shooting a cake, you may want to include props such as colourful sprinkles, fresh fruits, and edible flowers. As for the background, use a bright and colourful one to represent the dish's sweetness.

Select Framing Options

Framing can be an effective way to make food look mouth-watering in commercial videos. Close-up framing can create a sense of intimacy while leaving some space between the frame and the food can emphasise the scale or size of a particular ingredient.

Final Thoughts 

Creating the perfect lighting and angles for food can make your commercial videography more delicious and visually appealing. 

By selecting the correct type of lighting, creating unique angles, and selecting framing options, you can create the perfect scene to make food look its best. Adding motion, props, and backgrounds can also elevate the visual presentation of your food footage.

Do you need the help of professionals in commercial video production? BFF Visuals is an Amsterdam-based company specialising in video marketing, photography, and video production. We strive to produce fabulous results and provide the best customer experience you’ll ever encounter. Get in touch with us today!