Food Photography Fundamentals
A beautiful cheese board deserves beautiful photography. Whether sharing on social media or documenting special occasions, these tips will help your photos shine.
Lighting Is Everything
Natural light is your best friend. Position your cheese board near a window with soft, indirect light. Avoid harsh noon sun which creates unflattering shadows.
Golden hour — the hour before sunset — provides warm, diffused light that makes cheese look irresistible.
Never use flash. It flattens textures and creates harsh highlights. If shooting at night, use ambient room lighting supplemented with lamps.
Composition Techniques
Overhead shots work beautifully for cheese boards, showing the entire arrangement. Shoot from directly above for maximum impact.
45-degree angle creates depth while showing both the board's surface and the cheese's texture. This is the classic food photography angle.
Close-ups highlight individual cheeses, showing rinds, veining, and interior texture. These complement wider shots nicely.
Styling Tips
- Include hands reaching for cheese to suggest scale and create warmth
- Add wine glasses partially in frame
- scatter fresh herbs, nuts, or fruit naturally around cheeses
- Use wooden or slate boards for rustic appeal
- Leave some bread or crackers slightly broken — it suggests the board is being enjoyed
Editing
Minimal editing is best. Slight brightening and contrast adjustment, but avoid heavy filters that distort colors. Cheese should look appetizing, not artificial.
