The 5 Rules of Food Photography: How to Take Pictures That Will Look Amazing on Instagram

If you’ve ever tried to snap a picture of your brunch to share on social media, you know food photography is tricky business. Whether the meal ends up looking unappetizing or your lighting is dismal, it’s downright difficult to take a drool-inducing picture of your eats. (And we bet you snap as many takes of your plate as you do for your selfies!) But fear not, Pinterest queen Bonnie Tsang, who nails the shot every time and has 7 million followers to show for it, is here to save you. Here are her tips for making your next meal Instagram (and double-tap) worthy.

1. First things first! Take photos in natural light. (Hint: The best spot is right beside a window.)

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2. Keep in mind that vertical shots with light backgrounds perform best on Pinterest.

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3. It’s all about the angles: Photograph stacked food from the side and plated food from above.

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4. The best places to buy fun dinnerware to snap? Flea markets and vintage stores. For a complex-looking meal, use a solid-color dish. For a simple meal, try a design-heavy plate.

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5. Don’t clean up! The finished dish photographed next to some countertop mess makes a great visual story.

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