9 Food Photography Essentials I Love
Cameras are like cars… people are fiercely loyal to one brand, and for me that brand is Canon. Listed below are some of my favorite Canon products and other useful food (and non food) photography products. While I am still learning my dslr, I have found a few products along the way to make my learning experience much easier.
Canon – EOS Rebel T3i Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens (18 MP, 3x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot)
If you are just getting started in the world of DSLR camera’s this is a great option. This is what I currently use. It gives me all the options I need without bogging me down with a bunch of things I don’t need. The great thing about this model is that all the fun lenses fit. I’ve had mine a year now and I have no complaints.
Canon – EOS Rebel T3i Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens (18 MP, 3x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot) – $549.99 (29% off), Free shipping – Available at FumFie.com
(86 reviews)
Canon – EOS 70D Black SLR Digital Camera Body Only
This is a great camera. How do I know? I have a lot of photography friends who use this camera. 19 auto focus points, incredible auto focus tracking, 7 frames per second and an articulated touch screen makes this a great camera for sports and macro shooting. While it’s great for food photography, it’s even better for action shots.
Canon – EOS 70D Black SLR Digital Camera Body Only (20.2 MP, SD Card Slot) – $879.00, Free shipping – Available at 42nd Street Photo
(23 reviews)
Canon – 200EG Deluxe Camera Case (Backpack – Shoulder Strap – Nylon – Black, Olive)
This is a great backpack. It’s comfortable and the strabs don’t dig into my shoulders. I’m able to carry all of my lenses, the camera body, miscellaneous cleaning items, charger, batteries and all of my memory cards with no problem at all.
Canon – 200EG Deluxe Camera Case (Backpack – Shoulder Strap – Nylon – Black, Olive) – $39.95, See Site shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(193 reviews)
Canon – EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens (f/1.8)
Known as the “Nifty Fifty”, this lens is very fast and incredibly sharp. The F/1.8 aperture makes it ideal for low-light shooting and gives a beautiful depth of field. This is the lens that most food photographers use to give that focal point a crisp clear look while the background is a blur. I use mine for a variety of shots.
Canon – EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens (f/1.8) – $125.00, Free shipping – Available at B&H Photo-Video
(704 reviews)
Nikon – Coolpix P510 Black Digital Camera (16.1 MP, 42x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot)
Ok, I know I said I was a Canon girl, but the truth is, when I was younger I had quite a few Nikon’s. It just so happens that when I was in the market last year for something that was a step-up from the little point and shoot I had and force me to step away from my iPhoneography addiction, I stumbled upon the Cannon Ti3. Which has served me well. However, I know quite a few food bloggers who use this camera and let me tell you, they get amazing results. So, I wanted to make sure I put this option out there, too.
The Nikon Coolpix P150 has a separate food photography setting…
I know!!!!!!! It really makes me want to sell my dslr and pick up this little gem. I mean, a setting just for FOOD ?!?!?!?!
Nikon – Coolpix P510 Black Digital Camera (16.1 MP, 42x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot) – $389.95, See Site shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(27 reviews)
At the end of the day, I know some food (and non food) bloggers who use their camera phone. Some food bloggers actually make it in to FoodGawker and TasteSpotting. So, there’s that. It all comes down to styling, natural light, and balance.
Adobe – Photoshop Lightroom 5 (Full Product, PC/Mac)
No matter what camera you use, Lightroom is the perfect addition. With Lightroom you can fix that white light and make your photos gorgeous. Lightroom is so much easier to use than Photoshop when it comes to those tools. Lightroom really is your own photography production studio.
Adobe – Photoshop Lightroom 5 (Full Product, PC/Mac) – $125.00 (23% off), Free shipping – Available at Next Tech
(72 reviews)
Adobe – Photoshop Elements v.11.0 – Complete Product – 1 User (Image Editing – Standard Retail – DVD-ROM – Intel-based Mac, PC)
I know a few bloggers who swear by Elements. For the longest time I was a Jasc/Corel Paint Shop girl. This program is similar to that. It’s great for ‘photoshopping’ without the bloat and cost of Photoshop.
Adobe – Photoshop Elements v.11.0 – Complete Product – 1 User (Image Editing – Standard Retail – DVD-ROM – Intel-based Mac, PC) – $60.00, Free shipping – Available at Next Tech
(11 reviews)
Adobe – Photoshop CS6 (Download, PC)
There are many different ‘flavors’ of Photoshop. You can buy older versions and still have a great product. They have basic and extened. Adobe even has web version. There really isn’t anything you can’t do with Photoshop. And while I know we all love PicMonkey and Canva, even they are limited with their services.
Adobe – Photoshop CS6 (Download, PC) – $352.00, Free shipping – Available at preloadmypc
Lowel – Ego Digital Imaging Fluorescent 2 Light Kit – consists of 2 Ego Fixtures, Ego Sweep, Bulbs – 108 Total Watts (120V AC)
When you just can’t get that natural light you so desperately desire, there is help. Lowel Ego Digital Imaging Fluorescent Lights make that happen. I belong to quite a few food photography, food blogger, and photography groups and everyone tends to favor this light.
Tip – turn off the lights in your house! Not only does it help with glare, it will cut down on those gross yellow undertones.
Lowel – Ego Digital Imaging Fluorescent 2 Light Kit – consists of 2 Ego Fixtures, Ego Sweep, Bulbs – 108 Total Watts (120V AC) – $214.99, 14.99 shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(1 reviews)
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I am such a crappy food photographer. I need to take some of your advice.
I love Photoshop! I can’t believe I ever edited pictures without it.
I want a new lens. I keep hinting at it as a Christmas present, so we’ll see!
I am pretty hit and miss with my food photography. My biggest challenge is not enough props and also, I have crappy lighting.
SLR cameras are absolutely AWESOME for food photography. There’s nothing better for snapping pics of yummy nom noms.
what a great idea for food bloggers, right?! A food setting!
I am trying to get better with my food photography. I used to love Adobe as well, but found another program that I like better on my Mac. I love the backpack camera bag, it would be good for me for hiking.
I have the Canon Rebel T3i and it’s been the best thing to ever happen to my photography. I’m still figuring it out since it’s new to me, but my food photography has gotten so much better.
I am a photography addict, and like you, I am loyal to Canon. I know Nikon is also very good but I just always stick to my Canon cameras. Thanks for the tips!
I am a horrible photographer. I need to take some of your advice
I really need a DSLR. They just make every photo so much better. Good photos? Forget it makes me want to eat the screen they are so great:)
I wish I was better at photography – my Dad is amazing at it and he tries to teach me. x
I also have a Canon Rebel T3i. I’ve had it for about two years now and love it. Have no complaints. I would also recommend this one to the ‘newbie photographer’.
I have been wanting a good camera for a long time now. There are so many on the market it is hard to know where to start.
I’ve really been looking into getting a professional camera to take my blogging photos. This is some great information.
I’m a wedding photographer but wanting to switch to food photography. I’m really wanting to switch over to Canon and get better lenses though.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips and ideas. I am learning slowly buy surely about food photography.
I need to get a camera other than my i phone. It takes such amazing pictures. One area I need to work on for sure.
I so need to invest in a good camera. Even though I’d never make it as a food photographer.
My husband is a photographer and does most of the photos on my blog. I really need to take the time to learn more about it.
Go Team Canon! I have a Canon 6D. I love my 50mm lens. I probably use it the most out of all my lenses!
These are some great photography tools! Cannon is a really great brand as well!
I dabbled in photoshop when I first started blogging, but gave up. I’d love to pick it back up again and try it. It might be easier to me now? Who knows? These are great essentials.
I need to learn to take better food photos! The only ones I take are for Instagram LOL
I have always wanted a SLR camera. There are so many to choose from i am having a hard time deciding on which one to get.
Thanks for putting together this list. I’m shopping for a DSLR right now!
Yep, a great camera isn’t the only thing you need for Foodgawker! You are so right when you say it is lighting and styling too.
I haven’t really tried to get in there. I am too scared and I know my pics don’t have that white light or super darkness they are seeking. Maybe someday I will get to that point.
Seems like it always comes down to a Cannon/Nikon dilemma when people are looking for a high quality camera (doesn’t it?). Honestly, I like them both. 🙂
I like them both as well. I went with the Cannon T3i because I got a really good deal on the camera, lens and accessories. It really came down to price for me.
What a great list! I am dying for a new lens!
Lightroom is on my holiday wishlist. I’m playing around with the trial version right now.
I find it so much easier than Photoshop when it comes to similar tasks.
I love pictures, but certainly do not have an eye for photography. Absolutely in awe of those who do.
I am a horrible food photographer. I usually just use my phone. These tips are really helpful!
This is a very helpful post! I am hoping Santa is going to bring me a new camera, so I can use some of this advice.
My dad is a photographer so I have always been in love with cameras! I have that Nikon Coolpix and I LOVE it!
I have the Canon Rebel 2ti and I love it. Canon rocks!
We have a Canon T2i and we love it. We just ordered a new lens for it.
I’m not a great food photographer but I have the canon rebel t5i and love it!
Those are great essentials for photography. I would love a new camera. Maybe Santa?
I have te canon rebel t3. I’m embarrassed to say it’s severely under utilized. I have tripods and everything. :-/
Me too! I even have some classes on Udemy thinking it would help me along. Uh, no.
Glad I’m not by myself! I really need to get it together!
I love taking pictures of food but still have a lot to learn when it comes to professional food photography. Great tips.
Me too. Sometimes I just don’t plan my time well and when I make a recipe people are starving. I get rushed and I get boo boo photos. Ugh.