Week Four: Layers
Week four of the composition series! This post is all about using layers in food photography.
If you’re new to the series, you can catch up on the first week’s post here.
Take a look at this photo and imagine the size of the table that I used…
Got an idea in your head? Okay, now this is the actual setup:
Was it what you imagined? Maybe not. This is because I use depth, dimension, and layers to give the illusion that the setup looks larger than it is.
Why Use Layers in Food Photography?
Layers help give depth and dimension to your photos. They can act as a frame to highlight the main subject and are a great place to start if you aren’t sure how to set up a photo.
They are usually created by props that are under or beside the food in the photo. Keep in mind that layers aren’t only used in overhead shots, they can also be used in straight-on shots.
If you follow Foodtography School on Instagram, you may have heard them talk about the waterfall technique. The waterfall technique is when there is something tall at the back of the photo, your food is in the center, and a prop/food is in the foreground of the image.
So Which Props Can I Use to Create Layers?
Honestly, any props! The most common prop is napkins because they are thin enough to place under a plate or bowl. But anything that is at a different level from the food, works in this case. This can include cutlery, glassware, parchment paper, plates, and baking trays!
Next time you are taking photos, try this out: Think about what you could place under the food you are taking a photo of. What could be placed in the foreground and background of the photo? What can give this photo dimension and depth?