1. Setting Choose a setting that enhances the food but doesn’t steal the show.

Choose a simple plain background or tablecloth.

Use plates that contrast or coordinate with your food, but not the same color.

Before you start taking pictures, make sure there is no distracting clutter in the background (stray people, silverware, whatever).

It's better to use a wide aperture to blur the background.

2. Use natural light as much as possible.

The ideal setting is against a large window with white curtains to diffuse the light.

If you can't take advantage of natural light, don't even think about using flash.

Flash photography is too harsh for the delicate textures of food.

It flattens everything out except for some uncomfortable-looking highlights.

3. Color Balance Learn to balance colors.

Especially when there's no natural light, your photos can take on a yellow or blue look that makes the food look bad (the blue bacon photo on the right).

Use the white balance in your camera, or adjust the color digitally later.

4. Don’t move but hold still.

In low-light conditions, such as in restaurants or kitchens, any movement of the camera with long exposures will distort the photo.

Use a tripod if possible.

If not, try placing the camera on a glass of water or on the back of a chair.

Or make yourself a string tripod.

5. Take lots of photos.

Which looks best when looking at different angles around food: a low angle view of the front of the food?

What’s the relationship between the placement when taking photos from a high place?

6. Get closer. The closer you get, the better.

Use your camera's macro mode if you have one.

Fill the frame with food so the viewer feels they can almost taste it.

7. Preparation Don’t forget to take photos of the preparation process.

Some of the processes involved in making food (cutting, cooking) are just as fun as the final product.

8. Shoot fast. Shoot fast.

The faster you shoot, the fresher the food will be.

Cold, frozen meat and wilted salads don't look good.

Use an empty plate to help you set the food before it's ready.

At the last minute, substitute real food.

9. Details Success lies in details.

Look at the edges of your plates and cups for food that has fallen out and wipe away the residue.

Add a splash of color to your drab photos with sauces and garnishes (like a slice of lemon in your iced tea).

10. Those who don’t take pictures know what not to take.

Some things will never look delicious, no matter how hard you try.

It is best not to touch foods that are all the same color and brown vegetable juices.

They might taste good, but we don't think you can make haggis look good.