When it comes to photographing food, natural lighting is best, says food writer Gretchen Lowe.
She shares tips for food photography and a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include any greens and herbs you might have on hand - Garden Green, Leek & Ricotta Tart with Hazelnut Crust.
Garden Green, Leek & Ricotta Tart with Hazelnut Crust Photo: Gretchen Houston
Read more of Gretchen's tips on food photography and styling here
If possible, photograph your food near a window, Gretchen tells Jesse Mulligan.
"You want that light to be soft and diffused. You want soft shadows, they're much more flattering on your food."
Bright light can create harsh shadows and blow out the colours but if you cant avoid it, filter it out through a white sheet pegged up by the window, Gretchen recommends.
Avoid shooting at night as artificial light adds a flat orangey-yellowy tone to your photos. If you're photographing outside, head for a shady spot.
When shooting food on your phone, it's best to use 'portrait' mode and some phones also have a 'food' mode that will put your creation in focus and blur out the background.
A flat overhead angle works well for photographing salads, soups, and latte art, while straight-on is best for burgers, cookies and smoothies, Gretchen says.
She's not a fan of adding Instagram filters to food photos.
"They don't do anything for your food, in my opinion. If you've shot it in a really nice light, that is everything."
Gretchen's Garden Green, Leek & Ricotta Tart with Hazelnut Crust has about ten cups of vegetables in it and lends itself to improvisation.
The homemade pastry - which works just as well with gluten-free flour - is quite difficult but the result is worth it, she says.
"To me, [this tart] tastes like home. It really is comfort food."
Explore more of Gretchen Lowe's food styling tips and recipes on her blog My Weekend Table
