![Food Photography Lessons Learned Food Photography before and after](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OCHsihjtTAo/VWLWoZUenZI/AAAAAAAAKmU/yuFKYOMRfM0/s800/Food%252520Photography%252520Before%252520%252526%252520After_a.jpg)
I started taking pictures of my food a few years back for my own reference. I learned and am still learning about food photography. Recently, I updated a few of the old pictures to make it more appetizing and sharing the lessons I learned along the way.
Strawberry Ice Cream
Before: July 2011After:
Lesson learned: natural light is way better than artificial light
Spaghetti Meatballs
Before: January 2010![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ujVSUmZK54A/S2U21OMlXOI/AAAAAAAAGHI/NFp4QATKpqk/s600/DSC_3852a.jpg)
After:
Lesson learned: take picture of the food before eating it
Wonchester Sauce Chicken
Before: February 2011After:
Lesson learned: try different angles and use white plate instead of a pattern or colorful one
Perfect Soft Boiled Egg
Before: May 2013This was the first time I tried the recipe. The kids and I were so excited to find out if it is a success. Wes was literately screaming asking me to hand over the egg that I was currently holding:
![How to cook soft boiled egg http://www.asianfamilyrecipes.com/2015/05/how-to-cook-perfect-soft-boiled-egg.html](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pMTr0H9Fk0Y/UZ8CenhHBSI/AAAAAAAAEWw/bnHQFK1yWSI/s640/Perfect%2520Soft%2520Boil%2520Chicken.jpg)
After:
![How to cook soft boiled egg](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kuvXnubEbCQ/U7NCsysJt_I/AAAAAAAAGck/Gi8aNYJWA38/s640/Perfect%2520Soft%2520Boil%2520Chicken-001.jpg)
Lesson learned: feed the hungry children first then take time to set the stage
Stir Fried Tempeh
Before: July 2012After
Lesson learned: Light thing up! I also add other components in this case rice and chili to communicate better story about the dish
Chocolate Ice Cream
Before: July 2012After: October 2014
Lesson learned: Learn to use the manual mode in your DSLR camera. I found the Pioneer Woman Photography series to be very helpful then take lots and lots of pictures.
My favorite Food Photography Book:
Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling
Some more food photography tips from the pro:
The Pioneer Woman: Ten Things I Learned About Food Photography
Pinch of Yum: Food Photography Tips