Top tips for a career in photography

 

Photography is a dynamic and inspiring career path, allowing individuals to tell stories through their lens. The World Food Photography Awards aims to encourage photographers by welcoming entries from amateurs and providing dedicated opportunities like the category Student Food Photographer of the Year supported by The Royal Photographic Society, which is free to enter.

In this blog post, we’ve gathered career advice from 6 serial finalists of the Awards. These seasoned professionals share their top tips on honing your craft, navigating the industry and building a successful career in photography.

Sausages by Andy Grimshaw, 3rd, Production Paradise Previously Published, 2023

 

ANDY GRIMSHAW

1. I found working as an assistant really useful, being on set and seeing the process, dealing with clients and learning how everything works.
2. Stay true to what you like! Don't be swayed by passing trends - shoot what you enjoy in the visual style you like. Look at paintings, films, magazines and recognise why they influence you, this will help you to develop your own unique style.

 

Venetians Celebrate by Judith Balari, Highly Commended, Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration, 2023

 

JUDITH BALARI

One of the most important tips to consider for any type of photography is lighting. 

However, there are other factors that can make your pictures stand out. In my opinion, regardless of whether you are using a smartphone or a camera, you can capture stunning images. It isn’t the equipment that produces exceptional shots; rather it is your vision and sensitivity that will create something truly unique. 

Blueberry Cheesecake by Judith Balari, Highly Commended, Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture, 2020

 

Take the time to compose your shots, be patient, practice, experiment with different angles, and play with composition to maintain the viewer’s interest. In food photography, use side lighting, as it will make your images appear more realistic, inviting, and delicious. 

Last but not least, consider colour. Avoid overdoing it in post-production. Colours should be natural and make your images pop. If your shot isn’t satisfactory, don’t give up. Keep experimenting and discover your own style!

 

Rainbow Chard by Howard Shooter, 2nd, Cream of the Crop, 2023

 

HOWARD SHOOTER

1. Think like the client: what would exceed their expectations and what would help them achieve their goals.
2. If you have an idea that they haven't thought of, take the photo they asked for and then see if they wouldn't mind if you tried a shot your way.
3. In spite of whatever every influencer, blogger and youtuber might say, there is no right or wrong equipment so don't worry about not having the latest and greatest. The end image is all that matters to the client.

 

Fisherman by Hein van Tonder, Winner, On the Phone in support of Action Against Hunger, 2024

 

HEIN VAN TONDER

Don’t get caught up stressing about gear. Learn to make do with what you have. There is always going to be a new camera out there that you can’t afford. And it will have a multitude of settings that sounds like you need it but you will never use it. If you are looking to buy, set your budget of what you can afford and buy the latest camera that fits into that budget. 

Madeira Cake by Hein van Tonder, Highly Commended, Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture, 2020

 

The first few years of discovery are the best. You will be so much braver when shooting during this time. The longer you shoot, the more you know what works and it’s easy to stay in that comfort zone. So break all the rules - there’s no client to keep happy. 

 

The perfect sun ripened box of Italian fruit and vegetables by Hugh Johnson, Highly Commended, Cream of the Crop, 2022

 

HUGH JOHNSON

1. PATIENCE: As with everything in life if you love the subject you’re likely be good at it; if you really enjoy something you don’t mind working long or unsociable hours. For the best result, you often have to wait patiently for the clouds to pass and for the sun to be in the perfect position for creating shadows. The end result makes it all worthwhile. It could be the difference in winning or not winning an award.
    
2. A GOOD PHOTO CAN BE TAKEN ON ANY CAMERA: I often hear from students saying that not having a good camera stopped them becoming a photographer. That should never be an excuse as you can take a great photograph with a phone or even with your old pin-hole camera. One of my best photographs was taken on the oldest iPhone. I spotted a pair of Italian telecom workers stopping for lunch off Carnaby Street, London and eating on stools with a make-shift table with a Puccini blaring from a sound-system in their van. I quickly took out my phone, moved the setting to Portrait and took 5 snaps.

 

Only Italians by Hugh Johnson, 3rd, Fortnum & Mason Food at the Table, 2019

 

To improve the image and emphasize the two characters, I cleaned up the file by removing about 500 chewing gum marks off the pavement using Photoshop. I then increased the saturation on the men and table setting but de-saturated the surrounding area especially the fluorescent traffic cones – this helped simplify the image and explain the story. This photo won me ‘runner up’ award in the Awards’ Food at the Table category, plus a host of other international honours. I love the charm and humour in this image which I titled “Only Italians…”

One technical tip, which may seem obvious but is seldom used in low lighting is to tuck your elbows in, keep your feet a metre apart, when shooting with a hand-held camera. This helps steady the body and allow you to shoot at 1/15th and avoid camera shake.

 

Hebridean tomatoes by Joan Ransley, Food in the Field, 2024

 

JOAN RANSLEY

1. Love what you do. Having deep feelings about the subject you photograph provides the motivation to learn the skills, and gain the experience required to become a great food photographer.
2. Hire before you buy. Photographic equipment is expensive. Trying cameras and lenses out before you buy them means you can make informed decisions about how to spend your hard-earned cash.
3. Practise, practise, practise. There is no substitute for hard work. The more photography you do the more you learn and the better you become.
4. Get out of your comfort zone. If you always photograph the same type of food, you will never learn anything new. Embrace the opportunity to photograph something different and challenging.
5. Learn from others. There is a great community of photographers out there offering courses, skill share opportunities and friendly words of advice. Invest in learning from them.

 

Are you a student photographer? Or do you know someone studying photography? Enter the Student Food Photographer of the Year supported by The Royal Photographic Society. Entry is FREE! The prize includes the unique opportunity to have a 60-minute one-to-one Zoom meeting with Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor, Zoe Whishaw.

Our photography competition isn’t just for students – with over 25 categories, it has something to offer for photographers of all ages and skill levels. Explore and enter some of the incredible categories today.