Foodstagram 101: How to take your photos from ho-hum to serious YUM!

We're just going to say it: the holidays are coming, people. And though it might seem a little early to start embracing the spirit - don't panic, we're going to help you with at least one item that you may not even realize is on your to-do list!
Whether you are a retail store, online biz, blogger, author, or an Instagram postaholic - it's safe to assume that between now and January 1, there will be a cornucopia of opportunities to post the yumminess that rides in on the holiday food train. 
We've all had that epic turkey dinner, a gorgeous NYE party cocktail, or marveled at a heaping platter of grandma's famous Christmas Crinkles - post-worthy moments? 
Absolutely! 
The desire to share that experience with the world is understandable - food makes powerful memories. 
But how do you get that amazing culinary experience to translate to a drool-worthy, I-want-to-eat-that-NOW, photo?
We get this question a lot. So charge your phone battery, load up your plate, and have the barista top off your latte, here are the Mamas' tips for fabulous foodie photos:

1. Focus on the food.
It seems obvious, but it merits saying because we see it all the time on social media - blurry photos are a no-go. Keep the phone (or camera) steady. A tripod is ideal, but if you don't carry one in your back pocket, it's easy to improvise. Just look around and get creative. Focus on the details, take multiple shots, breathe and allow your camera to adjust before each shot.

©Mama Media, Co. 2018

2. Composition is key.
Sometimes less is more. You don't have to be a food stylist to capture the perfect shot, but it helps if you start thinking like one. Experiment. Loving that coffee, muffin, fancy flatware, and cut crystal water glass? Start with all of them in your shot. Too much? Try taking items away, or move the glaze-dripping muffin to the foreground while the other pieces play a supporting role in the background.

©Mama Media, Co. 2018

3. Stand-up, sit down, move that plate around!
Don't be afraid to put your food on the floor. Five-second rule aside, flat lay food shots are a good start, and they're fairly common because they tend to work well. Now, put your subject back on the table and shoot from a different perspective. Change it up: eye level, thirty or forty degree angles - and again, take lots of shots always being mindful of the background.

©Mama Media, Co. 2018

4. Natural light is your friend.
Lightbox (or other fancy equipment) not required - just head to a window and let mother nature be your assistant. Play around with a simple white poster board to reflect even more light and reduce unflattering shadows. And don't forget to turn off the flash!

©Mama Media, Co. 2018

5. Forego the filter. 
Filters are great if you're over 40 *wink*, but if your food is fresh and (hopefully) wrinkle free, they are totally unnecessary. Check out the difference between these shots:

No Filter

©Mama Media, Co. 2018

With Filter

©Mama Media, Co. 2018

Color, texture, detail - the unfiltered photo has it all. And we have to say this Pumpkin Spice Cake, from a favorite local bakery, tasted every bit as rich and delicious as it looks. (Trust us, there wasn't a crumb left!)

​Hungry for more? Check out this link from IG Queen, Jasmine Star for additional tips and tricks for taking super fabulous post-worthy photos.