3 SIMPLE LIGHTING TIPS FOR FOOD CONTENT CREATORS ON INSTAGRAM
Good lighting is the cornerstone of great food reels on Instagram, yet it’s still something so many food content creators and videographers struggle to get just right! It’s really worth spending some time on lighting your videos to perfection as doing so can be the key difference between making your food look unappetising versus making it look like a mouthwatering masterpiece that stops everyone in their scroll!
Whether you’re using natural light, artificial light or a combination of both, understanding the fundamentals of lighting is pivotal to your success as a creative on the Instagram platform. That’s because well-lit food reels truly allow the textures and colours of your food to jump out, helping your content get noticed in what is a very crowded social media landscape.
That’s why in today’s blog post, we’ll explore some key lighting considerations for those sharing food content on Instagram, TikTok or Youtube Shorts. Let’s do this!
1/ Film your food content near your light source!
If you’re working with natural light, be sure to be as close to your window as possible. That’s because the further away you are from your light source, the flatter and duller your food will look!
Personally, filming near a window in my kitchen isn’t always practical, which is why I shoot all my food reels in my studio. There, I have a large window beside my filming table, ensuring my recipes are always well-lit with beautiful, natural daylight.
If filming near a kitchen window or setting up a home studio with natural light isn’t an option, artificial lighting is a great alternative. Though roughly speaking the principle of proximity still applies - whether your filming your food reels with artificial light or natural light - there are some subtle differences between the two, which might mean that being a pinch further from your artificial light source can still be ok.
Some key differences lie in…
Diffusion: If you’re not using a diffuser, the light can be quite strong meaning that being a little further away can be perfect. And if you are using a diffuser, this can have practical implications to how close you can actually be to your light.
Light Intensity: More powerful artificial lights can be placed slightly further back without compromising brightness, whereas weaker lights may require closer positioning for optimal results.
2/ consider light direction
If you plan on featuring your face in your food reels, proper lighting is key to making you feel extra confident about stepping in front of the camera! Therefore, positioning your primary light source - such as an artificial light or a large window - directly in front of you will illuminate both you and your food beautifully, enhancing your food’s colours and textures while making you look your best on camera.
If front lighting isn’t an option, side lighting, as shown in the image of the flour and egg mixing scene, is a fab alternative. However, try to avoid overhead lighting from ceiling lamps or skylights, as it can create unflattering shadows, making your food look flat and your face less vibrant.
3/ choose your artificial light wisely!
Many creators on social media use ring lights to illuminate their Reels, but that’s not an option for food content creators looking for an elevated, drool-worthy finish!
For the best results, invest in artificial lights designed specifically for videography, which feature higher light output. Also be sure to look for options with adjustable brightness, allowing you to fine tune your lighting to match different moods and styles.
Additionally, choose a light with a removable diffuser. This will give you the flexibility to create either a soft, diffused glow for a natural and inviting look or a strong, directional light for more dramatic highlights and contrast (see 1/, above). It really does make a difference to have complete control over your lighting setup and hence, it’s worth choosing your lighting wisely!
TOP TIP!
You can find my artificial lighting recommendations HERE, though please note, there are lots of options for your to choose from and as long as you buy something fit for purpose as outlined above, you can’t go wrong!
Before you go…
I truly hope this blog post was helpful to get you excited about playing around with your lighting set up and obtaining better results for your food reels!
If this was a good starting point, but you’re ready to take the next step forward on your food content creation journey, why not order my new book, How to Make Your Food Famous, or sign up to my Food Reels Course. We’d love to have you join!