#173 - THE FUTURE OF FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY & CONTENT CREATION ON INSTAGRAM: WHAT’S SHIFTING IN 2026
Welcome to season 15! In today's episode (173) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm reconnecting with food photographers and educators Joanie Simon and Lauren Short to take a peek into the New Year. We explore what’s shifting in the food blogging, food photography, and content creation space, share how we’re personally navigating change, and get real about which food photography trends are a total MUST this season! Here's what else you can expect from today's episode:
I share some exciting announcements to ensure your 2026 is off to a gorgeously creative and successful start!
Lauren and Joanie introduce themselves and share what’s currently shaping their work.
We talk about the move away from “perfect” imagery and what 2026 trend is taking its place to create deeper connections with online audiences.
We discuss which content format continues to dominate and influence the food space well into 2026.
Lauren, Joanie and I unpack the growing role of AI in food photography and what that might mean moving forward.
We share behind-the-scenes ways we’ve already experimented with AI in our creative businesses.
A reminder that authentic storytelling still matters and how to balance it with strong professional standards.
We identify the colour (and style) trend Pantone overlooked, yet is bang on trend for 2026, that may feel surprisingly familiar.
We explore what’s happening with lighting trends right now, and whether long-loved approaches are on their way out.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Order my new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE
Find out more about my in-person food photography and content creation workshops HERE
Recap: London food videography & styling workshop 2025. Read more about it in this blog post HERE
Sign up to my Instagram Masterclass wait list HERE
Lauren's food photography book, YouTube and Food Photography Academy
Cuban photographer Victor Cervantes
Tech Tiff mentioned by Joanie
AI & food photography: All you need to know – Eat Capture Share Podcast episode number 130
The biggest food photography trends revealed– Eat Capture Share Podcast episode number 57
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