BEFORE YOU THINK YOU NEED TO BUY THE TOP OF THE LINE….

In case you've had an itch to start photographing your own food and thinking you can’t do it without the top of the line gear. press pause and lets chat a little first!

The following are some helpful resources that I have used to create my work and brand. But, before you venture any further, do know that this equipment and app list has changed drastically since I first started. I firmly believe in waiting to upgrade equipment until you've proven to yourself that you'll stick with it. There’s nothing like spending your hard-earned money on equipment thinking that equipment is the answer to creating the images you aspire to create! Good equipment helps, but only if you're going to use it.

I started out my professional photography career with a Costco camera and the iPhone I could afford at the time. Start small, be patient, know that photography, seeing light and composition are the just the start of the skills that you will hone in on and that take a good bit of time and personal passion to grow. But, if you love it and you stick with it, you'll be amazed at what you can do!

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products listed below and recommend them because I believe in them. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything listed below!

PHONE CAMERA AND ACCESSORIES

The best camera to use is the one you have with you. I always have my iPhone 11 Pro Max with me to capture on-the-go images. I also capture a lot of my social media content with my phone too! For shooting overhead and social media videos, I use the Arkon Phone and Tablet stand.

TRIPODS

For travel and when i’m on the go, I use this lightweight travel tripod, however this is more for recreational use and not for my food photography. I also love this one too for everyday! This one is GREAT for over head prep of food and so much more!

BOUNCE CARDS/POSTERS & DIFFUSORS

I love the ones from the Dollar Store or Walmart the best because when I’m trying to be frugal, this is the BEST and can easily be replaced when soiled but this trifold is great or these bounce cards from V-Flat World. Their giant one is super versatile for all sorts of lighting solutions.

When I shoot on location for clients, I bring this larger diffuser that also comes with a set of reflector covers. This smaller one is great is smaller rooms and windows too!

As for standing them up, I either suspend them a curtain rod or clamp them to a the bottom of my bounce cards with A-clamps.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

LIGHTS

I have a confession. When I first started out in photography, I swore I would ALWAYS use natural light and never go to the “fake” lighting… until I learned to control it… and no "can’t stop. won’t’ stop!” haha Learning artificial lighting changed my food photography and frankly, my career!

Below are some of my modifiers that I frequently use. Bear in mind that I don’t necessarily recommend starting with all or any of these unless you know they’ll serve your needs.

Neewer Ring Light Kit’ - a great multipurpose light for not only your food but your videos as well

Mini Ring light - this is the easiest to carry in your purse on the go in a pinch for low light situations.

PHOTO EDITING

I use Adobe Lightroom Mobile for EVERYTHING and with these Presets, I truly believe it’s all you need to transform your images. I use Visco for more creative edits as I see fit.

BACKDROPS

There are lots of options for great photo surfaces out there. Some of my favorites that are different kinds at different price points include:

Double Sided Backdrop Board Surface Food & Product Photography,

Grey Granite Look Marble Effect Contact Paper

For small dishes and product photography on a white sweep, I love this PVC roll up background. It’s sturdy, cleans up nicely and holds up better over time than paper options.

These clamps are perfect for almost everything too!

MY SMARTPHONE FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR