Times Food Photography Contest: 5 key things to keep in mind with food photography

Taste the Lens: India on a Plate
Food in India isn’t just about flavor—it’s culture, memory, and emotion on a plate. “Taste the Lens” is your opportunity to celebrate this rich diversity through photography. Whether it’s a steaming plate of momos or the colorful chaos of a chaat stall, your clicks could bring those flavors to life for thousands. But before you go out and click, take a look at these 5 key things one should keep in mind while clicking food shots.

Lighting is Everything
* Use natural light whenever possible (near a window is ideal).
* Avoid direct flash — it creates harsh shadows.
* If indoors, use soft, diffused light (a lightbox or soft white LED works well).

Composition & Angles
Choose the right angle for the dish:
* Top-down for flat dishes (pizzas, salads).
* 45-degree for a natural dining view (burgers, plated meals).
* Side view for layered items (cakes, sandwiches).
* Use the rule of thirds** and leave some negative space to make it visually balanced.

Styling & Props
* Keep the focus on the food but add simple props like cutlery, napkins, or ingredients used in the recipe.
* Use fresh garnishes and clean edges — messy plates or wilted herbs can ruin the shot.

Color & Contrast
* Choose backgrounds and props that complement the food without overpowering it.
* Use contrasting colors to make the dish pop (e.g., green herbs on red tomatoes).

Editing & Consistency
* Light editing (brightness, contrast, white balance) can bring a photo to life.
* Keep a consistent style if you're posting to social media or a portfolio — it builds your visual brand.

This Month’s Theme – May 2025: Street Food Chronicles
From vada pavs in Mumbai to jhalmuri in Kolkata, street food tells the most authentic culinary stories. This May, we’re spotlighting the sizzle, spice, and soul of India's streets. Think:

Sizzling tavas

Flying parathas

Tangy golgappas

Chilli-smeared kathi rolls

Show us your city’s street food spirit!

Why You Should Participate
- Get featured on Times Food’s Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
- Win exciting e-gift vouchers
- Share your food story with thousands of fellow foodies

Contest Info
Theme: Street Food Chronicles
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2025
Submission Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
Winner Announcement: June 5, 2025 (4:00 PM)

Prizes:
- E-gift vouchers delivered within 30 working days
- Winners contacted via email & phone
- Address details collected post-selection

How to Enter
Snap a photo of your street food experience
Submit it [ HERE]
Wait & Win! Winners get featured and rewarded

So next time you’re savoring a piping hot dosa or juggling golgappas, don’t just eat—capture the magic. Turn your cravings into clicks and share the story that your plate is telling.

Ready to Taste the Lens?
Join now, click [ HERE] for details.

Want more food fun?
Join our WhatsApp Food Community to explore recipes, stories & more—click [ HERE]!

Images Courtesy: iStock