Showing Off Homemade Marshmallows with the Help of a Professional Food Photographer

A steaming cup of hot cocoa would not be the same without marshmallows floating on top. People can’t make s’mores without these delicious treats, and many people choose to eat marshmallows alone. The sugary goodness of these treats delights the taste buds of countless.

When a person makes these treats at home, they want to show them off to others. However, they aren’t experienced in homemade marshmallows photography, so the images never truly show how exquisite their desserts are. They need help doing in highlighting the delicious of the treats, and an experienced food photographer is ready to assist. How can they ensure the marshmallows are presented at their best?

Lighting

How many times has a person said their eyes are bigger than their stomach? People eat with their eyes. When photographing homemade marshmallows, a person must understand lighting techniques and how the right light will evoke a mood or emotion in the viewer.  Natural light coming from one side of the marshmallows will create contrast.  Harsh shadows add a dramatic touch, while backlighting helps to emphasize the transparency of the treat.  Knowing which lighting technique to use when is vital.

Composition

The presentation of the marshmallows is also of importance. An overhead shot can highlight the symmetry of the marshmallows or make them appear chaotic.  It all depends on what the cook desires. Negative space should be used to direct the viewer’s eye to the marshmallows and allow them to pop. A person might also want a close-up of the marshmallows to highlight textural details and leave people craving the homemade marshmallows. Additional items might be used to direct the viewer’s eye to the marshmallows, or an unusual angle or perspective could be taken to create visual intrigue.

Conceptual Shots 

Why not capture the process of creating the marshmallows? Action shots catch a person’s eye and leave them wanting to know more. The photographer must ensure there is enough light and that the shutter speed is fast enough to capture this action.  They may wish to catch the moment when the two ingredients come together or when different ingredients combine.  Another option is to continuously take pictures and show every step of the process from beginning to end. Viewers will love seeing how the marshmallows are made, as it gives them a behind-the-scenes look at the brand. 

Props

Food photographers understand the importance of props when setting a scene. They use these props to tell a story or create a mood.  The photographer will incorporate texture and height into the photo to add depth. They will also include the human touch. Props may be used to create a natural and inviting vibe through messy realism. When making marshmallows or any food item, cooks need utensils, ingredients, and more. Allow these items to remain in the photo so it appears as if the viewer just happened to stumble into the kitchen during the marshmallow-making process. 

Choose a Theme

Marshmallows can be used in countless ways. Food photographers often choose a theme when doing a photo shoot.  They frequently make the ingredients the main components of the photo shoot, as without these items, the marshmallows wouldn’t exist.  One photo shoot, for example, may revolve around camping outdoors and making s’mores with family and friends. Another shoot might highlight the benefits of marshmallows and hot cocoa on a day when the kids don’t have school because of snow.  The photographer works with the client to choose a theme for the photo shoot and ensure the marshmallows are the featured item.

Every person who wants to capture food and images should consult with a professional photographer. The photographer ensures every aspect of the image will help evoke the desired response. With their help, every person who sees the image will be craving homemade marshmallows.