For a lot of us becoming a blogger between 2010 to 2015 meant that we had to teach ourselves how to photograph food. I started with a Sony point-and-shoot camera and let me tell you my photos were pretty awful. This very blurry photo is from 2010 when I still ate meat:

Portfolio

Now I am proud to say that after twelve years my photography has greatly improved. Here is a preview of my current portfolio:

My Gear

You don’t need expensive gear to take an amazing photo. Does it help?? Yes, it does, but for the first 7 years of my career as a chef & food photographer, I took photos for my blog and got hired for freelance jobs with basic camera equipment and props. You can do it too!

My Cameras & Lenses

I started out with a Nikon D5100 that came with a 18-55mm lens, which my husband purchased at Costco for me as a gift in 2015. Today’s equivalent would be the Nikon D3500. I recently upgraded my camera equipment to the following: the Nikon Z7II mirrorless camera, and I use two lenses the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm Zoom lens and the Sigma 105mm Macro Lens with the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II for close-up shots.

Tripod & Lights

When I started out I didn’t even use a tripod, I shot free-handed but quickly learned that a tripod makes everything so much easier. I use the Vanguard Alta Pro Aluminum Tripod which has a horizontal arm that is very helpful for recording tiktoks.

I usually shoot with natural light but I do use lighting for recording videos, and I use the Godox AD600 with the Godox 24″x 24″ 60cmx60cm Foldable Universal Softbox

Backdrops

When I started out I made my own backdrops with a wooden board and paint. Now I only use Best Ever Backdrops. They sell double-sided backdrops that look like the real thing. This means I don’t have to buy actual marble or wood, they are easy to store and don’t take up too much space. Use the code DORA15 to get 15% off your order.

My Services

If you need food photography services for your website or company email me at info@dorastable.com