Mastering Food Photography: A Conversation with Sally Frawley

Food photography is more than just snapping a quick shot of your meal; it’s an art that tells a story, evokes emotion, and captures the beauty of food.

To dive into this delicious world, I sat down with the incredibly talented Sally Frawley, who is hosting our upcoming Mastering Food Photography Workshop.

In our chat, Sally shared her journey into food photography, why storytelling is just as important as technique, and her best tips for capturing mouthwatering images.

From Passion to Profession

Sally’s love for photography began with a passion for food.

She started out documenting her own culinary creations and soon realized that food photography was the perfect way to combine her artistic eye with her love of cooking.

Over the years, she has developed a signature style that emphasises natural light, textures, and composition to bring out the best in every dish.

Why Storytelling Matters in Food Photography

Food is deeply personal. It’s tied to culture, memories, and experiences.

Sally believes that every food image should tell a story, whether it’s a warm family meal, a cozy coffee moment, or the fresh vibrancy of market produce.

By thinking beyond just the dish itself and incorporating elements like props, hands in the frame, and thoughtful styling, photographers can create images that resonate on an emotional level.

Sally’s Top Tips for Food Photography

If you’re looking to elevate your food photography, here are some of Sally’s top recommendations:

1. Find the Best Light – Natural light is your best friend in food photography. Experiment with side lighting or backlighting to add depth and dimension.
2. Keep Your Styling Simple – Let the food be the hero. Avoid cluttered backgrounds and choose props that complement rather than overpower your dish
3. Play with Angles – Different foods look better from different perspectives. Overhead shots work great for flat-lay compositions, while a 45-degree angle can highlight depth and texture
4. Think About Color & Contrast – Use color theory to create visually appealing images. Vibrant ingredients against neutral backdrops can make a dish pop
5. Capture the Process – Sometimes, the magic is in the making. Including preparation shots—like hands kneading dough or a spoon stirring soup—adds an authentic and engaging element to your storytelling.

Join Sally’s Food Photography Workshop

If you’re ready to dive deeper into food photography, join us for Sally’s Food Photography Workshop!

Whether you’re capturing images for fun, blogging, or professional work, this workshop will give you the tools and inspiration to create stunning food images.

Learn more and sign up here.

We can’t wait to see what you create!