Question: What Are The Important Factors To Consider In Food Styling?
By: Alisa Escanlar
Published: January 28, 2010

We know how to cook, and we know it tastes good, but making the dish look as good as it tastes is not always easy even if you have an expensive DSLR camera. Can anyone share some basics on food styling?

Answers:
Rocquie

I make my photographs with a very humble, inexpensive camera.  
Learn your camera and take it out of "auto" setting.  Learn how to use the close-up feature.  Turn off the flash and watch the natural light in and around your home.  I make all my photos either outdoors or near a window.  As you look through the view finder, look at everything in the frame, not just your subject, and move non-related items out of the frame.  Move in closer.  Brace against something to prevent shaking to get a sharp image.  Don't be afraid to use simple and free editing software to adjust exposure, contrast, and color.  
Take your time.  You can't expect a good photograph if you just run by with a point-and-shoot camera and snap a couple of frames before you eat the food.  
I have had quite a few of my photos published, which is proof that you do not need an expensive DSLR camera, although I dream of one.
Suus

Play with angles - take lots of pics from different angles and learn what works for which kind of dish. Light food directly from above to avoid strange shadows. Don't crowd the plate - leave lots of space. 
And, most importantly: learn how to correct colors in Photoshop.
Linda Owens

Lighting is important.  Natural lighting is best.  Pay attention to where shadows fall and avoid them.
Composition is important.  Don't over-fill the picture.  Pay attention to what is in the cackground.  Don't get too close to the food so it looks distorted in the picture.
Look at the food and ask yourself "do I want to eat that?"