In food packaging, the way a product is presented visually is an important part of packaging design. At Lundmark, we recognize the power of high-quality food photography to not only attract consumers but also to showcase the unique qualities that make your product stand out. Our team specializes in crafting compelling food visuals that elevate packaging design, ensuring your products capture attention and leave a lasting impression on the shelf.
If you’re designing packaging for a new product or updating an existing line, here are some tips for styling food products to ensure your packaging photography resonates with your target audience.
Highlight Freshness
One of the most important aspects of food styling is emphasizing freshness. We recommend using the freshest ingredients possible, as vibrant, crisp-looking food conveys quality and appeals to consumers. Whether it’s the sheen on a perfectly glazed pastry or the dewiness of freshly harvested produce, small details make a big impact. Our team focuses on showcasing these elements to draw consumers in, making your product feel as fresh and desirable as possible.
Emphasize Key Product Features
Every product has unique qualities that should be highlighted in its packaging photography. Our approach involves identifying and styling the key features of your product, such as its texture, color, or standout ingredients. If your product has layers or distinctive ingredients like chunks of fruit or rich chocolate, we make sure these features are prominently displayed. We use strategic styling to ensure that your product’s best qualities are front and center, helping it stand out on store shelves.
Strategic Settings
When setting the stage for food photography we focus on keeping the product the hero of the shot. Simplicity is key—avoiding unnecessary props or distractions. However, sometimes a flavor cue will amp up the appetite appeal. A plate may frame the product and help it stand out from a busy background. A bite of the product on fork can make your mouth water. Props and setting should welcome the viewer into the scene, but also allow the attention to go directly to your product, allowing it to shine whether it’s a decadent dessert or a fresh salad. Knowing when to add and—more importantly—when to remove cluttery props is critical. We understand the balance between a visually striking image and one that remains focused on the product itself, ensuring maximum appeal.
Light it Right
Lighting can make or break food photography. We start by understanding the product and explore what kind of lighting will make it shine. Natural light is a great choice and can bring out the true colors and textures of your product. But natural light is also unpredictable and difficult to recreate for future shots that need the same look. Would warm, soft lighting help the product’s features glow? Should it have dramatic lighting, creating shadows and highlights that feature depth and texture? Our studio is set up to access or block natural light as needed. We often use diffusers or bounce boards to achieve the perfect balance of light, ensuring that the food looks as vibrant and appetizing in the photo as it does in real life. This approach makes sure that your packaging imagery looks authentic and delicious.
Consider Angles and Composition
The right angle can make all the difference in food photography. We experiment with various perspectives to find the best way to showcase your product. Top-down shots might work well for flat products like pizzas or sandwiches, while close-ups are ideal for capturing the texture of a baked good or snack. Side angles can showcase height and layers, making your product look more indulgent and substantial. We also carefully consider composition, ensuring that the food is arranged to guide the viewer’s eye to the most important aspects of the product.
Elevating Your Packaging with Lundmark
By following these tips, we help CPG brands create eye-catching and appetizing food photos that elevate their packaging design. Our expertise in food styling and product photography specifically for packaging ensures enticing images that grab attention on the shelf. Our team works closely with you to highlight your product’s unique features, create consistency with your brand, and ultimately drive consumer appeal.
If you’re looking to enhance your packaging design through expert food photography, Lundmark is here to help. Let us collaborate with you to create packaging that not only looks beautiful but also communicates the quality and appeal of your food products.
