Food Photo Club

Current monthly food photography categories.

Monthly Photo Categories

1. Classic Diner Plates

The Classic Diner Plates category focuses on familiar meals that you might find in a neighborhood diner or casual restaurant. Think burgers, fries, grilled cheese, club sandwiches, pancakes, and breakfast plates loaded with eggs and toast. When taking a photo for this category, try to capture the whole plate so the viewer can see the complete meal. Use a clean, simple background such as a table, a countertop, or a basic placemat. You can experiment with different camera angles, but be sure the food remains the main subject of the photo and is in sharp focus.

2. Comfort Food Close-Ups

Comfort Food Close-Ups highlight the details and textures of warm, filling foods that people often enjoy on a cold or stressful day. Examples include macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, soup, chili, or baked pasta dishes. For this category, move your camera closer to the food and focus on one small area of the plate or bowl. Try to show melted cheese, steam, or other small details that make the food look inviting. Backgrounds can be slightly blurred, which helps draw the viewer’s attention directly to the main subject of the image.

3. Sweet Treats and Desserts

The Sweet Treats and Desserts category features ice cream, cakes, pies, donuts, cookies, and any other dessert that looks fun and colorful. Strong color is very important in this category, so think about adding sprinkles, fruit toppings, or brightly colored plates. Consider using natural light from a nearby window to make the dessert look fresh and realistic. You can show the entire dessert or capture a close shot of just one slice or bite. Be sure that the dessert is not melting too quickly and that the background does not distract from the main subject.