Photographing Miami’s Food Scene

I’ve spent a lot of time shooting South Beach Food & Wine events, downtown restaurant openings and rooftop cocktail parties and Miami’s vibrant food scene is absolutely a feast for the senses. After tasting it what better way to savor it than through the lens of a camera? From the best Cuban sandwiches you can find in Little Havana to the artistic creations of Wynwood’s avant-garde chefs, Miami offers a kaleidoscope of flavors and visuals that make for excellent imagery.

When it comes to food photography in Miami, it’s not just about capturing the dishes but also the stories, cultures and passions that come together in each plate. I love a combination of detail and wide shots of both chef and setting. This helps with embracing the culture and telling the stories surrounding the food that’s prepared. Finding the right lighting is also key and Miami’s abundant natural light from the glow of sunrise or the shine of sunset are you best friends. I like to use a combination of natural and diffused artificial light sources to capture the true white balance of the setting which can make the food look better in the photo than it had in real life.

As a food photographer in Miami you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experiment with colors, textures and compositions. Most clients prefer two angles, the classic straight down from above shot and the narrow depth of field low angle shots. A close up shot of the food is great for getting a viewer to salivate but a wide shot with atmosphere and background can help establish the tone and tell a story. I like to overshoot and get as many angles and distances as possible. Capturing condensation on an intricately garnished cocktail or the sizzling steam from food fresh off the grill is also essential to creating a dynamic food photograph.

Whether you’re shooting authentic Miami seafood with a side of Yucca Fries or Haitian Paella and spicy wings, Miami has a vibrant food scene that is a delight for any type of photographer, amateur or professional.