Getting Colours Right


Colour theory isn’t just for designers and artists - it’s an essential tool for photographers, especially when capturing food. Colour can significantly impact how appetizing your food looks, so understanding how it affects your images is crucial. This doesn’t just apply to the food itself though. The background and even the colour of the light hitting your subject can dramatically influence the final result. In this post, we’ll dive into the basics of colour in food photography, analyze some examples, and explore how different colour choices can affect the appeal of your images.

To elevate your food photography, mastering colour theory is key, and a simple colour wheel can be incredibly helpful. There are various types of colour wheels which can usually be found at your local arts and crafts stores. When deciding on which colour wheel to purchase, we recommend a colour wheel with an illustration of the colour relationships and various harmonious colour schemes. In addition, there are several colour wheels available online, like this one by Adobe.

When doesn't it work


Let’s start our analysis of colours with a look at the nachos below. While there are various issues with these photos, we'll focus specifically on colour. At first glance, neither image looks particularly appetizing, largely due to poor colour harmony. The nachos and salsa clash with the green background, despite the greenery in the salsa. Similarly, the red-orange background, though it matches some elements of the salsa, fails to bring out the best in the food. Another aspect to note is how background colours cast light onto the bottom plate, which is particularly evident on the bottom right of the plate. This in fact also affects the food although it isn't as evident. It is clear that the below two images will very likely not draw customers.



What does work?


When planning your shoot, it's important to decide what mood you want to create with your colours. For energetic, lively images, vivid and bright colours work best, while lighter, neutral tones can evoke a calmer atmosphere. Now, let’s examine some photos of a salami sandwich against different backgrounds analyzing each image. All these images were shot with flash photography and strategically placed reflectors.


Greys


In the first photo, the sandwich is set against a neutral grey background. While the contrast between the cool grey and the warm tones of the sandwich works, it doesn’t make the sandwich stand out.

Blues


In the this photo, the sandwich is set against a blue background. Notice how the sandwich now seems to stand out more vividly? This is because the red-orange tones of the sandwich are complemented by the blue hues of the background, creating a striking and balanced image. If you’re aiming for a more dynamic, expressive image, using direct complementary colours can help achieve that effect.

Yellow-orange


Finally, we explore this image with a yellow-orange background. This colour combination works because the colours are analogous - situated next to each other on the colour wheel. 

And finally...


Once you’ve identified the colours that complement your food and create the desired mood, you can move on to setting the scene with props. For the last image, we aimed to evoke an energizing, yet relaxing morning vibe. As mentioned above, the sandwich stands out against the blue background since these orange and blue are complimentary colours on the colour wheel. To bring in a bit of calm, we used light wooden table which adds a break from the blues of the plate and background. The background props have been chosen strategically to blend with the blue background, thereby avoiding the eye from being districted from the sandwich.

Conclusion


Mastering colour theory is a powerful tool in food photography that can dramatically influence how your dishes are perceived. Whether you're aiming for a calm, neutral atmosphere or a vibrant, eye-catching image, the colours you choose for both the food and the background play a crucial role. From complementary to tetrad colour schemes, selecting the right colours can make your food stand out and create the desired mood for your set.


As you plan your image, remember that props and surroundings also contribute to the overall impact. By carefully considering colour, you can craft images that not only look appealing but also evoke the right emotions, drawing your audience into the scene. While colour theory is complex, understanding the basics can elevate your food photography and make your images truly irresistible.