Using Light to Improve Your Composition for Food Photography

In this video, I discuss a unique approach to improving your composition for food photography using your light! It's a great way to practice lighting by using light to guide your viewers eye throughout the entire image, rather than just a means for proper exposure.
Hope you find it helpful or insightful!
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Tools highlighted in this video:
Rosco Diffusion Material - (Amazon) geni.us/Bqjkb
Godox Sl-60W - (Amazon) geni.us/ZEM1RBJ
MY MAIN TOOLS:
Main camera: (Amazon) geni.us/iC8ze
All around lens for my videos: (Amazon) geni.us/hSE2vR
My favorite lens for food photography: (Amazon) geni.us/V8deG
The tripod I use and recommend: (Amazon) geni.us/KYUiWBR
My choice speedlight: (Amazon) geni.us/gJ4NE
Profoto Air Remote for Canon: (Amazon) geni.us/8AysuMI
Best budget speedlight: (Amazon) geni.us/iaHoEU
Stripbox with grid: (Amazon) geni.us/6UqJFU
MagBox: (Amazon) geni.us/sf9cAcN
My Main Video Light: (Amazon) geni.us/0CnRc3g

[@NickVanHouse]

God I wish there was someone like you doing lighting tutorials for portraits. I love your videos. They inspire me

[@whakabuti]

I'm going to admit I almost dismissed this video because I don't particularly enjoy Food photography. How small minded of me. You really spoke volumes applicable to any genre!

[@luizakatz9374]

I almost watched all your videos here and without doubt your channel is so interesting! I haven't found anyone better than you to explain light and show how do use it as part your composition. Can't wait to put into practice what I've learned. :)

[@figandlight]

That's awesome! Thanks Luiza and I'm glad my content is helpful for you 🙌

[@tex1622]

You are that rare thing...you're both an artist AND a teacher. Truly, your channel is such a joy and generous resource for photographers. Thanks a million for all you do here.

[@ukon3333]

When I started taking pictures, the Japanese photographer youtube channel was not very helpful, but your video gave me exactly the information I wanted and was very helpful. Thank you.

[@jstn9914]

I can't believe how simple yet effective this method is. I've been getting real tired of shooting on plain color backgrounds. Thank you for your insight.

[@Worshipperof_Allah]

Thank you so much. I have gained extensive knowledge about your videos lighting techniques. You have shared a wealth of detailed information that isn't typically found in many courses. This video deserves much more recognition.

[@saikiran5268]

Can't believe someone with this mad skill ain't getting reach they deserve, sir thank you for not giving up and providing us your absolute amazing skills! Big salute to you!!! Inspiration 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@soothingsoundvideos]

“There’s more than a few ways to look at something.” -figandlight Bravo 👏

[@vocabularyoffood]

This changed the way that I think about food photography. I always used to use a formula to take food shots and they always look so flat. Thanks so much for the inspo 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@kevinmanley5043]

I’m teaching myself Blender and I’ve seen a lot of 3D folks try and explain lighting and it’s usually poorly explained or they don’t really understand why they are getting the results they do, they are just pushing the buttons. So I’ve taken to watching tutorials from conventional product photographers, but those seem more focused on the photographer than the actual instruction. Your videos are perfect though. I’m learning a ton and taking notes. Thank you! Subscribing to your channel for sure! Your conventional lighting stuff is great. I’d love to see more videos of how you translate that to Blender as well. A lit in real life vs lit in Blender would be sick. I don’t think anyone has done that.

[@annelienpienaarfoodconsult139]

This is magic, you are a light bender of note and this was just super helpful to see light as a compositional tool. Brilliant work and I will follow your work. Thank you so much. You made me connect the dots!

[@kwameadams1140]

only 528 likes???? i... am LOST as to what is going on in this world!!! This is premium content!!

[@Moeldjanee]

so what? not everybody thinks like you do, I suppose . lol

[@ollyyung2859]

It's cause he's not a raging douchebag and actually puts out good informative content. Only the d-bags attract tons of followers

[@katherinerengifo3790]

Agreed!

[@bleakaf]

is it weird that I love these pictures so much? 😅 so calming and the dark green one with the better tones feels really luxurious

[@aussiecoastie72]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial ! Using the light as part of your composition is just excellent

[@Samdhare]

Watched just one of your videos, subscribed immediately. Well done. 👏

[@papanapchannel]

Wow! Just wow!!! This video truly inspiring me, open up my mind

[@prasadpankar3794]

Boss, you're BRILLIANT.. Been following your videos for some time now and you're absolutely FABULOUS. Thanx for being YOU.

[@vivianluu2088]

You are so underrated! Thank you for giving such a simple & clean way to understand how to utilize light for food photography. I'm new to food photography and am trying my best to continually improve.

[@figandlight]

Thank you Vivian! Appreciate that 🙏

[@rbutter9200]

Another great video! Great job of showing the individual lighting elements combining for the final image

[@figandlight]

Thank you!

[@marcinskalij6365]

best photographer on youtube

[@dewisartika1775]

Wow thank you so much for your sharing finally I found you on KZbin with the simple, clear and calming contents.. really really helpful.. please keep updating

[@andreak4280]

excellent vid & example images… thank you! 🙏🏼

[@maciej6469]

you're amazing teacher

[@AsianGargamel]

perfect shot

[@hannsdroid]

Thank you for this amazing video. Cheers

[@dreamworld8836]

Ohh man I've no words really love your videos

[@JordanBryantJames]

your channel is underrated. hope people would appreciate this channel more. keep the content going!

[@monikagold1397]

I like how you work with shadows!!! Amazing ❤❤❤

[@ianianvong]

amazing tutorials! I learn new concept of the base lightings which is exactly what no one taught me!

[@figandlight]

Yeaaa! Base (or ambient) lighting using flash was a game changer for me when I first learned it. I'm glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@ChristineLu1]

This video is helpful. Thank you!

[@phebeandavies6574]

Hello! Hope all is well. Yes, this was a helpful and informative video! I will surely reference it as I grow in my food photography craft.

[@Thumb.Shooter]

This is pure gold! Learning so much from your channel, thank you!

[@understandingcinema5745]

Very nicely explained.. Thank you..

[@matekovacs5086]

Thank you for your videos, they are excellent🎉👌

[@gabrielmachado9125]

dude your channel is the best!

[@figandlight]

Thanks Gabriel!

[@jessicawong4089]

Gorgeous!!!! Super helpful, thoughtful tutorial, big props thank you!

[@iamjhunelleph215]

finally found this one! thanks!

[@whatsphilupto]

Just stumbled upon your channel. The way you show your instructions behind the scenes in terms of creating the light is incredibly helpful. I am just starting out with product photography my self and this makes the creative process so much easier. It shows me the practical aspect of an idea and this, in the end, helps me to understand how to create the ideas that I have. Thank you.

[@melodymcool]

You sir, have re-ignited my passion for Photography. Thankyou!

[@Skythemasterofguitar]

I love your videos, thankyou for fully braking down how you shape light, its beautiful. Would love to see a video of all the types of backgrounds and surfaces you use and your opinions of sizes.

[@figandlight]

Thank you Allan! That's a really popular request, I'll have to put that in motion soon

[@joeraceldidulo8642]

you are amazing! I watched almost all your videos and thinking of enrolling your course..

[@simonelewis8276]

0:10 "the ability to use light creatively to help emphasize the subject" 2:31 light setup 3:48 3:52 Shift away from thinking that there are only a few ways to light food, thay there are only a few lighting setups that work 4:47 another light setup 5:55 magbeam 8:40 see that lighting is more than just a means to proper exposure. Experiment & play more.

[@23kri]

one of the best!!!!

[@deadgrafixcom]

Oh yessss, lighting is everything! I watched quite a few still life/food photography vids, and found this the most interesting, i.e. what I was looking for inspiration. Thanks!

[@alexeikuzmin8784]

thanks for information! Great tutorial :)

[@TheOnlyGuess]

Dude... you're amazing

[@WardCan]

As a product videographer i find your content super interesting, thank you!

[@pdotj]

I love your videos, I got inspired by it and shot something yesterday and composed by using the light

[@figandlight]

Thank you Prathamesh!

[@niklasrodriguez8329]

Love it!! Where is the backdrop from? Great set-up!

[@kymbiebakingsupply]

Thank you so much for sharing this-you are helping me so much with your videos 💓

[@parulpasricha5734]

Damnnn, amazing tutorials and so well explained. It felt like I just attended a full class. Love it, thank you sooo much.

[@kimfox8413]

OMG, your tutorials are so freaking helpful! Thank you. thank you, thank you!

[@dahliahardiee8129]

Can u please make a video about how to do food photography just like u did in this video, but without lighting ? Cause not everybody can afford the lighting in the beginning of the process. That will be so helpful. Thank you so much Brandon ❤️ I like your videos a lot

[@PrudhviMitra]

What do you use for your backgrounds they are all so good

[@1492omega]

Excellent video!

[@Pyngwieee]

Dude your videos and works are awesome. I’m approaching product photography and I’m pretty sure no academic courses out there can beat these videos!

[@gabrielcavalcanti2109]

you're my hero

[@guirob]

I'm starting to regret having bought continuous lights... very good vid as usual. Thks

[@EvelynLynamRuiz]

I love it!

[@EmmasLittleKitchenOfficial]

I am learning a lot from you. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@figandlight]

Thank YOU! I'm glad my videos are helping!

[@kur0chen]

I learn a lot from your video

[@gabmilitao]

Man your videos are inspiring. I'm gonna shoot some drinks tomorrow!

[@chuckocenar7076]

Ugh, I love the drama! It lets me tell a story behind that glass of orange juice. It looks more of a random snapshot rather than 'ad-sy' feel. My personal preference.🤗

[@figandlight]

Thanks Chuck! I appreciate it 🙏

[@ivanramos2599]

man, this is a really nice CLASS! Tks a lot

[@rimatakesphotos]

Fantastic video! Great explanations and definitely feeling inspired!

[@pearllocket]

Thanks so much man

[@ChristinaLeun]

Your videos are amazing, top notch. Thank you for your work!

[@AjaySahu-iv2ut]

beautiful work and so helpful.

[@konstantinosgogovitis1464]

you are just great! thank you for sharing all this stuff !

[@SankeerthJo]

thank you, this is helping me experiment

[@figandlight]

Awesome! I'm glad it helped

[@gnosticone]

Yo that mag beam low key blew my mind

[@slavagalaka8830]

Great! Thank you)

[@AmiraDeuraseh]

I really love all your videos! Every single inspires me more and more ❤️

[@olifrisch415]

I love this Video!! So much information and you make it look easy!

[@figandlight]

Thank you so much!

[@samanthaneill3096]

This looks so slick! It's insane that you have so few subscribers! Amazing work!!

[@figandlight]

Thank you Samantha!

[@badermo5598]

Very nice video thank you very much for sharing, can I ask what camera you're using and what's the best prudect camera for law lighting and for a beginner as well , thank you.

[@JimmyBaevsky]

Interesting, useful, inspiring. Thanks a lot

[@Guitarmfig]

Excellent tutorials, thank you

[@MiAStudioPL]

Very inspiring

[@malackawada]

amazing videos, I love it, keep it up 👍🏻

[@figandlight]

Thank you! 🙏

[@rostanddarbouze5735]

OMG! Are you the grandson of Picasso? Amazing job!

[@zecchinon]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@vipulmadbal7637]

Thank you so much for this!

[@angprinsesa99]

Premium content! Thank you for this :)

[@SamMoses123]

great video bro inspired by the lighting technique

[@joshuamallett3424]

Discovered your channel yesterday and I love it! The quality is insane and is just sooo useful! Is it possible to get good shots with only one small light (aputure m9), I can never get it to look good as the light is always to harsh. Do you recommend any good and not to to expensive lights?

[@croitor2009]

Omg agree!!!!

[@fluffy_shark]

That's incredible, thanks a lot for your videos! They inspire so much

[@figandlight]

Thank you!! I'm glad theyre inspiring 🙏

[@williamwen1465]

Thank you! The video so good.

[@vaibhavchavan4670]

Super duper helpful video man 👌 I recently got into food photography and was literally boared by the usual diffused light setup . This video is an inspiration to break that rule so thanks for that . Also, I think most of the food photographers now a days use props which otherwise won't be present when any dish is served , like throwing some spices or main ingredients on the table which is find very unrealistic . I know , your channel is about lighting , but any thought on this will be highly appreciated. Thanks again . Liked and subscribed 👍

[@figandlight]

That's very thoughtful of you, thank you Vaibhav! And will note that perhaps for a future video. I've thought about that as well. Thanks again!

[@abhirampathak5886]

Wow I like your video .

[@xoxodo]

Hi there, Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I wanted to ask you specifically what the name of the material you use for the backdrop, i cant find the right one. Thanks

[@sundaravelcs]

Your videos are very useful. Where i get those color cardboards.

[@ellodeya]

Me with completely melted ice cubes in tea trying to shoot a perfect photo on iPhone with a white wall as my only prop: 👁️👄👁️

[@Thehungrywolf999]

Dude I dont know where you have disappeared to and I hope you are well but your videos are super fantastic. Have you got any tutorials for light in general? i.e. not just food photography but also portraiture and travel? I would happily for that tutorial as would many others I am sure !

[@figandlight]

Thanks man! Just been busy with freelance work lately. But I am planning to make videos again regularly soon. I don't have much about lighting in general for genres like portraiture or travel, I have mostly content focusing on product and food, but I'll take them as suggestions, thanks!

[@Thehungrywolf999]

@@figandlight thanks for getting back to me and glad to see you are well. I really hope you do because your way of explaining things is fun and engaging and I think much of the same principals would apply. Anyway - hope to see more of your content again. There's a real shortage of quality content on KZbin !!

[@ared18t]

Now I know how to recreate that crack in my window curtains that I can never get rid of :D 6:49

[@dipaksuthar3762]

Brilliant

[@inmylife5072]

Thank you for your videos!

[@sdr9067]

Subscribed buddy!......Awesome quality videos!🤩

[@figandlight]

wooo welcome! Thank you

[@CookingwithSaman]

Very nice👍👍