| How to Take Food Pictures for Instagram Posted: 31 Mar 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you use Instagram, you've probably seen enticing food posts and photos. With the right preparation, you can take these mouth-watering photos as well. Start planning the shot before the meal is ready. Set up in natural light and use colorful, eye-catching ingredients. Experiment with different angles and lighting until you find the one that gives you the best results. If you want to get sharper photos, adjust your camera settings or edit the pictures with an app or filter. After this, your photo is all ready to post. [Edit]Setting Up the Shot - Cook a meal using colorful ingredients if you're photographing your own food. Start planning the photo before you even plate the food. Choose meals with different colors and textures that will catch a viewer's eye on Instagram. Try to mix and contrast colors so your photos are as vibrant as possible.[1]
- Even if your main dish isn't colorful, try adding some more vibrant side dishes. Steak, for instance, is not especially colorful, but a side salad with lots of different ingredients introduces new colors into the frame.
- Cut fruit is another great way to add color and shine to your photos.
- Set up your photo in natural lighting for good shadows and textures. Natural lighting usually produces the best results for food photos. Set up a table near a window to capture the natural light flowing in. Take the photo from the front so you don't block the light.[2]
- Don't photograph outside in direct sunlight. This creates harsher shadows. Photograph near a window instead.
- Use bright backlighting if you're inside. If you don't have access to a window for natural light, then placing a bright light behind the food also gives you good illumination. Use a lamp or studio light and photograph the food from the front to get a nice display of shadows.[3]
- If the front of the food looks too dark, you can use a reflector to bounce some light back and brighten it up. You can buy an inexpensive one online.
- Sometimes, darker indoor lighting produces nice results, but it takes an experienced photographer to make that lighting look good.
- Don't use the flash on your camera or phone. This usually doesn't make the food look good.
- Place props around to add more atmosphere. Just a plate of food might not make the most exciting picture. Liven up the photo with utensils, cups, side dishes, colorful napkins, and any other props that would enhance the photo. Just remember to keep the picture focused on the food, and that the props are only a supplement.[4]
- Make the props fit the mood of the meal. If you're photographing pancakes, for example, position a cup of coffee and a bowl of syrup nearby.
- If you're showcasing your cooking or baking skills, try arranging the ingredients you used around the food.
- Plate the food so you can see all its ingredients. When your photography space is all set up, then place the food down. Arrange the ingredients on the plate so all the ingredients show clearly. The different colors and textures will create an eye-catching picture that your followers will love.[5]
- If you're in a restaurant, plates are usually already arranged in a visually-appealing way, so most of the work is probably already done for you.
- Don't worry about making the plate look pristine. Leave in the drips or crumbs to accent the picture.
- Have your photography space set up before the food is ready so you can take the pictures while the food is fresh.
- Add different ingredients to introduce a color contrast. If your food still needs a little something to catch the eye, try adding some more ingredients as a garnish. Make sure these new ingredients introduce a new color to contrast it with the rest of the dish. This will make your photo stand out much more.[6]
- For example, a few basil leaves on top of a plate of pasta with red sauce adds a new, eye-catching color dimension.
- Sprinkling parsley or oregano on your dish also introduces new colors in a simple way.
[Edit]Snapping the Perfect Photo - Use a camera instead of a phone for the clearest shots. Many of the food pictures you see on Instagram are taken with a professional camera, not a phone. Cameras use high-quality lenses and include lots of options for zooming, lighting, contrast, and texture. If you want your shots to look as good as they can, then invest in a camera instead.[7]
- There are many choices for a good camera. Try investigating the cameras that some of your favorite Instagram photographers use for the best type for you.
- This is optional, and you should only buy a camera if it fits your budget. Otherwise, a phone camera will work fine.
- Take the picture when the food is as fresh as possible. Fresh food looks much better in a photograph. If you let the food sit around, ingredients will start wilting, getting soggy, losing their color, and overall looking much less vibrant. For the best results, take the picture as soon as the food comes out.[8]
- Remember to have your photo stage set up before the food is ready. Otherwise, the food will sit around while you set up.
- Take the photo from the top or side, depending on what look you're going for. These are the 2 most common angles for Instagram shots. Both produce different textures and shadows, so the one you use depends on what look you want. Experiment to find the angle you prefer.[9]
- If you want to show off the scenery or shadows in the photo, then opt for a side angle.
- A top photo could show off the ingredients better than a side shot. Choose this angle if you have a complex dish with lots of elements.
- For the best results, try both angles and see which you like best.
- Include the surroundings if you're in a scenic location. Instagram food photos are about a lifestyle as well as the food. If you're visiting a lakefront, beach, or the mountains, arrange your food so the background shows in the photo. This enhances the mood of your post.[10]
- Adjust your aperture to AV mode to let the right amount of light in. Aperture is a camera setting that controls the amount of light in the lens. The AV setting automatically finds the best light level and adjusts the camera accordingly. This is ideal for food photos.[11]
- If you're an experienced photographer, you can adjust the aperture manually, but this takes practice to find the right levels.
- Unless you have a photography app, most phone cameras won't have this control.
- Set your ISO below 400 in low-light settings. ISO is a setting that sharpens the photo in dark settings. If you're taking photos without a lot of light, adjust your ISO below 400 for more clarity.[12]
- Some smartphones have an ISO setting, so check on yours to see if you can adjust it.
- Zoom to fill the whole frame so the scene looks vibrant. Try to cut down on the amount of empty space in the photo. Either get closer or zoom in to fill up the space. If you're only photographing one plate, then a few props could also fill up that space.[13]
- Some photographers like to zoom in so some of the props are out of frame. This makes the space look larger and more active than if everything were perfectly in frame.
- You could also crop the photo afterward to get rid of blank space.
- Too many props will make the photo look too busy. Make sure the food is still the main focus.
- Keep the camera steady to avoid getting a fuzzy shot. Fuzzy or out of focus shots and ruin a good picture. Hold the camera or phone as steady as possible until you take your shot. Then, always check the photo to make sure it came out well.[14]
- Some props may be out of focus. This is okay as long as the food is clear.
- Remember, you can take as many pictures as you want, so keep trying until you get it right.
- Experiment with different lighting and arrangements to get a shot you like. All photographers will tell you that repetition and practice are key. You might have to take 10 photos to get one that you like. That's fine, and all part of the process. Try all different angles and lighting to see what you prefer.[15]
- Remember that different food might look better in different lighting or from a different angle. There is no universal rule.
- As you get better at photography, you'll have to take less photos to get the one you want.
- Edit the photo with a filter or app if you want to make changes. If you want to, you can make some changes to the photo before posting it. Many apps and software let you edit photos. You can adjust the lighting, colors, contrast, and filter to get the best picture possible. Try all the options to enhance your photo before posting it.[16]
- Instagram has some basic filters and editing options if you want simple edits. For more involved editing, try an editing software.
- You could also choose to keep your photos unfiltered. This is a stylistic choice.
- Try to post a story along with the photo. This gives the post a more personal touch that your viewers can identify with.
[Edit]References |
| How to Handle the Stress of Planning Your Future (for College Students) Posted: 30 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT Planning for your future is exciting, but it can also be really stressful. As a college student, you may be thinking about what you're going to do after graduation. A job, more school, a career path, or even traveling are all paths that you could take. To handle the stress of planning for your future, try to solidify your plan, avoid comparing yourself to others, and focus on your day-to-day experiences to turn graduation into a positive milestone rather than a negative one. [Edit]Managing Anticipatory Stress - Make graduation a positive goal instead of a negative deadline. As you prepare for the future, you may start to dread your graduation date. However, getting through college is tough, and you should look forward to your graduation and congratulate yourself for making it this far. Try to see your graduation date as the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in your life.[1]
- Celebrate your graduation with your friends and family to solidify this as a good thing instead of a negative deadline.
- Focus on your day-to-day experiences. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by thoughts of the future as you start planning ahead. Take time out of your day to appreciate where you are right now. Although college can be stressful at times, take note of your friends, your family, and the good times that you are having while you are in school right now.[2]
- People often look back on their college years as some of the most fun ones. Try to appreciate where you are right now instead of stressing about the future all the time.
- Think positively about your future. A negative mindset will only serve to bring you down and lead to more stress. Try to keep a positive outlook when you think about your future plans. Remember that you are more than just your career path, and try to think about all the things you might accomplish some day.[3]
- The future should be something to look forward to, not something to dread.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone is on a different life path, and when you compare yourself to others, you are ignoring your different backgrounds and struggles. As you plan for your future, keep your thoughts on yourself, and try to avoid comparing your achievements to your peers', friends', and family members'.[4]
- Remember that most of your friends are also stressed about the future.
- Try not to get discouraged if you can't find a job right away. If you plan to start a career right after college, it can be frustrating to look for jobs. Often, people do not end up getting their dream job when they first apply to it. As you look for jobs, keep in mind that you are still young and you may not go down the exact path that you set for yourself.[5]
[Edit]Planning for Your Future - Evaluate your own skills and interests to decide what you want to do. As you get closer to graduating college, you have probably amassed a fair amount of skills from classes and internships. Combine these with your interests to determine what path you want to take after college. Graduate school, a job, or a career path are all valid options to choose in your desired area.[6]
- Factor the degree you will be graduating with into your career path as well.
- Reach out to your advisors to get advice. The advisors who helped you pick your class schedule can also help you plan for your career. Set up a meeting with your advisor and ask them specific questions about their own career paths and if they have any advice on reaching your goals. Write down any suggestions or tips they have that could help you in the future.[7]
- For example, you could ask, "Are there any job posting boards for my career path?"
- "Do you know how much demand there is in the field?"
- "Do you have any advice on how to get my foot in the door at a large company?"
- Go to graduate school if your job requires a higher degree. Grad school is a huge step, and it usually takes more time and effort to complete than an undergraduate degree. If you are committed to following a job path that requires either a Master's degree or a PhD., consider going to graduate school right away. Undergraduate degrees like pre-med and pre-law will probably not be applicable to any jobs you apply for.[8]
- You may be able to find a job that will pay for your graduate program while you work there.
- Find a job if you're eager to work in your field or if you need the money. If you're excited about starting your career, look for a job that begins right after you graduate. Also, student loans are a concern for many college students. Typically, you have about 6 months after you graduate with your undergraduate degree before you must start paying your student loans back. If you'd like to get a jump start on the process, look for work so you can start chipping away at your debt.[9]
- Be sure to factor your student loan payments into any budget you create for yourself in the future.
- Visit your college's career center for job-hunting resources. Most 2 and 4 year colleges have career centers that help students plan for their job and career prospects. Set up an appointment with yours and get advice about finding a job, building a resume, and making connections in your field.[10]
- Take a gap year to decide your path if you can. If you aren't really sure what you'd like to do after college, consider taking 10 to 12 months to think about it. You can work a minimum wage job, travel, or pursue a hobby as you decide what to do with your life. Keep your expenses as low as possible by living with a family member as you decide which avenue to pursue.[11]
- Taking a gap year can help your brain to decompress from the stresses of college.
- Not everyone can afford to take a gap year.
- If you are having a lot of trouble managing your stress, talk to a student counselor on campus.
[Edit]References |
| How to Preserve Roses in Resin Posted: 30 Mar 2020 09:00 AM PDT Instead of throwing away that beautiful bouquet of roses, use them to create a keepsake you can enjoy for a long time to come. By preserving roses in resin, you can make paperweights, decorative accents, or personal gifts to give to others. It's best to use dried roses so their coloring stays vibrant, and it takes about 5-10 days to dry them by hanging them upside down. After you've dried the roses, you should be able to complete this project from beginning to end within 4-5 hours. [Edit]Drying the Roses - Choose roses at the peak of their bloom for the most vibrant color. Avoid picking roses that haven't opened up yet or that are already starting to brown or droop. You can either buy roses from a store or cut them from a rose bush.[1]
- If you're cutting your own from a rose bush, it's a good idea to wear garden gloves to protect your skin from the thorns.
- Trim away the majority of the leaves from the roses' stems. Either pull the leaves off by hand or use a pair of scissors to cut them off where they intersect with the stem. You could also shave off the thorns if you're worried about getting pricked by them.[2]
- Leaving a few leaves in place will give you the chance to incorporate them into your design if you want. They can add a nice pop of color against the rose.
- Wrap a piece of twine around the stem of each rose and tie it in a bow. Use a piece of twine and wrap it around 3-4 times before tying the bow. Make the bow as tight as possible so the bundle of roses won't come apart once it's hanged.[3]
- If you don't have twine, a rubber band will work just as well. Just wrap it around several times until it's tight against the stems.
- Hang the roses upside down in a dry, airy place. Keep them out of sunlight so their color doesn't fade. Put them in a closet or cupboard where there isn't a lot of moisture in the air, and simply hang them from a hook or nail.[4]
- Excessive moisture could keep the roses from drying and could even cause them to grow mold.
- Check the roses every 5-10 days to see if they are dry to the touch. Roses don't take very long to dry, so you should be ready to move on with your project within 1-2 weeks. When you touch the roses, they should feel crispy and the petals should no longer be soft or pliable.[5]
- Cut the stem away from the bud of the roses after they have fully dried. Once you're ready to start the preservation process, trim away the stem. If you want to use any of the leaves, cut them off and set them to the side along with the rosebuds.
- The stem would most likely just get in the way and be too long to fit in the mold properly.
- Use a convection oven to dry roses in 3-4 hours. Lay the roses out on a clean baking sheet and preheat the oven to . Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack and leave the roses in the oven for 2-3 hours. Check them after that time and add an additional hour if they aren't dry yet.[6]
- A normal oven may not be able to go as low as and often has more moisture than a convection oven. You can still try this method with a normal oven, but be aware that you may not get the same results.
- Dry roses in 1-2 days with desiccant in the microwave. Bury roses in a microwave-safe container filled with desiccant. Microwave the container along with a mug full of water for 2 minutes. Poke through the desiccant with a toothpick to check the roses, and continue microwaving them in 1-minute intervals until they're fully dry. Carefully remove the container and let it sit for 24 hours before removing the roses.[7]
- A desiccant is any substance that can be used as a drying agent. There are several options you can use, but silica gel is the fastest. You can buy it at most garden supply stores.
[Edit]Preparing the Resin - Use clear polyester casting resin for the cheapest option. This type of resin will dry clear so you'll be able to see the rose inside really well. It also dries a little slower than epoxy resin, which means you have a little more time to arrange the rose and perfect your craft.[8]
- You can find this product at most craft stores or you can order it online.
- Choose an epoxy resin if you want an amber cast to the finish. Epoxy resin is typically a little faster-drying and longer-lasting than polyester resin, though both options should create keepsakes that will last for years. If you like the idea of a lightly tinted finish, epoxy resin is the way to go.[9]
- You can also buy clear epoxy resins, but the cost is much higher than what you would pay for a clear polyester resin.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to combat the resin's strong odor. Once your roses are dry and you're ready to complete your project, set up your tools outdoors if possible. If you do have to work inside, open up as many windows as you can and use a fan to circulate the air faster.[10]
- If you're sensitive to strong smells, consider wearing a face mask while you work.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the resin. If you do happen to get resin on your fingers, simply rinsing them with water won't get it off completely and the resin will leave a sticky residue. Safely remove resin without using harmful chemical products by doing the following:[11]
- Mix 1/2 tablespoon (4.5 grams) of poppy seeds with of dish soap. Rub the mixture into your hands for 60 seconds without adding water. Then add water, wash your hands, and scrub away any remaining resin. The poppy seeds act as an exfoliant to rough up the resin and get it to detach from your skin.
- If you don't have poppy seeds, coffee grounds would also work.
- Measure how much resin your mold will hold. Your mold may have this information printed on it, but if not, you can figure it out yourself. Simply pour water into the mold and then pour that water into your measuring cup to see how much liquid there is.[12]
- You can buy molds at most craft stores or online.
- Plastic molds work just fine, but you could also invest in latex-rubber molds, which are more flexible and easier to remove once the resin is set. deep}}.
- Pour enough resin into the disposable measuring cup to fill the mold. You can buy disposable measuring cups online, at craft stores, or at most local grocery stores. Look for ones that include measurements on the side so that it's easy to pour the right amount of resin.[13]
- Because the resin is so hard to clean off, disposable measuring cups guarantee that you won't accidentally ruin your normal measuring cups.
- Add the catalyst to the resin per the instructions on the resin container. In general, the catalyst makes up 1-2% of the total volume of the resin, so if your mold holds , you would need to add about 16 drops of resin. The resin container should have a chart on the back that gives you a breakdown of how much to use.[14]
- The catalyst heats the resin and helps it harden, or cure. Without it, your mold would never harden into a beautiful keepsake.
- Stir the resin and catalyst with a wooden skewer for 60 seconds. If you don't have a wooden skewer, use something else that is also disposable, like a plastic spoon or popsicle stick. It's important you mix things well so that the catalyst gets activated.[15]
[Edit]Creating the Mold - Pour the stirred resin into the mold. After stirring together the catalyst and resin for 60 seconds, carefully pour the mixture into the mold you've chosen for your roses. Be careful to not drip the resin onto your work surface or get it onto the edges of the mold itself.[16]
- If you're worried about spills, lay some old newspaper underneath your work station.
- Place the rose into the resin in the design that you want. Depending on the type of mold you chose, be aware of which side will be the top. For example, if you're using a domed mold, you'll want to insert the rose into the resin facedown so that it'll be visible once it's right-side up. Use the wooden skewer to push the rose into place.[17]
- The rose will most likely rise to the top of the resin, and that is okay. Right now, focus on getting it into a general placement. You'll have a chance to push it deeper in a little while.
- This is also the time to add the dried leaves if you saved any. You could also add other dried flowers.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and let the resin set to a gel-like consistency. If after 10 minutes the resin is still very liquid-like, set the timer for an additional 10 minutes. You want the resin to be pliable so you can push the rose in further without it popping back up but not so hard that you can't make any adjustments.[18]
- If you're working indoors or in a humid climate, it may take closer to 30 minutes for the resin to get to the right consistency.
- Finalize the positioning once the resin is the right consistency. Use your wooden skewer to push the rose deeper into the resin. If it floated off to the side, you can also push it back into place. Use this time to arrange any other flowers or leaves that are in the mold.[19]
- It's very hard to make roses look bad. Even if things are off-center a little, the end result will still look beautiful.
- Let the resin set for about 4 hours or until it is completely hardened. Consult the back of the resin container to see how long they recommend for the curing process. It usually takes several hours, but if you made a really large or deep mold, it could take longer.[20]
- If the resin is still sticky to the touch, it's not done. When it's fully dry, it should be smooth and hard.
- Remove the mold from the resin to reveal your creation! Loosen the mold from around the resin to pop it out, or peel away the mold if you used a flexible one. Use your mold as a decorative accent around your home, as a paperweight, or give it away as a gift.[21]
- The molds should come away clean, which means you can reuse them to make even more!
- Put a felt bottom on the completed mold if it'll be on top of a hard surface that you want to protect from potential scratches.[22]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Scissors
- Twine
- Rubber gloves
- Clear polyester casting resin
- Catalyst liquid
- Disposable mixing cup
- Resin mold
- Wooden skewer
- Dried roses
- Paper towels
[Edit]References |
Image: Endlesss 
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge 
Image: Wyze 
Photo by Sean O'Kane / The Verge 
The Future Today Institute 
Team Cherry 
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge 
Image: Activision 
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