Times Food Photography Contest: 5 food photography rules to follow

Taste the Lens: India on a Plate
Food in India isn’t just about flavor—it’s culture, memory, and emotion on a plate. “Taste the Lens” is your opportunity to celebrate this rich diversity through photography. Whether it’s a steaming plate of momos or the colorful chaos of a chaat stall, your clicks could bring those flavors to life for thousands. And when it comes to food photography, there are a set of rules one should follow to get the right click. Take a look

1. Use Natural Light
Avoid harsh flash or overhead lights. Soft, natural daylight from a window creates the most appetizing and realistic look. Diffuse light with a sheer curtain for best results.

2. Keep the Styling Simple
Don’t overcrowd the plate. Let the food be the hero. Use minimal props (like neutral napkins, cutlery, or herbs) that complement, not distract from the dish.

3. Focus on Freshness and Texture
Capture the food when it looks its freshest—steam rising, crispy crusts, melting cheese, glistening sauces. These textures make the viewer “taste” with their eyes.

4. Choose the Right Angle
Some dishes look better from the top (flatlays), while others shine from a 45-degree or side angle (like burgers, layered cakes, or drinks). Know the best angle for your subject.

5. Pay Attention to Color Balance
Use props and backgrounds that enhance the food’s color—contrast greens with warm wood, or bright foods with neutral surfaces. Avoid clashing or overly saturated filters.


This Month’s Theme – May 2025: Street Food Chronicles
From vada pavs in Mumbai to jhalmuri in Kolkata, street food tells the most authentic culinary stories. This May, we’re spotlighting the sizzle, spice, and soul of India's streets. Think:

Sizzling tavas

Flying parathas

Tangy golgappas

Chilli-smeared kathi rolls

Show us your city’s street food spirit!

Why You Should Participate
- Get featured on Times Food’s Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
- Win exciting e-gift vouchers
- Share your food story with thousands of fellow foodies

Contest Info
Theme: Street Food Chronicles
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2025
Submission Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
Winner Announcement: June 5, 2025 (4:00 PM)

Prizes:
- E-gift vouchers delivered within 30 working days
- Winners contacted via email & phone
- Address details collected post-selection

How to Enter
Snap a photo of your street food experience
Submit it [ HERE]
Wait & Win! Winners get featured and rewarded

So next time you’re savoring a piping hot dosa or juggling golgappas, don’t just eat—capture the magic. Turn your cravings into clicks and share the story that your plate is telling.

Ready to Taste the Lens?
Join now, click [ HERE] for details.

Want more food fun?
Join our WhatsApp Food Community to explore recipes, stories & more—click [ HERE]!

Images Courtesy: iStock