North Jersey foodies Anne Constance & Natalie Lewis share their tips for taking a savory snapshot

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

In the age of Instagram, people are sharing “foodstagrams” with their social media networks in unprecedented numbers. Perfectly plated veggie dishes and artfully designed acai bowls seem to be taking over the Internet, and we’re not complaining about it. This is particularly true when a photo from Fish.Eye Design (@fisheyedesign) pops-up on our Instagram newsfeed.

Friends turned Fish.Eye Design co-creators Anne Constance and Natalie Lewis have mastered nearly all aspects of gastronomy. Anne, a professional photographer, and Natalie, a certified personal and private chef, collaborate to create – and capture - unforgettable dishes. Their business offers recipe concept and development, food styling and design, and editorial product and food photography.

It comes as no surprise that the pair has been commissioned for NJ-based brands like Atalanta Corp and Heartisan Bread, as both Constance and Lewis are Northern New Jersey residents. A graduate of Le Cordon Blue in Paris, Lewis moved to the Napa Valley before taking her sustainable cooking skills and sommelier-savvy to her current home in Morris County. Chef Lewis’ star-studded client list includes New Jersey socialites and NFL players.

A Far Hills native, Constance’s Jersey-ties have made her one of the most sought after newborn and family photographers in the state. Her BFA in Theatre and Costume Design from Baylor University allows her to artfully design her photos, which are always expressive and vibrant. Constance’s photography has appeared in several web and print publications, and was featured on daytime television.

Even if you aren’t a published photographer or a celebrity chef, you can still take a top-notch food photo with a few tips from our Fish.Eye friends. Below, the duo shares five tips for taking a “like-worthy” food photo.

Go Natural on the Lighting

“It is imperative to find the best possible natural light available to you and then work to control that light in order to flatter the food. Shoot near a large window or take your food outside into the open shade. You can manipulate your light with a simple piece of white foam core by allowing the light to reflect from the white surface onto your food, highlighting the natural contours of the dish.”

Your Angle is Key

“Move your body, not just your lens. Approach your photo from every direction - grab a step stool and shoot over top of your food and also squat down next to it, shooting head on. You never know what looks best until you see it from every angle.”

Strive for Imperfection

“Take a bite out of that cookie, splatter some of the sauce on the table, or dig that fork into the perfect piece of pie. We believe that photos of food should look like food! Viewers eat with their eyes first so try creating visual interest by helping your food take on an appetizing reality.”

Color and Texture are Everything

“If your dish is lacking color, try playing up the texture, and vise-versa. Often times a pasta dish or piece of meat can lack visual stimulation so add a pop of color with some fresh herbs, or place your subject on a textured surface. Small textural and color changes can make a big impact.”

Play with Props

“Add a spoon, linen, or a second plate of food for dimension. Sometimes that's all the photo might need to go from good to great. We love props, in fact might be slightly addicted to collecting them, but props can simply come from your own kitchen. Don't overthink it too much, just play and have fun.”