Snap, Savor, & Share: 2024 Food Photography Trends Taking Minneapolis by Storm
One of the best parts of being a food photographer is watching (and tasting!) the culinary scene evolve here in the Twin Cities. The food scene is as dynamic and diverse as ever. It may come as a surprise, but food photography never gets boring.
In 2024, we're seeing some exciting trends that are pushing the envelope and challenging us to experiment and innovate. As diverse creatives—from brand managers to mixologists and food photographers like me—we look forward to sharing our city's delicious stories as we explore and adapt.
2024 Food Photography Trends You’ll Want to Try this Year
In this ever-evolving field, this year is bringing some fresh and exciting food photography trends to the table, and I can't wait to share them with you! (And, in an effort to show how these trends can be combined in a seamless, balanced shoot, I crafted all of these images at the Japanese / French dining experience by Chef Baaska Tegshbileg of Sushi By Baaska and Chef Brooke Faudree of Quince. Enjoy!
Natural Light & Shadows
2024 is all about embracing natural elements in food photography. With diversified digital marketing needs, photographers are moving away from artificially lit studios and into natural light. The play of shadows and sunlight adds a dramatic, moody depth to the pictures, making the food look tantalizingly real. It's as if you can reach out and grab a bite!
Vibrant Colors
In the world of food photography, color has made a big comeback in 2024. Bold, vibrant hues are in—think bright avocado greens, rich beetroot purples, and fiery chili reds. Both monochromatic themes and contrasting color palettes add a pop of fun and personality to food photography. Colorful gradients and pastel ombre backgrounds are also in this year. Don't forget the sparkle effects for added measure!
Patterns & Tessallation
Patterns have a way of drawing the eye and begging for focus. Try playing with tessellation (repeating images), boxes, grids, and leading lines to make a simple subject pop.
Futuristic Elements & Surrealism
With the rise of AI and all the capabilities it brings to the table (barring those creepy extra fingers), creatives have started playing around with some fantasy elements and futuristic components for added intrigue and engagement. It's not for everyone, but it complements some products.
Movement & Action Shots
There's a growing trend towards capturing the action in the kitchen. Think tossing salads, sprinkling spices, or the splash of wine into a pan. These dynamic shots add a layer of storytelling, making viewers feel part of the cooking process. This kind of advertising also promotes a sense of natural, fresh ingredients that most people are after.
Sustainable & Ethical Storytelling
As our city becomes more eco-conscious, it's no surprise that sustainable and ethical storytelling is a significant trend this year. Showcasing locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and sustainable culinary practices are all part of this green narrative. It’s not just about snapping a great picture but also highlighting the story of the food’s journey from the farm to the plate. We can highlight the freshness and vibrancy of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. It's all about showcasing the beauty of sustainable and clean food choices.
Dark & Moody Compositions
On the opposite end of the spectrum, depending on your brand, there's been a shift from bright, stylized snaps to more atmospheric, moody foodscapes, especially in the cocktail, craft beer, and restaurant world. This trend captures the dark, rustic, and raw elements of food. Think dim lighting, shadow play, and a profound focus on texture. It’s about creating a narrative around the dish, making our viewers feel like they're just about to settle into a relaxing evening and take the first bite. You can take this trend in different directions with textures like elegant velvet or rugged leather.
Macro Shots
Detail is king in 2024! Macro shots are a great way to highlight the intricate details of food, from the tiny seeds on a strawberry to the beautiful patterns on a piece of grilled fish or the grain on a wood plank. These close-up shots can offer a tantalizingly abstract perspective on food.
Unfiltered Authenticity
As social media continues to shape our visual culture, there's a growing appetite for authenticity. Now, photographs represent real, imperfect, home-cooked meals rather than the flawless, commercial-style food images tucked in cute little wrappers. 'Real' food images that tell a story—the drips, crumbs, and half-eaten pieces—have replaced perfectly styled dishes. It's about capturing the food in its most natural state, making the images more relatable and appealing to viewers. Plus, this builds trust since the viewer feels like they can see all the cards.
Aerial Food Shots
We're soaring high in 2024 with a surge in aerial food shots. This trend adds a new perspective to food photography, allowing us to capture the complete layout of a dish or table from above. It's about showcasing the grandeur of a spread, the symphony of a well-set table, or the humble beauty of a solo dish.
Animated Photos
Animated photos, or cinemagraphs, are gaining popularity in the food photo world. These are still photos with a slight touch of motion that adds a dynamic, mesmerizing element. Imagine a photo of coffee with tendrils of steam rising from the mug or a picture of salad where the leaves subtly rustle. It's about capturing the life in our food, making the photos feel more engaging and immersive.
Retro Revival
Retro is back, and it's making waves (literally) in food photography too. Retro cutlery, funky patterns and designs, and old-school plating styles add nostalgia to the photographs. It’s about recreating a bygone era and instilling a sense of comfort and familiarity for some (or a fun back-in-time experience for younger audiences). I loved the appeal of these classic macarons, truffles, and candies reminiscent of simpler times.
Minimalistic Shots
And finally, if you're drawn to clean and simple, minimalism never really left the food photography scene. In 2024, less is (still) more. Clean backgrounds, simple compositions, and a focus on the food's natural colors and textures make this style a timeless classic, especially if it suits your product and brand. The aim is to let the food shine without any distractions.
Twin Cities Food Photographer
So, there you have it—the top trends shaping food photography in 2024. As a Minnesota food photographer, each project brings a new dish and story to capture. Whether you're a fellow photographer or a foodie, it's exciting to see how these trends will continue to evolve. So, grab your camera (or your fork), and let's get to work!
Stay tuned for more updates on Minneapolis's food photography scene. Keep exploring, experimenting, and, most importantly, savoring the beauty around you. Until next time, happy snapping!
