Part One: From Plate to Palette: Overhead "Flat Lay" Photography

This image is a Honey-Crisp Apple and Butternut Squash Salad with Whipped Ricotta, Zhoug, and Pomegranate created by Jonathan Hancock, Executive Chef at Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tennessee. This young chef has his plating down to a science!

I have over 20 years of experience in food photography. I started as a corporate photographer in NYC and discovered my passion for food photography while shooting a restaurant. In 2004, I co-founded NY Restaurant Insider magazine, where I learned to capture images of some of New York's top chefs, now celebrities and successful entrepreneurs. In 2010, I transitioned to Private Golf and Country Clubs, traveling the world to photograph their culinary creations. This journey resulted in two coffee table books and a magazine in its eighth year. Since iPhone photography has become all the rage, many chefs are taking and posting their recipe images.

Here are some of my pointers from my POV on improving your recipe shots so that they showcase the true artistry of your hard work. Let's start with overhead photography.

Overhead or "Flat Lay" Photography

Food is more than sustenance; it's a sensory experience that begins before the first bite. Overhead food photography, or the "flat lay" style, captures the artistry and allure of a dish. Shooting from above, photographers can emphasize composition, colors, textures, and plating design—turning meals into breathtaking visual stories.

I photographed this Huckleberry Pie Gelato recipe at Cassique, Kiawah Island Club in South Carolina. Notice how the ice cream appears as though you can almost take it out of the picture and eat it?

Let's break down my thought process, at least what happens in my head!

The Palette of Flavor
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Color isn't just decorative; it conveys freshness, richness, and taste. A vibrant dish bursting with reds, greens, and yellows evokes feelings of warmth and nourishment, while monochromatic tones create an air of sophistication. The overhead perspective amplifies these hues, allowing every ingredient to pop against its surroundings. Whether it's a bright citrus salad or a decadent chocolate tart, color draws the viewer in, making them almost taste the dish just by looking at it.

This beautiful recipe for Grilled Branzino with Quinoa Tabbouleh, French Feta, Heirloom Tomato Relish, and Pomegranate Molasses was created and plated by Anthony Capua, a groundbreaking young chef I met at Sycamore Hills Golf and Country Club during the pandemic. He is now the Executive Chef at Brentwood Country Club in Los Angeles, California. His use of color with his garnishes on a dish that often looks bland makes your taste buds water for Branzino!

The Visual Representation of Taste

While photography can't capture a dish's flavors, it can suggest them. The golden crust of a freshly baked baguette, the creamy swirl of a rich sauce, or the glossy sheen of ripe fruit hint at textures and taste. Overhead shots provide a clear, detailed view of these interactions, inviting viewers to imagine each ingredient's crunch, smoothness, or zest. I prefer natural light mixed with mirrors to create the most natural presentation of reality. I learned this from a visit to David Bouley's test kitchen in the late 2000s. David had hired a Belgian photographer to photograph his recipes, and the photographer had no lighting, just a window and mirrors. Shortly after, I dedicated myself to natural lighting as much as possible regarding food.

Christopher Passaro, the Executive Chef at Preakness Hills Country Club, created a stunning dish of Pan-Seared Scallops accompanied by Roasted Tri-Color Cauliflower, Cream of Corn Risotto, Bacon Jam, Garlic Confit Purée, and Scallion Oil earlier this year. This dish beautifully showcases a variety of colors and textures, enhancing the overall taste experience. It’s also a healthy choice!

A beautifully plated dish tells a story, and the overhead angle allows that narrative to unfold in a structured, aesthetic way. Whether a minimalist arrangement emphasizing clean lines or a rustic, overflowing spread, plating design is crucial in setting the mood. Symmetry, negative space, and layering play a role in making a dish visually exciting. The overhead perspective also allows chefs and photographers to guide the eye, emphasizing key elements like an elegant drizzle, carefully placed garnishes, or bold patterns created by ingredients.

Beef is one of the most challenging ingredients for food photographers to capture effectively in a recipe. Both color and texture are important factors. This Brandt Beef Bone Marrow Bread Pudding recipe image I took at the Cassique Golf Club, located at the Kiawah Island Club, South Carolina, required about three hours for the chefs to set up. They meticulously adjusted and refined the presentation until everyone was satisfied with the final shot!

Why Overhead Food Photography Stands Out

This style of photography offers clarity, balance, and context. Unlike angled shots focusing on depth or individual elements, overhead images provide an immersive, top-down view of the dish. It lets the viewer appreciate the craftsmanship behind each plate, highlighting the harmony between color, flavors, and plating.

Overhead food photography isn't just about capturing a meal—it's about celebrating its beauty, inviting people to experience it visually before they take a bite. Mastering this technique transforms meals into art.

Are you thinking of trying some overhead shots yourself? I'd love to hear what inspires you!

In part two, we will dive into Macro Photography!

By Diana DeLucia