One of the most important considerations for your photography (of all kinds) is your lighting set up.

From tablecloths to napkins, there are a variety of textures and colors you can use to enhance the setting in your photograph.

Finding interesting dishes, bowls, flatware, and glasses that you can use as props is almost as important as the food itself.

You want to be selective, but not overly picky when choosing the food items for your subject.

After assembling all of your ingredients, and just before you are ready to cook, you want to set the stage for your photograph so it is ready to go.

With the food prepared it is time to style it and complete the scene.

For the next food item Nicole talks about how you can use color accents to enhance the image.

Setting up the scene before you cook gives you time to plan and prepare before the actual food item is on the scene. Now, with the food in place you can style, adjust, and shoot while the food is fresh.

It is always good to re-check your camera settings between shoots. A new dish brings a new scene and change of props.

Placing the food and the garnish while constantly checking the view through the back of the camera allows you to build up the elements of the photo.

You can use off-camera strobe to mimic window light.

Nicole wraps up the class by walking through strategies to help you overcome challenging food situations.