Times Food Photography Contest: 5 phone settings for perfect food photography
Taste the Lens: India on a PlateFood 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 mobile food photography, it is important to keep a check on the following settings for that perfect click.Turn on Grid LinesWhy: Helps you align your shot using the Rule of Thirds for better composition.How: Go to Camera Settings → Enable Grid.Use Manual Focus (Tap to Focus)Why: Ensures your subject (the dish) is crisply in focus, especially with depth or garnish.Tip: Tap on the main part of the food (like the topping or center) before you shoot.Adjust Exposure ManuallyWhy: Prevents overexposure or underexposure, especially with bright plates or sauces.How: After tapping to focus, slide up/down to adjust brightness before clicking.Use HDR Mode (High Dynamic Range)Why: Captures detail in both shadows and highlights — perfect for food with texture or shine.Note: Works best in good natural light; avoid HDR in dim settings.Set Camera Resolution to HighWhy: You get sharper and more detailed photos, ideal for cropping or editing later.How: Go to Camera Settings → Set Photo Quality or Resolution to maximum.Bonus Tips:Use natural light near a window for soft shadows.Keep the lens clean for sharp images.Try portrait mode for depth or pro mode if available.This Month’s Theme – May 2025: Street Food ChroniclesFrom 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 tavasFlying parathasTangy golgappasChilli-smeared kathi rollsShow 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 foodiesContest InfoTheme: Street Food ChroniclesDuration: May 1 to May 31, 2025Submission Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM dailyWinner 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-selectionHow to EnterSnap a photo of your street food experienceSubmit it [HERE]Wait & Win! Winners get featured and rewardedSo 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
