You don’t need expensive gear to take great food photos. Here are three simple secrets I live by:

1. Always Use Natural Light: The best light for food photography is soft, natural light from a window. Turn off all your kitchen lights and place your dish near a window for beautiful, professional-looking results.

2. Find the Best Angle: Not every dish looks good from the top down. For burgers or cakes with layers, a 45-degree angle is best. For things like pizza or decorated cookies, a top-down (flat lay) shot works wonders.

3. Tell a Story with Props: A simple linen napkin, a rustic fork, or a few scattered ingredients can add life and context to your photo. Props help tell the story behind the dish.