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7 weird and unexpected things food photographers do to make their shots look perfect

Rachel HosieSep 16, 2020, 20:53 IST

Don't be fooled: These pancakes are likely doused in engine oil and the hot chocolates are probably cold.CEWE/Getty

Everyone wants to get the perfect shot for Instagram, but food photography takes real skill.
Whether you're trying to capture the perfect runny egg yolk atop your avocado toast or a stacked juicy burger, there are tricks professionals use to create the best #foodporn.
What many people don't know, however, is that the techniques experts use often mean the food is inedible.
From pancakes dripping in engine oil to chicken brushed with paint, here are seven little-known food photography tips from London-based food photographer Sue Atkinson, in collaboration with photo printing company CEWE.

1. Undercook chicken and brush it with paint

Chicken is often undercooked for the perfect shot. CEWE

2. Stack pancakes with layers of cardboard

Pancakes are stacked with hidden layers of cardboard to look fluffier. CEWE

3. Use engine oil in place of maple syrup

Professionals don't use maple syrup at all — they use engine oil. Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

4. Add washing up liquid to beer

The perfect beer snap may not be all it seems. Getty

5. Use glue instead of milk on cereal

If the milk on this muesli looks too creamy to be real, it's because it's not real. CEWE

6. Hide a hot wet cloth behind a hot drink

Even if your drink isn't steaming itself, you can fake it. Getty

7. Brush meat with oil

Would you like a side of oil with your roast beef? CEWE

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