How to Build a Food Photography Light Stand

To photograph food items successfully, you must provide adequate lighting from all directions to minimize shadows and reduce glare. Food photography is an art form, and the best photographers are highly sought after for their ability to make food look tempting and delicious. You can build your own light stand when you're getting started in food photography.

Things You'll Need

• Collapsible aluminum sawhorse
• 5 work lights with clamps and reflective hoods
• White and black drop cloths
• Multi-plug extension cord

Instructions

1. Purchase a lightweight aluminum sawhorse from a lumberyard or hardware store. When making a light stand that you can set up on any table, weight is an important consideration.

2. Set up your sawhorse on a table or counter top. Make sure to place a piece of scrap fabric under the legs to avoid scratching the surface.

3. Clamp the work lights on the sides and on the top to provide light from many directions. Three on the top and one on each side facing inwards will create a balanced light scenario.

4. Plug the cords into the multi-plug extension cord and plug into a wall outlet. Consider purchasing an extension cord with an electrical "trip" feature that will safely interrupt the power if your lights are pulling too much electricity from a single outlet. Alternately, use two separate cords and plug them into different outlets.

5. Position your sawhorse light stand on a table by a sunny window to provide even more light.

6. Cover the bottom of your table with the black or white drop cloths to provide a solid contrast that will flatter your food photography.

7. Use a tripod to hold your camera. With all the extra light you're using, you can increase your shutter speed and lower your camera's ISO (sensitivity) for color-rich, detailed food shots.

Tips & Warnings

• Collect a number of plates in different colors and textures to enhance your food photography. Solid colors work well. Add square, rectangle, round and other shapes to create interest.