5 Easy Ways to Add Texture to Your Food Photography for Eye-Catching Results

By Krisztian Sipos

Food & Drinks Photographer in London | https://www.krisztiansipos.com/lifestyle-product-food-photography

Creating delicious-looking food photography isn't just about nailing the colours and plating. Texture plays a huge role in drawing viewers in and making your images feel real, touchable, and mouth-watering. Whether you're shooting a gooey chocolate cake or a crunchy salad, understanding how to add texture can completely transform your results. Here are five easy ways to bring more texture into your food photography.

1. Play with Different Types of Food Textures

When we think of texture, the first thing that often comes to mind is crunch—crispy onions, toasted seeds, or flaky pastry. These elements instantly add depth and interest to a shot.

But don't forget about creamy, glossy, or fluffy textures too! A swirled mousse, glossy melted chocolate, or peaks of whipped cream are just as impactful.

Here are some tips to capture food photography textures.

Simple tips:

• Garnish soups with roasted veg or caramelised toppings.

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or nuts for contrast.

• Let natural textures shine—like the fuzz on raspberries or the wrinkles of kale. 

  
  

2. Use Side Lighting to Highlight Texture

Light and shadows are your best mates when bringing out texture. Side lighting (light coming from one side of your subject) is beneficial for creating contrast.

Pro tip:

If you're working with soft food like soup or mousse, light from the side will help emphasise the highs and lows, giving more dimension to your image. Use black cards or flags to block unwanted bounce light for even more shape.

3. Add a Bit of Shine with Oil or Water

This one's a bit of a cheat code. A spritz of water or a drizzle of oil can instantly bring a dull subject to life.

Try this:

• Spray fresh fruits, herbs or leafy greens with water for a fresh-out-of-the-garden look.

• Brush a light coat of oil on roasted veg or meat to give them an appetising glisten.

4. Use Backdrops and Props with Natural Texture

Once your food looks its best, you can level the overall feel by styling the rest of the frame with textured surfaces.

Some ideas:

• Use rustic wooden boards, wrinkled linen, stone, or handmade painted backdrops.

• Mix in rough ceramics, vintage cutlery or matte props to add visual interest without stealing attention.

These layers help set the mood and make the image feel more real and relatable.

5. Enhance Texture in Post-Production

You've nailed the shot—now finish it off in editing. A few simple tweaks in Lightroom (or your preferred editing software) can boost texture even more.

Editing checklist:

• Slightly raise the whites or highlights to enhance shine.

• Lower shadows or blacks (gently!) to create depth.

• Use the clarity and texture sliders to define the details. Be careful not to overdo it!

Editing is where your final textures can truly pop and help elevate your shot from good to irresistible.

 

FAQs

How do you take food photos for beginners?

Start with natural light (a window is great), shoot from the side or top, and use a simple setup. Focus on one strong subject and build around it. Read more in my blog: How to Take Food Photos for Beginners.

What's the best way to photograph sweet food like cakes and desserts?

Focus on contrast—use soft textures like whipped cream or glossy ganache with crunchy toppings or textured props. Backlighting also works well to highlight syrup drips or glazes.

How do I photograph shiny food like chocolate or sauces?

Back or side lighting helps bring out the gloss. Avoid overhead lights, which flatten the shine. A little oil or glycerin can go a long way if used sparingly.

Where can I book food photography in London?

You can view my work and get in touch here: Krisztian Sipos – Food & Drinks Photographer in London

Want More Food Photography Tips?

Check out some of my other blogs:

• The Power of Multiple Lights in Food Photography

• What Is Emotive Lighting in Food Photography?

• Capturing the Mood with Creative Light Setups

Final Thoughts

Texture isn't just a detail—it's a storyteller. It helps your viewer imagine the taste, smell, and feel of the food. Layering textures in your dishes, props, and lighting can make your photography go from flat to fantastic. So next time you're setting up a shoot, think about what your viewer might want to reach out and touch.

Let's Connect

Got questions or want to book a shoot? Get in touch and let's bring your food stories to life.

Tags: #foodphotography #foodstyling #texture #lightandshadow #krisztiansipos #photographytips #londonfoodphotographer