Author: Travel Guruji

Introduction

You may have heard the saying that the higher you go, the cooler it becomes. This is what happens in mind hill stations. These hills are more relaxed than the plains during summer. A cooler air floats on them, making them tourist attractions. Hill stations are a good choice for tourists who visit in summer. The origin of the hills is in the colonial period when colonialists chose these areas to cool off. Travel agencies ensure that visitors get to enjoy these spots in the hot summer. The hills have changed over the years. The population has since increased in a large number. As a result, the construction of roads and buildings also grew. They are no longer the quiet hills that were present in the colonial days. Yet, they remain the best places to spend your summer. They are many activities that one can do while visiting them. The fresh air makes it easy to explore them without enduring the summer heat. This write-up consists of select hill stations near Delhi. It contains activities to do when summering here.

1. Mussoorie hill station

This town is located 279 kilometers from Delhi. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations. History shows that a British officer established it during colonial days. This is a lovely spot to enjoy cool and sunny summers. The weather is more favorable between April and June. You can also visit Mussoorie town between October and November. These are the perfect times to escape the harsh summers on the plains. The hill station is infamous for its clear skies and cool breeze. It has an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level. This means the fresh air settles on the hilltop, making it more refreshing. There are a ton of activities you can do while here.

Make your trip exciting by frolicking on the waterfalls. Trekking and a little hiking a good way of enjoying the scenery. The natural views, while walking, will make your trip memorable. If you are a fan of rock climbing, this is the place for you. The boating experience on this hill station is one of a kind. Tourists soak in the gentle sun as they enjoy the scenery around them. Boating on these hills is a unique experience you don’t want to miss. Besides, there are many wild animals that you can admire while on this trip. Other than these experiences, there are beautiful places to visit. Some of them have a rich history of the town. They include; Mussoorie lake, Kempty falls, Soham Heritage, and art center. Other amazing places are the camel’s back road, Gun Hill, and K Dev Bhoomi wax Museum. You can access Mussoorie via trains running from Delhi to Dehradun. You can also use the road, which at least 1 hour and 20 minutes.

2. Chail

This hill station is located 340 kilometers from Delhi. It is infamous for being the world’s largest cricket ground. History has it that Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala established it. This maharaja built this resort according to his specifications. Chail is more peaceful than other hill stations near Delhi. It has a reputation for its green jungle. At 7300 feet above sea level, it cooler than other hills. This enjoys this peace because it not commercialized as other hills. It is the perfect spot for a cool summer away from the city hassle. A large area of the hill is covered in pine and deodar trees. Besides, the green fields offer great scenery for anyone who wants to relax. It is the cricket field that is more exciting. It is a well maintained field that is surrounded by natural scenery. Other than that, there are many activities you can do while here. Most tourists trek from this hill to Shimla. The hill station also has a wildlife sanctuary that is attractive to photographers. Besides, frolicking in the lake and temple touring are fun activities to do on this hamlet. Winters are very cold in Chail, and summers are warm. So the best time to visit this station is between June to October. You can get to Chail using taxis and buses via Chandigarh.

3. Nainital, Uttarakhand

This hill station is within 300 kilometers near Delhi with an altitude of 6830 feet above sea level. It is also known as the lake district of India. It is also surrounded by seven hills, which make it a big tourist spot. The unique surrounding of the town makes it unique. The hills and lake Naini give it a tourist feel. Percy Barron established the town in 1841. It has since grown to become a tourist hub. It is famous for having the most local and foreign tourists. You will not want to miss the scenic mountains on your visit. Other places to visit here are Lake Naini, pashan Devi temple, Observatory, and cave garden. You should also include the Tiffin shop and snow view in the package. While visiting, you can go boating on the lake. It is a unique experience to be surrounded by beautiful nature. Other activities are roping, trekking, photography, and rock climbing. The best time to enjoy to make these memories is between June to October. The hill station is accessible by road from Kathgodam.

4. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

This hill station is at 360 kilometers from Delhi. It has an altitude of over 7000 feet above sea level. It was the capital of British India. As such, it has many colonial buildings and historic temples. The iconic 12km long ridge is its famous landmark. The conducive weather in summer makes it suitable for families. Couples on their honeymoon also find Shimla (  10 Amazing Things To Do In Shimla )a good spot for enjoying their new life. It also has malls, toy trains, and the ridge, which are tourist spots. The ridge, in particular, gets crowded during peak seasons. It provides an air of vibrancy around it, making it exciting. If you are selecting places to stay for summer, you must consider Shimla. You can visit the Jakhu temple, Kalka Shimla Railway, and Kuthar Fort. Besides, Mall Road and green valley are good as well. There are a ton of activities to do in Shimla, such as paragliding or trekking. Others are sightseeing, hiking, and mountaineering. The town can be accessed via Shimla airport. You can also use buses or taxis for your transport.

5. Auli, Uttarakhand

This station has an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. It is the coldest hill station during the summer. It is usually calm and sunny during the summer. The station has hilly slopes covered grass carpets and coniferous trees. Located at 364 kilometers from Delhi, it is the best for your summer trip. While the plains of India are very hot, choose this station to make your trip fun. The hill station is famous for its skiing slopes. You don’t have to be an expert in enjoying skiing here. It also has the longest cable car at 4km. You can use the vehicle to access the station from Joshimath. It is a site that is full of tourists, and it is a good place for family visits and honeymooners. While at Auli, you can enjoy the snow peaks of Nada Devi and Trishul peaks. There are many places to visit while in Auli. Exciting places are Chenab lake, Kwani bugyal, and Auli artificial lake. Other sites are the holy town of Joshimath and Vishnu Prayag. The hill station is only accessible using the cable car from the town of Joshimath. Tip: the cable car I Auli is the longest in Asia. The best time to visit Auli is from January to march for skiing and from April to August.

6. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is one of the fun places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at least 556 km from Delhi and has an altitude of 6500 feet. It is a commonplace that you must include on your summer trip. The hill station is located along the banks of river Beas and at the end of Kullu valley. This position gives it a picturesque view of the Himalayas. It is a fun place that one cannot afford not to visit. The station also has cool summer weather that you can enjoy without enduring the heat of Delhi. It an escape place for lovers, families, and adventurists. While here, you can visit the Manu temple, hot springs, and the Tibetan monastery. The Van Vihar national park and Rohtang pass are places you can also visit. Fun activities to do include bathing in natural Sulphur springs, rafting, and sightseeing. You can also go shopping or explore the Naggar castle. The hill station is accessible via trains and buses. You can also take a plane to Chandigarh and a bus, later on, to arrive at Manali ( 20 places to visit in Manali ). You can visit Manali at any time of the year to enjoy yourself.

7. Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh

This is the headquarters of the Kangra District. It is a famous hill station for honeymoon tours. It is located 485 kilometers from Delhi. It has an altitude of 1475 meters above sea level. The British cantonment founded the station in the 19th century. The station is located between the winding Kangra Valley. It is also headquarters to his holiness Dalai lama. It is rich in Buddhism and Tibetan cultures. It is very peaceful to have a tour at this station. Besides that, the Kangra valley is lush green with coniferous and oak trees. You can get a good view of the snowcapped Himalayas from here. Tourists often camp at Triund in Dharamkot or trek on the Triund Trek. The fun starts as you drive towards the station. Kangra valley offers a picturesque view to its visitors. Also, you can visit the Dalai lama temple, Chamunda temple, and Kangra art museum. The kareri lake, Namgyal monastery, and Indru nag are also fun places for your visit. Make a point to visit Dharmshala ( Top 10 Things To See And Do In Dharamsala ) for your trip, and you will not regret it.

8. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is one of the best stations to escape from the hot summers in Delhi. It is located 576 kilometers from Delhi. It has an altitude of 6460 feet above sea level and boasts cool weather. It is the perfect place to relax, have fun, and finish your summer trip. The hill station was founded in 1854 and was named after the governor of India, Lord Dalhousie. It is the gateway to Chamba valley and has snowcapped mountains around it. The green picturesque hill station is a favorite for many tourists. It has fantastic scenery that is soothing to the body and soul. The dhauladhar mountain range is a plus for the viewers and provides the cool weather. Some of the places you can visit here are the Chamera dam, and Satdhara falls. You can also visit Dainkund peak, Panchpula peak, and Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. There are a ton of fun activities to do while here. You can always do excursions, trekking, picnics, and wildlife viewing. You can visit Dalhousie at any time of the year. It is the best place to enjoy the summer without enduring the excess heat in Delhi.

Conclusion

The above hill stations are not the only ones in India. There are also other enjoyable fun places that you can spend your summer. The fun part is that they allow you to escape the excess heat in Delhi during summer. Other options that you can explore are mount Abu and Lansdowne. You can also Khajjiar and Solang valley. There are also other unexplored places for adventurous visitors. They include Mukteshwar, Binsar, and Kausani. These are hill stations that will make your summer worth to remember. Most of these hill stations were established during the colonial time. They are an excellent place to learn history while having fun. Besides, some have cultural and religious associations. As a native and a foreign tourist, summers on these hill stations is a value for money. They give you a break from the commercial hassle of Delhi. They are places you can relax and enjoy the scenery. You get to interact with flora and fauna. You cannot afford to miss these places. If you are summering in Delhi, ensure you include one of them in your travel plans.

 

The sight of Jaipur is grandeur. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan which is the state of India. The architecture of Jaipur is fascinating. It is the best and advanced in the history of the sub-continent. On the visit of the royal member in 1876. On his visit the whole city as decorated in a pink color. They even colored it pink. This pink outlook generated the name Pink city for Jaipur. There are many historical places in Jaipur. The city is rich in its traditions and culture. Its architecture is eye-catching. People visit from far to look at the beauty it presents. Jaipur is also referred to as the land of Maharajas. There are numerous places with unique artifacts. The infrastructure of Jaipur is of high quality. Many heritage hotels little changes to the details of the original building. It is the model of the eternal love of kings and queens for their empire. It is expected to stay as long as the love of beauty and architecture. To protect these buildings s not just saving an historical infrastructure but it is also about saving the love and passion behind it.

Here are some tourist attractions and famous places in Jaipur. 

 

1. Nahargarh Fort. 

On the craggy rim of Aravalli Hills, a beautiful landscape is situated. It is the Nahargarh Fort. The fort was built in 1734, later it was extended in 1868 during the reign of Swami Madho Singh. There is also a folk tale related to the name of the fort. People say it is named after Nahar Singh home. His spirit did not let the fort to complete. A temple as made in his name near the fort for the peace of his spirit. The fort is made with the design of all the rooms in line. The rooms lined are for the queens. A master room is at the head. This master room belonged to the king. A long corridor connects all the rooms. It is very spacious and welcoming to its visitors. At night you can see the view of Jaipur from the fort. There is another attraction in Nahargarh fort. A one of its kind wax museum is built on the left of the palace entrance. It has more than 35 wax statues. 

2. Jaigarh Fort

His fort was built under the reign of Jai Singh II. This is on the prominence range of Aravalli Hills. I was built to protect the Amber Fort. Both Amber and Jaigarh fort has a similar infrastructure. It is on a distance of 10 kilometers from the city Jaipur. The Fort has Very thick brick walls. It is surrounded by nature’s beauty. It overlooks Amer Fort. There is a museum inside the fort. It contains pictures of important historical Maharajas and their artifacts. They invested well in making deadly weapons. This fort was also used as their artillery. The underground tunnels connected both amber and Jaigarh. This also made it easy to protect in times of danger.

3. City palace Jaipur

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh made this palace. It is the amalgam of Rajput and Mughal culture. The fort was mainly used for cultural and religious events. It is present in the center of the city. It makes it the cynosure of Jaipur. There are many buildings and many courtyards in the fort. The most prominent and most visited in Chandra mahal. It has 7 floors and each named uniquely. It is the heart of the Palace.

 

 

4. Amber Fort

Due to its location, it creates an amazing reflection on Moatha Lake. The corridors feel like a maze. The fort is packed with great architecture. The building is full of beautiful carvings. There are many sights in the fort. It covers a huge area. 

 

5. Bhangarh Fort

This fort is 77 km from Jaipur. One of the most famous sites in the fort is the Gopinath temple. The temple is rustic and gives away the feeling of nothingness. The fort is a beautiful masterpiece of an architect. It has an attraction to every curve. At first sight, it feels lonely. It is in the heart of rugged mountains. The fort seems to be the hope of survival in the rough land. Due to negligence, the fort speaks loud for its downfall. It has turned into a ghost fort now.

6. Taragarh Fort

It the masterpiece of the 14th century. The building is grandeur. But due to lack of interest, some buildings have fallen and turned into ruins. Now you can find only some parts of the fort. The remnants tell the story of its grandeur. There are several tunnels inside the fort that run through the mountain.

7. Kesroli Hill Fort

It is the fort made in the 14th century. This fort has seen many owners. First, it was taken from the hands of Mughals. The victorious party was Jats. Later after some time, the fort was conquered by Rajput. This fort is a creation of modesty. The work inside and out in the landscape is minimal. It is supposed to be a rest house for the Mughal family. Now it has turned into a grand hotel. It is an expensive hotel. It gives a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of royals. 

Reasons to visit

Jaipur is referred to as Pink city. It is the hub of tourist attraction. Jaipur has so much to offer. There are many forts and palaces which date as back as the 14th century. The wide landscapes invite visitors to stay longer. In these days of hustle and bustle, you can still find the time to relax in Jaipur. You can find all the luxuries in the hotels and palaces. They have also managed to keep the essence of simplicity in them. Visiting Jaipur will give you a royal experience. There are many forts to visit in Jaipur. In each fort, there is a unique style and architecture. The infrastructure shows the famous culture and architecture of that era. There was the distinction of Rajput, Mughal, and Jat. This difference can be seen clearly in the architecture of the forts. 

 

 

 

Indian is also called a country of festivals. It is a secular country. People of more than four religions live in India. At least one festival is celebrated each month in India. Every festival is unique. There is a unique story behind every festival. Most of the festivals are deep-rooted into Hinduism. Festivals offer a sense of belonging for religious and geographical groups. People of India love their festivals as India is a secular state. People of different faiths celebrate every festival together. These celebrations tell us about mutual harmony among the people of India. Indians celebrate all festivals with their dear ones. People decorate their houses with lights. They prepare sweets. People belonging to a different area of India have different festivals but most of them are celebrated nationwide. There are many religious festivals celebrated in India. Some of them are described below. 

1-Dusshera

This festival is celebrated on the 10th day of Ashvina. This festival is for the celebration of victory of moral over immoral. The significance of this festival is that whenever a bad force pushes you there is always a good force that will win. 

 

History

Dusshera is also known as Vijayadashami. It is a religious festival. It is celebrated for different reasons. It is celebrated in the remembrance of the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. This battle was fought to protect Dharma. In the Northern, central and western states it is celebrated in the win of God Rama over Ravan. It also refers to the occasion when Arjuna defeated all Kuru warriors. Arjuna killed more than 1 lac soldiers. Rama killed Ravana to free Sita. A deadly battle was fought between Rama and Ravana. Rama killed Ravana. Ravana had 10 heads. Arjuna defeated the Kuru army on the same day when Ram killed Ravana. So Dusshera is also known as Arjuna’s day. 

 

Celebration

Dusshera is celebrated by telling Ram Lila stories. It is a public holiday. Special foods are prepared. Hindus believed that it is a lucky day to start a new business. Government offices, post offices, and banks are closed on Dusshera. Celebrations include fireworks. People’s foreheads are painted with tika. As Dusshera is celebrated to remember the end of the Demon King Ravana so most of the children are admitted to the school on this day. The play models of Ram and Lila are made. In different areas of the country, the 10 headed models are burnt. The temples are lightened and major forts are decorated with colorful lights. The worshiping of Durga is mandatory. 

 

 

2-Bhai Dooj

It is a festival that is celebrated for the eternal love between different siblings. It is celebrated on the 5th day of Diwali. It is the 2nd lunar day of Shukla Paksha. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in the month of Kartika. It is also known as Bhai Beej, Bhai Fonta and Bhau Beej. On this day sisters invite their brothers for dinner. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and place tika on brother’s forehead. This tika tells about the love and prayers of the sisters for their brothers. In return brothers also give cash and gifts to their sister. The women who do not have a brother or their brothers live far away from them worship the Moon God. 

 

History

It is considered that Yamraj visited his sister Yami. His sister served him with different dishes including sweets. Yamraj gave a unique gift to sister to show his love. Yamraj declared that the brother who would receive tilak and aarti by his sister would never be frightened. Another tale tells us that this day is celebrated to remember the day when Krishna returned to his sister Subhadra after killing Narakasur. His sister welcomed him with tilak, sweets, and flowers.

 

Celebrations

On this day brothers and sisters remember their responsibilities for each other. This celebration is the way to symbolize the love and care of brothers and sisters to each other. Sisters make a seat for their brothers. They worship the hand of the brother and apply rice and Sindoor. At this day sisters pray to God to protect their brothers from all problems and evils. Special dishes include Basundi Poori. In Haryana dry coconut is also offered to brothers at the time of aarti. In return to all done by the sisters, brothers follow their responsibilities of loving and caring their sisters.

 

3-Diwali

It is the most awaited and important holiday of the year. It is a national festival. This festival lasts for five days. It is celebrated during the Hindu calendar month, Kartika. It is usually celebrated 18 days after Dusshera. Diwali means rows or series of lights. Its first day is called Dhanteras and its second day is called Choti Diwali. It is celebrated on the day of no moon night. Then lamps are lit to brighten up everything around.

 

History

Some believe that Diwali is the celebration of marriage of Lakshmi with Vishnu. Diwali is also celebrated to remember the return of Rama after killing Ravana. Some say that Diwali is an event for the celebration of the victory of Vishnu over Bali. 

 

Celebration

All the rituals of Diwali have a story behind them. The significance of lights and firecrackers on the sky is an expression of respect to the Heavens. The sound of the firecrackers makes the Gods aware of the joy of the people living on earth. Many people love to gamble on Diwali. They believe that gambling on Diwali night will make them successful in the coming year. This is because Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Shiva. People wear new clothes and distribute sweets among their relatives. It is a public holiday on Diwali. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for their welfare. Different multicolor Rangoli make the houses look more beautiful. On Diwali, poor people also light some lamps to celebrate this day because they believe that the light will push back all the evil forces form their houses. Many people clean their houses to vanish evils. They make different meals and invite their relatives.

Green Travelling is about making small choices to help the environment. It is up to you, what image you want to leave on the destination. Every small decision you make will create a huge difference. It is like a ripple in a pond. If you will start with a positive notion then it will follow. If you start any negative and harmful notion. You will see the side effects of it later. 

 There are certain controls. For example, the chemical consumption in a hotel creates pollution. All hope is not lost. You can opt for a more Eco-Friendly system.

 We have suggested 10 Tips on How to become an Eco-Friendly Traveler.

1-Use Eco-Friendly green transport

 Many transport companies do not take notice of maintaining their vehicles. Opt for the Eco-Friendly vehicles.

 There is a high amount of carbon emission in takeoffs and landing of a flight. The fuel burn at a greater level at that time. Try to take a continuous flight to avoid this pollution.

 You should opt to travel on a hybrid or electric vehicle to cut down the use of gasoline. Traveling via local or public transport is also a good option. It is low cost and it saves resources.

2-Avoid plastic

 Plastic is a great cause of pollution in the environment. Plastic is non-biodegradable. They do not decompose. Plastic is dangerous for land and marine life. Many multinational companies and NGOs are working to make earth a plastic-free. You should take part in it. Do not travel with such plastic products that can cause harm. Always use the stuff which is reusable and recyclable. Carry your water bottle to refill. For example, shopping, choose an Eco-Friendly bag. Avoid the so-called disposable stuff and bring your environment safe product

3-Choose sleeping accommodations

 Due to the rise in awareness of being “Green,” many hotels opt for Eco-Friendly stuff. The U.S Green Building Council has set parameters for hotels. They check on water, energy-saving, environmental quality and selection of all materials. The hotels which pass the criteria get a certificate called LEED. On your visit to the hotels check for the certificate of LEED. Check for other certifications in other countries.

4-Do not waste any food

 Wasting food is unethical. You should either opt for a buffet or make your food. Tons of food go waste per annum. This create a lot of pollution in the environment. The food wastage has adverse effects on the climate. You as a traveler should keep it in check. Order only what you can finish. Food waste produces methane or more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. These greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and heat the atmosphere. This increase in temperature causes climate change and global warming.

 

5-Go green when shopping

Prefer the local handmade souvenir. Do not buy anything that endangered a plant or an animal. It will boost thus making them go extinct. Use an eco-friendly reusable carrier bag for shopping. Look for the local traditional artifacts. You should not use plastic shopping bags as these bags are the major source of global warming. Avoid using paper bags as most of the paper comes from the tree cutting process. Use reusable bags as they are durable and can ensure many shopping trips.

6-Save energy

It is necessary to save energy. The energy generators emit a lot of radiation. These radiations are very harmful. You should reserve electrical energy. Even though you are paying for the room. It is necessary to light up the room. Switch on the lights you need. Keep in mind to switch off the light and all appliances before leaving the room. You should unplug all your devices. The use of programmable devices and lights can save a lot of energy.

7-Take the rules serious

When you enter a state or a region you should abide by the law to follow local rules and regulations. On traveling to the other country, you should learn their. You can learn important phrases as well. Always honor their rules and traditions. Seek the help of the locals if there is a problem. Their culture is important to them. So, respect their culture. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the locals. Try their clothing, food and living style. This will give you a great holiday experience.

8-Keep the area clean

It does not matter where you are going. You should keep the area clean. The waste you make is going to scar the face of Mother Nature. It is up to us to take care of cleanliness. There are many places where people do not care about throwing the rubbish. It is very bad for the environment and also it looks ugly. Make a habit of throwing everything in the bin. If you are going for a picnic then be careful to pack. Do not take plastic bags with you. Use tapper ware or reusable plastic and other utensils.   

9-Rethink the luggage

When you are going to travel for a long time the luggage should be the least. It is easy to carry a light bag. Flights get affected by over packing. You will carry your bag around from places. To ensure safe and easy traveling re-think what is important to carry with you.

 

10-Organize online

You can book your flight and hotel online. The online world is progressing day by day. Every field is now on the internet. Every company provides facilities online. You can work online to book a flight. You have to take a copy of your booking with you to show them. Uncountable trees cut on the global level for the manufacturing of paper. It is a digital age. Quit paper and use an iPad or notebook to write your blog or journals.

 

Conclusion

Go Green Think about a reservation at every step. It is not just your house. It is about the earth. Try to adopt all eco-friendly options. With the awareness spreading around, it is easy to go green now, it will a big impact on your life. All of these small changes will ensure the empirical effect on tourism.

 

Introduction

Food photography is just like still photography. The only difference is that your subject is not alive. Food is part of most cultures around the world. Food culture tells the story of the people. Food photography aims at capturing the stories that food tell. It is a form of art and thus needs photography skills. Thus, it is not just shooting food photos. It involves finding the right lighting, props, and color to your food. A good example of food photography is on cookbooks and recipes. These usually display colorful pictures of foods, which are always attractive. They have a balance between the background and the image itself. Food photography is becoming more common. People are shooting cooking processes, restaurants, and foods. The invention of social media has also made this field grow. Platforms like Instagram make it possible to share these recipes. It is a good way to connect with other chefs and other foodies. Using YouTube, one also posts videos on cooking tutorials. They are a great way of sharing information. This calls for photographers to learn better skills. Beginners need tips to help them start as photographers. Veterans also need tips to improve their skills. This is the perfect place for you to learn the skills to make your work better. Below are tricks for taking beautiful photos of your food:

1. Shoot under natural light

Natural light is the main ingredient for still life photography. Avoid using artificial light for your foods. This is because it changes the color and texture of the food. Also, avoid using flashes when taking food photographs. They produce artificial light, which is poor for food photos. Daylight is especially very lovely for food photography. Thus, place your table close to a window where there is natural light. The images will appear with their natural color and will look better. Another option is shooting outside. Natural diffused light is soft and is more neutral. It maintains the color of the background and cutlery used. Note that you should shoot out there is warm weather. Too much sunlight casts sharp shadows on the food. These shadows distract the focus on the food. So, choose this option when there are some clouds in the sky. They act as natural diffusers, hence making the shadows softer. Another option is to use a diffuser. For example, you can place a white bedsheet over the window. This will soften the light and take great pictures.

2. Shoot from different angles

Most photographers make the mistake of shooting from one angle. Experiment from different heights. While the above angle is a good shot, it is not the only one you can use. Go down to the plate level and take a good shot. Changing aspects helps you capture food from different perspectives. There are various angles that one can use for the best shots of food. It requires you to master the art of taking pictures of food. Some of the best angles include the up-close angle. This gives you a closer look at your food. It is the focus of your image. The other angle is one that images appear diagonally. Position your camera such that the image starts from one end of the camera to the other. You can also shoot from above. This way, the image is placed at the center of the camera. It gives it a graphic look. You can also shoot from above with perspective. The image fills the frame in this case. It is important you forget the rule of thirds now. Move around your subject to get better angles.

3. Shoot while the food is still fresh

The best shots of food are those taken while the food is still fresh. Also, food has a natural color when it is still fresh. Its appealing look fades with time. As a photographer, you must be quick on your feet. Start by preparing the table where the shoot will take place. Choose to include a stand-in plate that will be substituted later. Once the food is done, the cooking, switch the served place, and take the photos. This saves you time, and you get delicious shots of the food. Besides, shots of whole food on a plate are very appealing. You can decide to take shots of the food after some of it is eaten. This work-in-progress shot is also more appetizing. Some photographers choose to shoot food with steam. Steam rising gives the food a just cooked effect. This can be appealing to the viewers. It is difficult to achieve this effect naturally. Some of them choose to improve. For example, they use microwaved wet battles to produce the steam effect.

4. Capture the location and ambiance

The ambiance of the restaurant is important in food photography. Ambiance and location give a certain mood to the photos. It also makes the food and the restaurant stand out. Try and capture the lights or art in the restaurant. Also, add the table setting, the patrons, and other decorations. Provide your audience with the sense of the restaurant. Capture the mood that is romantic or somber. It will enhance the images you take. The artistic effect of any restaurant also makes the food appealing. Some will even add art pieces to give the restaurant a pleasant ambiance. This contributes to the appearance of the food they serve. Take note of cultured restaurants, such as Italian or Chinese. Strive to get shots of culture part of these meals. They will go a long way in appealing to new and existing customers.

5. Arrange your food neatly

A food photo is more appealing if the food is neatly arranged. You do not want to have a messy table for an image. The position of every element should be carefully thought through. Arrange the knives, forks, and the food appealingly. Do not clutter your table with other items. It will shift the focus from the food to the mess. Create neat patterns of your foods. Fruits create lovely patterns that make the meal appealing. Clean any spillages on the table before you take the photo.

6. Decorate the scene

Decorate the background of the photos. Use kitchen napkins to give the scene a new feel. Another option is to use dry ingredients to decorate the background. Small items make the scene more interesting. Choose the dry ingredients that you used in cooking to decorate. They create a visual recipe for the meal. Include colored spices on the table for an interesting feel. Another example, you can scoop a spoonful of ingredients and place them on the side.

Additionally, use berries, nuts, and fresh herbs. Also, use kitchen napkins to make the scene attractive. Use kitchen napkins that are colorful for a dramatic effect.

7. Choose simple tableware

Decorative tableware stands out on its own. They can increase the beauty of the meal. When they are too decorative, they distract the visual impact of the food. Choose plain tableware. Avoid too much color on the plates as they distract the photo. They make the food the subject of the picture. Simplicity is elegance. Aim to get shots at particular angles to make meals appear delicious. For instance, a whole roasted crispy chicken is more appealing than its pieces. This is a shot that makes the chicken more appealing.

8. Take photos of patrons, chefs or waiters

Taking photos of people preparing food is a bonus in food photography. Shots of the chefs, waiters, or patrons add a story to your photos. But you need their permission before taking the photos. Talk to the manager and the employees. Sometimes, they willingly accept to have their photos taken. Remember that they are not used to being in front of the camera. Create a mood that makes them ease up to the shoot. You can crack jokes to lighten the mood. This will make the shoot comfortable and thus good photos. The kitchen is also a great place to get good photos. You can get amazing photos of food being flipped on pans. You also get shots on prepared ingredients. Get pictures of chopped tomatoes, herbs, or laid out spices. They provide the in-progress work of the final meal. This is a great way of influencing your viewers to try the meal. This is also a good place to get shots of chefs in action. They are a simple way of telling the story of the meal. Note that there is low light in some kitchens, and the photos appear grainy. It is important to shoot on a slower shutter in the kitchens. Ensure that you are not in the way of the people to avoid any accidents.

9. Use negative space

Up-close photos of food give it an artistic and interesting look. They usually fill the whole frame of the photo. This works for some images, and it won’t work for others. Use negative space. This gives your photo space to breathe. This negative space is soothing to the eyes and the mind. It also creates a contrast between the meal and the background. Note that white backgrounds are very appealing to photos. They create an amazing contrast of colors between the food and the table. Yet, white is not the only background for your meals. Use simple yet plain colors for the tableware. It gives a different composition to the pictures.

10. Use the right equipment

Invest in good photography equipment. Food photography is an art. You would want to perfect it using the right tools. A good image is a result of the right shutter speed, exposure, and focal length of the camera. These are elements that are obtained from using the correct tools. Most beginners start with the point and shoot cameras. As you become more experienced, invest in a better camera. A Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR) is a good investment for food photography. The Nikon DSLR or the Canon DSLR are good options for you. Before purchasing a camera, ensure that it is user friendly — research on the camera features and price. Also, check online reviews to know if it suits you. Go for the camera that feels comfortable in your hands.

Besides, buy a separate lens to make the photos look better. The first tool is a tripod stand. Most people choose to use their cameras without the stand. This is especially true for those using phones. A tripod is important because it reduces any shakes during shooting. To get a good image, you must remain perfectly still. It is also used in lowering the heights to get the perfect shot. Most photographers use it to get the aerial and top-down angles for shooting. Another reason is that it is a secure place for your camera. A tripod holds your camera as you set your scene. It also allows you to focus on the subject manually. The other equipment is lenses. Lenses are the icing of having a camera. The final image you take depends on the lens you use. You must have the right lenses to get an image of the right quality. Decide between a wide-aperture lens or a fixed lens. Other equipment for your photography are diffusers and reflectors. You can get them from eBay at a low price. White foam boards are an option of cheap reflectors. These reduce the sharpness of light and create soft shadows. You also need props in your photography. Make sure you know your style first before buying props. You can identify your style through Pinterest boards. You can also use home décor items or your wardrobe. Draw inspiration from the things around you. Avoid buying items you will not use as props. It is a waste of money. You can buy your props from Etsy or eBay.

11. Food photography post-production

Post-Production is about making your photos look better. It is also known as photo manipulation, photoshopping, or image processing. Image processing is used to enhance the image. Editing an image makes it look more pleasing. This is important in food photography because it makes the food more appealing. Food is usually on magazine covers, Instagram, and cookbooks. A good food photo should make the viewer want to try out the meal. They should feel like the meal is calling out to them. To achieve this, you need editing software. One of the software that you can use is the adobe lightroom. This is an application you install on your phone for easy editing. This photo allows you to touch up your photos without losing their color.

The other editing option is sharpening. Digital cameras may have sharpened your images already. A film camera has better sharpness than a digital camera. The amount of sharpness you apply will depend on the lenses you used. Besides, if you are doing are large print image ensure you sharpen the image. Note that this editing technique should be the last to be applied. This is because it can distort other editing methods. Also, apply the sharpening in little amounts to avoid reducing its quality. Other lighting techniques that are used for editing are contrast and saturation. These should be used in small quantities to prevent changing the colors of the image. You would not want your food to change its original color. Lastly, white balance is another effect you can apply to your photos. The white balance effect ensures that whites are real whites in your photos. Note that lighting is the basic need for any good photo.

You can also edit photos that you have taken on your iPhone. There is a variety of filters that you can choose from. Go through all the filters to find one that fits the mood of the food. Vivid filters make the food more vibrant. Darker filters make the photos softer. They create a subdued more on the photos. The VSCO editing app is one of the best to use on the iPhone. This editing app has several one-touch filters to apply to your photos. Besides, there are individual adjustments to help to make editing better. Remember, less is more. Do not overuse the filters as they will strip the food of its originality. Subtle touches make the food more appealing.

Common photography issues

1. Blurry photos

Shaky hands lead to blurry photos. You need to stabilize your hands while handling the camera. This often takes time to master. With experience, you learn to be steady with the camera. Another solution is to buy a tripod stand. A tripod stand gives you the stability you need for clearer shots. A tripod stand with remote control will make the shoot easier. The other option is to use faster shutter speed. This way, you only open the aperture and move where there is light. You then take the photos without making them blurry. The other option is to increase the ISO factor. This usually decreases the amount of light on the image. But it will reduce the quality of the picture. The other issue that causes blurry photos is incorrect to focus. During shooting, ensure that your food gets the sharpest focus. This is always the front of the food. Check to amount of area you want to fill the frame. The focus should be at 100% magnification, and the depth of field not too shallow. This should give images are not blurry. You can check the magnification using your laptop.

2. Your colors aren’t lifelike

This happens when your photos appear green, pink, or blue. These are not the true colors of your food. Do not use such colors on your commercial platform. In this case, use the white balance effect to correct this issue. This can be done using editing software or the white balance effect on your phone.

3. Your photos do not appear professional

Using the wrong lenses will cause your photos to not ‘pop.’ The in-depth field lens is clearer photos. They narrow the field of the frame and focus on the food. They also use the contrast and sharpness effects to make the images pop.

4. Incorrect cropping

Most photographers make the mistake of cropping the photo too tight. Cropping can be done in editing software or using the phone. Some software used in editing is Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. When you shoot the image too close, you have less room for editing. Tip: try shooting with different crops. Also, shoot at a wide-angle to give you room when you want to crop your images. This maintains the composition of your image and makes it look better.

Conclusion

Food photography is a type of still photography. The main subject of this photography is food and beverages. One can also capture the cooking process and the people involved. It is a form of photography that has gained popularity very fast. The use of social media has made it more popular. Most photographers post their food pictures on Instagram. It is a platform that has connected most photographers. It takes time to become a professional photographer. You have to master the art of stabilizing your hands on the camera. You also need to need to learn how to focus on your subject and get the best shot. Some of the tips that help take good food photos include shooting in natural light. Natural light captures the color of the food. Artificial light makes it changes the color of the food. The other tip is to capture shots from different angles. Move around to ensure that you get all the angles of the food. Shoot at different heights and at close to the plate. Another trick is to avoid a messy background. A well-arranged meal is more attractive and exciting to the viewers. Also, choose simple and plain backgrounds to make the food stand out. Some of the common mistakes made in food photography include taking blurry photos. Other photographers will also take unfocused images. These are issues that can be solved using editing software. During editing, avoid overusing sharpness, contrast, and saturation. Remember that photography takes time to master. Remain patient and learn new skills to further your career.