As a photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing numerous photos of sushi and sashimi. For example, in my recent shoot, I photographed a bowl of Otoro (fatty tuna) and salmon roe rice bowl.
If someone were to ask me which country’s cuisine is the easiest to photograph, Japanese cuisine would definitely be at the top of the list.
Why is Japanese Cuisine Easy to Photograph?
The reason is simple. Japanese cuisine is incredibly vibrant and colorful.
Take the donburi in this photo as an example. The vivid red sashimi, combined with colorful garnishes like green onions and wasabi, makes the dish visually appealing. When you add some flash lighting, the colors naturally stand out, making the photo look stunning.
The Shine of Fresh Ingredients
Moreover, sashimi and sushi often feature fresh or semi-fresh ingredients. The natural oils on the surface of these ingredients reflect light well, which makes them glisten and shine under flash lighting. This effect not only enhances the photo but also makes the food look appetizing.
The Art of Japanese Presentation
Japanese chefs, like their Western counterparts, take great pride in the presentation of their dishes. Even the simplest donburi is arranged beautifully. From my years of experience, I’ve found that when photographing Japanese cuisine, I don’t need to act as a food stylist because the chefs have already done an excellent job.
Thoughtful Presentation
In the photo example, the chef has intentionally arranged the sashimi and rice to fill the bowl to the brim. This creates a sense of abundance and satisfaction, making viewers feel that they are getting good value.
Japanese vs. Western Presentation
In contrast, Western cuisine, particularly French cuisine, often uses large plates with small portions to create a sense of elegance. However, Japanese dishes like donburi and ramen emphasize fullness and generosity. By filling the bowl to about 80% and creating a small mound in the center, the dish looks more voluminous in photos.
This thoughtful presentation technique can be applied to other cuisines as well, including Chinese dishes or any meals served in bowls.
Try It Yourself!
If you are into food photography, I recommend trying this method next time. Observe the difference in your photos—it might lead to some interesting discoveries!