The pastries are crispy on the outside and airy on the inside, with visible texture and flakiness
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| Chinese youtiao drenched in a generous layer of sweet, creamy condensed milk |
How to Take This Kind of Photo:
Lighting:
- Use natural light to make the food look fresh and appealing. A soft light source, such as sunlight coming through a window, works best. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows.
- If indoors, place the dish near a window. You can use a reflector or white surface (e.g., a piece of paper or cloth) on the opposite side to bounce light back onto the food, filling in shadows.
Composition:
- Use the rule of thirds: Position the food slightly off-center to make the image more dynamic.
- Stack the pastries to create height and visual interest. Position the drizzle of condensed milk to emphasize texture and motion.
- Keep the background simple and blurred (bokeh effect) to ensure the food is the hero of the shot. A soft, out-of-focus background adds depth without distraction.
Focus & Depth of Field:
- Use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and keep the food in sharp focus. This effect is usually achieved with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower).
- Focus on the point where the texture is most detailed (e.g., where the milk is dripping or the flakiness of the pastry is visible).
Angles:
- Shoot at an eye-level or slightly above eye-level angle to highlight the texture and details. This angle is great for layered or tall foods.
- A close-up shot makes the viewer feel more intimate with the dish, showing off the crispiness of the fried dough and the creamy drizzle.
Props and Styling:
- Use minimal props to keep the focus on the food. A simple white plate, as seen in the image, enhances the color contrast between the food and the backdrop.
- The background should be clean and blurred, drawing attention to the texture and richness of the dish.
By applying these techniques, you can capture the delicious, textured quality of the food and create a photo that draws viewers in.

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