When was the last time you signed onto social media and saw a picture of what a friend or celebrity was eating? Probably today. And no, filters don’t make it look that much better. #foodporn anyone? I’m excited to say now, just like everyone else on Instagram, I am a food photographer.

I just took my first stab at professional food photography for a client of mine – Cabo Flats… and while I was there I had some of the chips, salsa and queso. If you know me, you know I love this combo and Cabo has one of my favorites because the seasoning on the chips is amazing!!!

So, before I hit up the restaurant in Delray Beach, I went to an expert for some tips – my friend Chef Apple. She went to culinary school in Paris, worked in and owned upscale restaurants, has written cookbooks and whipped up many meals in the kitchens of stars like best selling author Tom Clancy, Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps, Illusionist David Copperfield and late actor and comedian Robin Williams. Now, she wants to help all of us “food photographers” learn a thing or two. Here are her five simple to steps to making your grub look good.

1.) Let the food cool before snapping the pic. If it’s hot, you can’t spray it with olive oil to make it glisten.

2.) Use natural light. A flash will ruin the picture. If you can’t get near a window or door, turn on the lights and make sure there are no shadows near the plate.

3.) Think of the entire image. What’s in the background? Throw in some unique, colorful plates and bowls or towels.

4.) Try a few different angles. Shot the bowl from the top, then from the side, but at an angle. It’s also cool to see the food half eaten with some crumbs on the plate.

5.) Throw in a garnish or some drizzle to show that it doesn’t only taste good, but looks good too.

Note: I used a Nikon D3200 to take these pictures and edited them in Lightroom. I hope you take some of these tips to become a food photographer too!