There’s versatility in employing high-key food photography techniques; to minimise distractions and direct the viewer’s attention to specific details. However, there’s something to be said about the value of styling with sides and garnishes.
For this post, we were set to do a GIF to showcase a frozen fried Chicken Karaage from the client’s new Japanese series. To align with the theme and save on the budget, I brought two Japanese-style plates from home. Following thorough research of classic serving styles, I decided to present the chicken with lemon wedges and julienned cucumbers.
Drawing on my experience as a seasoned home cook, I took on the challenge of authentically preparing the cucumbers. Although it required some practice and an early start on the shoot day, I successfully achieved my desired results.
It's important to note that this product was just one component of many recipes, and fried chicken, in particular, tends to have a singular colour and texture. Thus, the addition of sides and garnish is integral to the visual storytelling – not just for aesthetics but cultural context.