People always ask what gear they need to take better food photos, and my answer might not be what you expect, these 5 things had a much bigger impact on my growth: 1. Eating in great restaurants sharpened my taste, literally and visually. I started noticing plating, texture, lighting, and how the entire experience is designed. If you want people to hire you to help them sell and experience, how are you going to know what the experience is all about if you’ve never tried it? 2. Going to culinary school (twice) and working in restaurants taught me how chefs think. Understanding food from the inside out helps me tell its story in a way that actually respects the work behind the dish. It helps me speak the same language as them. 3. Learning product photography made me more precise. It trained me to shape light, refine composition, and pay attention to the smallest details, all of which matter when you’re shooting food professionally. Be technical about your craft. 4. Studying color co...