If you want to take better photos - whether with your camera, your phone or in Lightroom - you’re in the right place.
This blog is full of simple, practical tips to help you feel more confident, understand your settings and start creating photos you really love. You’ll also find plenty of food photography ideas and creative inspiration to try at home.
I’ve been teaching photography for over 17 years, and my aim is always the same: to help you feel less overwhelmed, more confident, and excited to pick up your camera.
Have a browse, learn something new, and start taking photos you love.
Shoot Like a Pro: How to Use Natural Light in Food Photography
Why Natural Light Is So Good for Food Photography (and How to Make the Most of It)If you want to take mouth-watering photos of food, whether for your blog, your business, or just for fun, natural light is your best friend. Natural light brings out the true tones and textures in your dishes. It can...
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How to photograph food like a pro with just your phone
Think you need a camera to take professional-looking food photos? Think again.Five years ago I would have said that you did need a camera. But phone cameras have come a long way in the last few years. They’re sharper, smarter, and more capable than ever. With a few simple techniques, you can take stunning, professional-looking...
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5 common mistakes restaurant owners make when photographing food with a phone (and how to fix them)
Great food deserves great photos, especially when you’re promoting your business on social media, your website, or delivery platforms. But all too often, amazing dishes are let down by dark, blurry, or unappetising images. The good news? With a few tweaks to how you use your phone and set up your shots, you can massively...
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How to Check Image Size and Resolution (Pixel Dimensions Explained)
Pixel Perfect: A Simple Guide to Image Size and QualityHave you ever submitted a photo to a competition or tried to print it large, only to be told the resolution is too low? You’re not alone! In my Facebook photography group Love Your Lens, I often see gorgeous images that sadly don’t meet the technical...
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Photography Competition Results
Photography Competition ResultsWe are delighted to announce the results of the photography competition that took place in Spring 2025. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their talent across multiple categories. Each category winner will receive a £25 gift voucher to redeem in store at Share Your Story, an exciting new retail store and training hub opening soon in...
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A New Creative Hub is Coming to Altrincham – And It’s All About Sharing Your Story
Share Your StoryGot a story to tell? Whether it’s through photos, videos, writing, or even the spoken word, a brand-new creative hub is opening in Altrincham that’s designed to help you bring your ideas to life. Share Your Story is more than just a shop — it’s a place where creativity meets community, where memories...
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Why your food photos look flat (and how to fix them with simple styling and composition)
Food created by @Kitchen_MaverickWhy Your Food Photos Look Flat (Food Photography Tips That Work)You’ve styled a beautiful plate of food, chosen your favourite props, clicked the shutter and the photo still looks a bit “meh.” You can read endless food photography tips, but the real game-changer is understanding the importance of food styling and composition.The...
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Four must-read photography books
If you're looking for books on camera settings and equipment, don't buy these. I've had stacks of books over the years that explained exposure, metering, focusing, editing and, to be honest, they weren't very helpful. Not because they weren't good books but because I learn technical stuff by doing it rather than reading about it. And...
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Festive food photography
This article first appeared in Cheshire Life magazine December 2023.Festive Food Photography with a PhoneWaiter: “Is there something wrong with your food, madam?”Customer: “No, it’s delicious. Why do you ask?”Waiter: “Well, it’s just that you haven’t photographed it.”Before social media was a thing, food photography was the realm of the professional photographer, shooting for restaurants...
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