Times Food Photography Contest: 5 things to keep in mind with street food photography

Taste the Lens: India on a Plate
Food in India isn’t just about flavor—it’s culture, memory, and emotion on a plate. “Taste the Lens” is your opportunity to celebrate this rich diversity through photography. Whether it’s a steaming plate of momos or the colorful chaos of a chaat stall, your clicks could bring those flavors to life for thousands. But there are certain things one should keep in mind, before stepping out for street food photography. Here are 5 key things to keep in mind for great street food photography.

Tell a Story: Capture not just the food, but the environment — the vendor, the sizzling pan, the hands at work. A wide shot followed by close-ups creates a visual narrative.

Use Natural Light: Artificial lighting can make food look flat or unnatural. Shoot during golden hour or position yourself near natural light sources like windows or open stalls.

Composition Matters: Use the rule of thirds, lead the eye with lines (like food trays or street edges), and keep clutter minimal. Try different angles — top-down for flat dishes, 45° for most plates, and eye-level for stacked or layered items.

Focus on Texture & Color: Highlight steam rising, crispy layers, sauces dripping — they evoke taste visually. Use a shallow depth of field (low f-stop) to blur backgrounds and make the food pop.

Respect the Moment: Always ask vendors before photographing closely, avoid disrupting their work, and be mindful of crowds. A friendly smile and a small purchase go a long way in gaining trust and access.

This Month’s Theme – May 2025: Street Food Chronicles
From vada pavs in Mumbai to jhalmuri in Kolkata, street food tells the most authentic culinary stories. This May, we’re spotlighting the sizzle, spice, and soul of India's streets. Think:

Sizzling tavas

Flying parathas

Tangy golgappas

Chilli-smeared kathi rolls

Show us your city’s street food spirit!

Why You Should Participate
- Get featured on Times Food’s Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
- Win exciting e-gift vouchers
- Share your food story with thousands of fellow foodies

Contest Info
Theme: Street Food Chronicles
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2025
Submission Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
Winner Announcement: June 5, 2025 (4:00 PM)

Prizes:
- E-gift vouchers delivered within 30 working days
- Winners contacted via email & phone
- Address details collected post-selection

How to Enter
Snap a photo of your street food experience
Submit it [ HERE]
Wait & Win! Winners get featured and rewarded

So next time you’re savoring a piping hot dosa or juggling golgappas, don’t just eat—capture the magic. Turn your cravings into clicks and share the story that your plate is telling.

Ready to Taste the Lens?
Join now, click [ HERE] for details.

Want more food fun?
Join our WhatsApp Food Community to explore recipes, stories & more—click [ HERE]!

Images Courtesy: iStock