Most food photographers will give you images that look nice. What a chemistry MSc, years in research labs, and nearly a decade of brand work actually adds to that — and why it matters for your brand.
Author Archives: amatterofnourishment
The science of food styling: how chemistry shapes what food looks like on camera
Food styling is usually talked about as a visual skill. It’s also applied chemistry. Here’s how six fundamental food science principles shape what food looks like on camera and why understanding them changes the way you work on set.
The Maillard reaction explained: the chemistry behind why browned food tastes so good
The Maillard reaction is behind the crust on bread, the sear on steak, the colour of roasted coffee — and it’s widely misunderstood. A chemist explains what’s actually happening, why it’s not just about sugar, and why it matters for how food looks as much as how it tastes.
How much does food photography cost? A straightforward guide for brands
Food photography pricing is one of the least transparent topics in the industry. This guide breaks down what actually determines the cost, what to watch out for at the lower end, and how to budget realistically for brand content that does its job.
What is click-through rate (CTR) — and why it matters more than most brands realise
CTR (click-through rate) is one of the most useful metrics in social media marketing and one of the most misunderstood. Here’s what it actually measures, why it varies across platforms, and why it tells you more about your audience than almost any other number.
How to brief a food photographer: what to prepare before your shoot
A practical guide to writing a food photography brief — what to include, what brands always forget, and why getting this right before the shoot saves time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Does trending audio actually boost your Instagram reach? Here’s what the data and experience really say
Does trending audio still boost Instagram reach in 2026? The data is contradictory, the advice is everywhere, and the honest answer is more nuanced than most people admit.
How to know if your food brand is ready to outsource content creation
Outsourcing content creation can transform a food brand’s marketing — or waste everyone’s time. Here’s what actually determines which one it’ll be.
Social media marketing trends for 2026: what brands need to know now
Social media marketing trends for 2026 point towards clarity, consistency, and smarter strategies. This post explores what’s staying, what’s shifting, and what brands should leave behind to build trust and long-term growth.
Food trends for 2026: what’s staying, what’s shifting, and where we’re slowing down
Food trends for 2026 are less about extremes and more about intention. From tea beyond matcha and the rise of beans and fibre, to sourdough, sour flavours, and a push back against food rules, this post explores what’s staying, what’s shifting, and how we’ll really be cooking and eating in the year ahead.