This hand-curated list of food photography equipment features all items that have helped me create images that I’m proud to share.

The Food Photographers Toolbox is the ultimate list of tools and resources that I use every single time I take a photograph. This list an extensive list of cameras, lenses, accessories, lights, stands, storage, and software that I use and highly recommend.

There are a few things that I consider to be essential during a photoshoot. Some items are obvious, such as the camera itself or a memory card but other items may be forgotten until you really need them.

In which case you will probably kick yourself for leaving it on the kitchen table. Enter the Food Photography Kit: A list of items that will help you be prepared for all photographic situations and help avoid frustration while shooting or preparing for a shoot.

That’s why I curated this list of my food photography equipment. This list is my most used items and the items on this list range from big-ticket equipment pieces such as my camera body, monitor, lenses, and lights, to smaller things that cost approximately 5 to 10 dollars.

While having the best photography equipment does not make the photographer, there are certain items that can make your life easier that I’ll share with you below.

I truly do feel that if you learn the basics of photography (in terms of the exposure triangle), composition, and learn to see and understand light, you will level up your photography game.

Having the best food photography gear doesn’t mean you know how to use it properly so my advice to all students in my digital photo lab is to NOT go crazy buying what you think you need. More often than not, you don’t really need it.

Instead, you should actually practice this craft we call photography and take photos with whatever equipment you currently have. Once you have a firm understanding of the basics, you can start to explore other gear you might want to experiment with.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. The opinions here are 100% my own and the equipment, software, and tools listed above are all items I truly use in my food photography. 

Yes, you’ll find camera bodies, lenses, and lighting equipment on this list but you’ll also find some software, info about how I back up my work, and prop sourcing tips. At the very bottom, you’ll find educational resources such as courses and books that I love.

These small items can often make or break a photoshoot and are indispensable in any food photography equipment list.

Below you will find a long list of items that help me when I take, cull, and edit photos. I hope this list helps you, even if it is just in a small way.

Food Photographers Toolbox

The Food Photographers Toolbox is the ultimate list of tools and resources that I use every single time I take a photograph. This list an extensive list of cameras, lenses, accessories, lights, stands, storage, and software that I use and highly recommend.

This page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

camera gear

Ah yes, the camera. You can't quite take a picture without it. The cameras listed below are DSLR and Mirrorless cameras that I recommend to get you started or to jump to the next level.

Lenses

The list of lenses below are all lenses that I currently own and use on a regular basis. It includes both prime lenses and zoom lenses.

Photography Accessories

This section is full of accessories to make your life as a food photographer much easier. There are things on this list that are a few dollars and there are things that are $300+. You don't need them to take a great photo if you have the eye for composition and can see light but they definitely make your life easier!

This page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lighting Equipment

In this section, you'll find all the lighting equipment that I own and use in my work. Below are strobes, continuous lighting setups, light modifiers, and my favorite stands. 

This page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Software

This section is dedicated to the software that I use in my work. Mostly, it all falls within Adobe’s Creative Cloud! Please note that this page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Productivity Tools

Below you'll find tools that I use every day to help run this website.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

prop sourcing

Below you will find my most recommended makers and online shops that will help you source props to use in your food photography. This list will help you build your own prop library.

This page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Backgrounds & Surfaces

I am pleased that this section has grown in the last few years. When I first started taking food photographs I was at a loss when searching for backgrounds and surfaces. My husband and I would drive around during garbage pick up and rip apart old wood pallets and put them back together again (to close the gaps). Most of these backgrounds and surfaces are very lightweight and I'm so glad they exist!

This page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Books & Education

My hope is that I never stop learning and growing. Here are some resources to help you nurture your mind!

This page contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Beyond food photography equipment, if you’re looking for more educational items or resources to help with your workflow and time management, make sure to check out my free resources and join to open the Food Photo Vault.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. The opinions here are 100% my own and the equipment, software, and tools listed above are all items I truly use in my food photography.