Let's face it: A lot of us share more pictures of food on our social media platforms than we do of our own families. But very few of us have had an actual lesson in the art of "Instagramming." Food Network Magazine devoted a entire section on that exact same subject in their October 2019 issue. Filled with tips and tricks from Instagram influencers and stars, here's everything you need to know to shoot like a pro:

1. Shoot in Natural Light

When you're photographing food, sunlight is always the best option. You'll want to get as close to a window as you can but be sure to position yourself so you aren't casting a shadow on the food.

• If you’re shooting at night: Use whatever light is available but try to avoid direct overhead light. Move a lamp if possible and place your dish so the light hits it at an angle.

• If you’re shooting in a dark restaurant: Ask a friend to pull up a white screen (not the flashlight) on their phone and place the screen near the dish to help light it.

Pro Tip: “When we’re at a restaurant, we’re never afraid to go where the light is best. If we can do so without being rude, we’ll ask if we can take our plate outside quickly, and they’re basically always fine with it.”- Rebecca West and Greg Remmey, @devourpower

Pro Tip: “I always use a small tripod, especially when filming video, because it keeps the shot steady and consistent. You can find basic ones on Amazon that fit your phone or camera. There’s one I really like that’s just $24!” - Chelsey White, @chelsweets

Pro Tip: “I try a lot of crops and compositions until I find something that feels really good to look at and good to eat. Sometimes that means cropping in tighter than I ever imagined. If a dish has a lot of color or texture, cropping in gives it much more impact.” - Jerrelle Guy, @chocolateforbasil

4. Don't Be Too Precious

Get a little messy! Very few people can keep things pristine while cooking — and who wants to see that kind of unrealistic perfection anyway? Let sauce drip down your bowl or crumbs fall from your cake. It’ll add to the photo’s authenticity.

Pro Tip: “Messiness can seem accidental and organic, but it can also look lazy. Take a minute to evaluate which bucket your image falls into — and keep in mind that what you see in person might look very different in a photograph!” - Jocelyn Delk Adams, @grandbabycakes

6. Fake It Till You Make It

You can create any scene and any mood in a photo without revealing your secrets. Food Network Magazine Features editor Erica Finamore posted this luxurious-looking breakfast to her home decor account @decorofthematter, but the truth behind the picture: “The ‘tablecloth’ is a pillowcase from Target, the flowers are from a convenience store and the pastry is Entenmann’s!”

7. Capture Motion

Syrup dripping down pancakes, milk swirling into iced coffee, cheese oozing from a sandwich…the more movement you show, the more captivating your image will be. Decide on an action and shoot constantly while it’s happening so you can pick the best shot to post.

8. Invite People to the Party

Instagram is a social medium, and your photos should reflect the idea of sharing. Shoot multiple place settings or consider showing a dish with a few bites taken out of it — anything to make the scene feel friendly and welcoming.

Pro Tip: “I hardly ever have faces in my photos, but I love hands. They show that people are enjoying the food, but they still create a little mystery.”- Bev Weidner, @BevCooks

10. When in Doubt, Shoot Noodles

Is there anything more alluring than a photo of a big steaming bowl of pasta or ramen? Noodles are one of the 10 most popular foods on Instagram! Make a bowl of our Ramen with Charred Pork (pictured below) and see for yourself! Something tells us you'll rake up those likes.

Pro Tip: “Photos of pasta are always a big hit. From an emotional standpoint, everyone loves pasta, and from a technical standpoint, noodles have a lot of texture, so they photograph well.”- Skyler Bouchard, @diningwithskyler

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