Bree said:
I generally photograph right next to the window, so lots of good natural light. You definitely need the garnishes. I get the whole table set up exactly the way I want it and then I make the food. It doesn't have to be edible to photograph it. The longer it sits the worse it looks so be sure you are ready to shoot.
You can use hairspray to give it a glossy look.
I stand on a chair to photograph downward, I think I get a better look that way, than trying to take the shots from the side. I'll tke 20 or so shots and then look at them quickly on the computer to see what looks good and what doesn't. I had a lot of trouble with glare off the silverware, so the advice to turn off the flash is good.
My pet peeve for B&B food shots. Yes, I have one for that too!
Go to all the trouble of the whole set up then leave the water or juice or coffee empty! Noone will know it is cold coffee or warm water, just fill em up. I see so many with a place setting with food there but no drinks.
Someone had a plate that was NOT a show plate (altho of course it actually was) but they had a knife and fork in the process, so it looked like it was edible. I liked that! Can't remember who had that. The napkin was being used and the plate was in the process of being eaten.