If you’re a food blogger or chef stepping into the world of content creation, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I juggle cooking, photography, and videography all by myself?” Let me tell you, I’ve been there. Shooting recipe photos and recording video clips solo is no small feat, but with the right tools and mindset, you can create stunning content without a team when starting out.

👉 Recipe photography and videography can be challenging, but it’s worthwhile.

Here’s how I’ve made it work in my own kitchen, along with some of the must-have gear and tricks that keep me efficient and creative for recipe photography and videography.

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My Setup: Staying Flexible and Efficient

One of the best hacks I’ve learned is to have multiple tripods already set up in different areas. For example, I keep one tripod on my kitchen counter for overhead shots and another positioned next to the counter for side angles. This setup eliminates the hassle of constantly adjusting your tripod placement, saving time and keeping the flow going while you’re cooking or plating.

👉 Recipe photography and videography rely on a good setup.

I’ve recently invested in the Neewer 2 Packs Advanced 2.4G 660 LED Video Light Dimmable Bi-Color Photography Lighting Kit with Bag, and they’ve been a game-changer. These lights are compact enough to fit into my small kitchen yet powerful enough to eliminate shadows when positioned facing each other. This creates even, professional-looking lighting—a must for capturing vibrant dishes and enticing textures in recipe photography and videography.

For those darker spots or hard-to-reach areas, I use the NEEWER Basic Selfie Light with Front & Back Phone Clip. This rechargeable clip-on light offers three light modes and is perfect for quick touch-ups. I actually learned the importance of having a portable clip light from a group of female food influencers, and it’s been one of my most versatile tools ever since.

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Phones, Cameras, and Codec Troubleshooting

When it comes to cameras, I use two phone cameras for most of my shots. From my experience, phones like Samsung Androids and Google Pixels are excellent for high-quality video and photos. Recently, I upgraded to the Sony ZV-E10 II, which is fantastic for content creators who want more control and professional results without a steep learning curve.

👉 Recipe photography and videography can benefit greatly from the right equipment.

If you’re using your phone as your main camera, make sure it supports high-resolution video. Codec compatibility is crucial. I once struggled with transferring MP4 files from an older phone, but I figured out how to troubleshoot and convert files so they’d work in editing software. If you’re experiencing similar issues, I’m happy to share my process with you.

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The Bar Counter Advantage

My kitchen has a wide bar counter that has been a blessing. Not only does it serve as a backdrop, but it’s also perfect for top-view angles and provides space to set up my lighting and tripods. Placing a tripod directly on the counter makes it easy to capture hands-in-action shots or display the final plated dish from above.

This setup has helped me keep my workflow smooth and organized, even when juggling multiple shots. 👉 Recipe photography and videography can be made easier with a well-organized space.

To make video selfies effortless, I use the SAIJI Gooseneck Phone Holder, similar to the Lamicall Gooseneck. It’s flexible, rotates 360°, and lets me adjust angles easily while keeping my hands free. Whether I’m explaining a technique or showing a close-up of a recipe, this holder is a lifesaver.

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The Value of Community and Continual Learning

One of the best things about being part of the food blogging and chef community is the chance to learn from others. From lighting tricks to camera upgrades, so much of what I’ve picked up comes from conversations with fellow creators.

🧑‍💻 Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your own tips; there’s always more to learn.

Recipe photography and videography are constantly evolving fields, so stay engaged with the community. 👀

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What Do You Think?

Now it’s your turn: What’s your biggest challenge when photographing or filming your recipes? Do you have any favorite tools or setups that make solo content creation easier?

Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating the implementation of your creativity to bring what you love to life! Recipe photography and videography require creativity and the right tools. 🗣️