Lifestyle

How to take better food photos with your phone

5 tips from food stylists and photographers

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Taking photos is more than just about getting likes on Instagram or filling up your feed with a certain aesthetic; it’s about telling a story in a visual way. It may be inanimate, but there are many ways you can capture and show happy memories from foodstagrams.

A slice of cake can transport you back in time when your friends surprised you on your 22nd birthday, the same way your family’s Chinese New Year spread can remind you of the time everyone gathered around during the festivities.

Here are five easy tips from professional food stylists and photographers Diona Lee and Sean Ashley on how you can take better food photos using an iPhone.

1. Create a narrative

Shot on an iPhone XS

Good photos are able communicate beyond what’s obvious and the same applies to food. A photo of char siew can be just that — a sumptuous plate of pork — but it can be so much more. If styled and captured with intent, it can convey a festive celebration, an emotional homecoming, or even a set of parents’ labor of love.

2. Add a human element

Shot on an iPhone XS

One way to help create a narrative is by adding a human element or two. A hand with chopsticks reaching out for a piece of roast duck can make a world of difference. Human elements add emotions and warmth to photos and make them feel more real.

3. Inject color

There’s a reason chefs garnish their food after plating. Dishes in a food spread sometimes tend to look alike, so adding props or even adding different colored food to the table can help break the monotony and bring your photo to life. Just make sure to not overdo props; styling is done best within the context of a narrative.

4. Angle your food

Here’s a quick one most of us don’t normally do: You can use napkins to prop up your food and add depth to your photo. This especially works for round items like fruits.

5. Find soft lighting

Shot on an iPhone XS with Portrait Mode

Food is always best captured with natural light, but if that’s not available, your next best option is to find soft lighting and take the photo away from harsh kitchen lights. Most people’s tendency is to put the food right under harsh light fixtures, but if you haven’t noticed by now, that actually adds unnecessary shadows to your photo and some areas may simply end up overexposed.

Need more inspiration? Watch our food photography tips made specifically for iPhones here.

WATCH: 5 iPhone Food Photography Tips

Entertainment

Transformers One trailer: Get to know Optimus Prime, Megatron’s origin stories

In cinemas September 18

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Transformers One

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Transformers One, the upcoming latest installment of the Transformers film franchise.

Before fans get excited for the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, this animated film focuses first on Optimus Prime’s relationship with his adversary, Megatron.

The origin story is set in Cybertron, long before the transformers land on earth in the chronological timeline.

The trailer reveals Optimus Prime’s previous name, Orion Pax. On the other hand, Megatron was previously known by D-16.

Joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, the two main protagonists journey to Cybertron’s surface, which hasn’t been explored beforehand due to the dangers it is said to have.

On the surface, the crew realizes that right away, but are bestowed the power to transform. After some figuring, they manage to utilize this ability to defend Cybertron from intruders.

Overall, the three-minute trailer gives a lighter and funnier vibe. That’s in contrast to the previous iterations where the story is more serious from the get-go.

The transformers’ appearance also looks simpler and more toned down, giving an old school feel which is appropriate, considering this movie is set an earlier time when Cybertron was more intact.

Transformers One is showing on Philippine cinemas on September 18. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson.

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Lifestyle

IKEA launches a new gaming collection that looks great everywhere

Launching in September

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Gaming furniture remains one of the gaudier things you can own. While the market has mercifully moved away from unnecessary frills and an obsession with RGB lighting, everyone can still see the vestiges of a gaming lifestyle. If you’re looking for something subtler, your options are sparse. IKEA is thankfully adding a splash of color for your gaming rig.

If you wanted neutral furniture that looks good in any home, IKEA is the place to go. It’s still hard to imagine that the Swedish furniture maker can do something about the gaming market, but then again, this isn’t their first rodeo. Building on its previous partnership with Republic of Gamers, the brand is back with a new line of furniture for gamers tired of sticking out like a sore thumb.

The new BRÄNNBOLL collection includes pieces of furniture that goes well anywhere. It includes a comfortable inflatable chair, a versatile gaming station, a subtle castor on wheels, and convertible chairs. You’ll also get a complementary set of throws, rugs, and mousepad for your new setup.

The collection will launch in September 2024.

Today’s gaming furniture market is still obsessed with dark brooding colors and a tiny-but-stark neon accent. You know the look. Thankfully, other brands, IKEA included, are coming up with new collections to add personality to the market.

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with showing off your personality. But it’s also cool to look good while doing it.

SEE ALSO: IKEA, ASUS ROG launching affordable gaming furniture, accessories

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Gaming

New PUMA collection lets you wear PlayStation’s iconic symbols

PUMA x PlayStation collaboration

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Puma PlayStation

PUMA and Sony Interactive Entertainment have joined forces to deliver what should be a hit collaboration for gamers and sneakerheads alike. The PUMA x PlayStation collection will be available starting April 18, allowing fans to wear the iconic PlayStation elements through PUMA’s famous Suede and RS-X sneakers.

As reported by Sole Retriever, both PUMA shoe models come in PlayStation’s signature colors: blue, grey, white, and black. The Suedes will be available in black and grey, although the latter looks more like it’s dirty white. Stamped down throughout the upper body are the PlayStation’s triangle, circle, X, and square symbols. The sole sports mostly a blue color, which transitions smoothly either to black or white with a dynamic gradient effect. Speaking of, you will see even larger versions of the elements underneath the shoe.

For those who love bulkier and high-cut shoes, the RS-X also adopts dominant black and dirty white colorways. The four symbols  are distinctively visible on both the toe cap and tongue. Various parts of the shoes are colored differently, making up for a unique blend. Special hangtags featuring the symbols also accompany each pair.

Puma PlayStation

There are just a lot of details on both shoes to adore. Especially if you have some personal connection with either the footwear and apparel brand or PlayStation itself. Per Sneaker Files, the Suede will retail for US$ 100 while the RS-X at US$ 120. The collection will be available from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected retailers.

Aside from the shoes, there are also various apparel choices like hoodies, tops, caps, and shorts, all emblazoned with the symbols. These go perfectly along with the shoes, with their white and light blue colorways. For now, it looks like the collection will only be available in North America. But who knows, may it’s just a matter of time before Southeast Asia and other regions get theirs, too.

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