Camera:
The Canon Rebel T5 is my first DSLR camera and it's extremely user-friendly. I didn't know a THING about camera or photography when I purchased it, but within a weekend I felt comfortable with its functionality. I would highly recommend this model to anyone just starting out using a DSLR.
Lens:
The lens that comes with the camera is great, don't get me wrong, but macro lenses have the capability to truly capture the close up detail that can create engaging food images. I went with the Canon 60 mm macro lens and have been very satisfied.
Artificial Lighting
Regardless of the type of photography, NATURAL LIGHT RULES. There is truly no comparison to the beauty you can create with a good camera and natural light from the sun. However, come winter time when it gets dark at 5PM and you want to keep shooting, you have to get a little creative. The key for indoor food photography is using an intensely bright, non-overhead light, such as the Lowel EGO Digital Imaging light. It also comes with a reflector so you can play around with how the light hits the food, etc. Great investment.
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