How to make your food photography even more fabulous

It's not just about your camera settings: With food photography, it helps if the background augments the feeling of your food. Rustic wood will always work well with a hearty dish. — Aileen Kapitza/minzgruen.com/dpa

Making a meal look good on a photo is sometimes harder than cooking it. Even the most delicious pasta dish can look greasy and revolting once you see it on a screen. Professional food photographers say a few simple camera tricks is all you need to turn yuck into yummy.

Why is it that taking photographs of food winds up being so disappointing – distressing, even – for anyone who isn't a professional photographer?