Christmas Viral Food Pictures Guide - Free Cinematic Food Photography Tutorial

Create warm, cinematic holiday food photos using only two light sources and one negative fill.
This completely free guide shows you exactly how to build a cozy Christmas atmosphere and achieve viral-style results with a simple, practical setup.
Based on a real shoot, with lighting diagrams, behind-the-scenes photos, and a step-by-step breakdown.

What’s Inside:

• Final Result Preview

See the finished images on page 2, rich contrast, warm rim light, deep shadows, and glowing Christmas bokeh.

• Full Gear List

Everything used for the shoot, including:
Fujifilm X-H2S, Viltrox 85mm F1.8, Godox SL60W, Amaran 25C, 90cm softbox, negative fill board, and more (page 3).

• Real Behind-the-Scenes Photos

Pages 4–6 show the exact table setup, light placement, Christmas decorations, negative fill, and shooting angle, making it extremely easy to replicate.

• Step-by-Step Lighting Tutorial (Steps 1–4)

Pages 7–10 walk you through:
• Styling the table for depth and dimension
• Positioning the key light slightly behind for cinematic rim-light
• Using negative fill to enhance contrast
• Adding a warm 3200K edge light for a fireplace-like glow
Clear photos accompany every step.

• Complete Lighting Diagram

A clean, top-down lighting diagram on page 11 to help you set everything up precisely.

• Holiday Atmosphere Tips

Page 12 includes simple but powerful add-ons:
• A small Christmas tree with string lights for beautiful bokeh
• A fog machine that instantly adds depth and +30% atmosphere

• Exact Camera & Light Settings

14-bit RAW
ISO 640
F2.0
1/250 shutter
WB 5600K
Godox SL60W: 100%
Amaran 25C: 70% at 3200K
(Page 13)

• Free Forever + Optional Support

On page 14 you’ll find a short, honest note explaining that this guide is, and will always remain, free.
If you enjoy it and want to support future guides (ingredients, props, decorations), you’re welcome to leave a small donation.

Who This Guide Is For:

• Food photographers wanting cinematic, rich, atmospheric lighting
• Creators aiming for viral holiday content
• Beginners looking for a simple, repeatable setup
• Professionals seeking fast, reliable lighting recipes
• Anyone shooting at home or in a small space

Why This Guide Works:

You’re not learning theory, you’re repeating a real lighting setup used to create polished, cinematic, scroll-stopping Christmas food photos.
Every instruction is supported by visuals: diagrams, BTS images, and final shots.
With just two lights and one negative fill, you can create images that look expensive, warm, and full of depth.

Support the Creator (Optional)

This guide is 100% free and always will be.
If it helps you and you want to support future issues, donations help cover ingredients, props, and decorations, and keep these guides coming.