Charl Edwards, editor-in-chief at House and Leisure says that his favourite prop is a lemon - it adds the final touch to any shot.

Nikky Symons, founder and creative director of cake studio, Sweet LionHeart, shares her secrets for the perfect food photo:

• Natural lighting: Opt for a single light source, like a big window, for soft and textured shots. Turn off overhead lights to avoid harsh shadows.
• Texture layering: Mix it up by layering textures – use the food itself or bring in diverse crockery on interesting surfaces. Contrast colours or introduce an accent colour for added flair.
• No overcomplication: Keep it simple; don't overcrowd your image. A single pretty bowl filled to the brim with something simple like soft, whipped butter on a beautiful table can be super striking.
• Perspective play: Experiment with unique angles – try low shots or top down to create a dynamic and captivating pic.
• Have fun: Play with stacking things like interesting fruits, veggies and/or objects photographed at various times of the day to play with light, form and texture.
• Embrace lo-fi: Experiment with harsh lighting, added grain, or unconventional edits for an authentic feel. I'm all about the 'in the moment' looking captures!

Winner of last year's FOOD XX Food Photographer Award, Ashleigh Frans from Widewing Shoots, wants you to keep the following in mind:

• Lighting is the most important part of photography, so always be mindful of where you are taking your photos this Christmas.
• Always use indirect light (from a window or sliding door).
• If the shadows are too harsh, my favourite kitchen photography hack is using a big piece of foil or a white baking tray opposite the light source, to bounce the light onto your subject and reduce harsh shadows.
• There's beauty in the prep. Photograph the prep as much as you would the end product.