Food photography can be done with Natural Lighting, Constant lighting and Studio Flash.
There are advantages to each of these.
Natural lighting requires very little equipment, but is limiting Sometimes is the only option when working on site. With practice this can achieve professional results.
Constant lighting allows you to easily visualise your end photograph & make adjustments visible to the naked eye. This is ideal for the beginner who is experimenting and working to a limited budget.
Studio lighting opens a world of modifiers and complexity. It requires more space and more expensive equipment. It allows you to freeze movement and achieve exiting results.
An inexpensive twin ring light studio setup
A Tripod is your friend and one of the most useful pieced of equipment.
It allows you to make small adjustments to your food styling and achieve consistent results.
Investing in a quality tripod will pay dividends, when combined with a cable or timer release.
Use of a tripod will also allow for a slow shutter speed and wide depth of field
Small changes in styling and angles can completely change the look of an image
Changing the texture of the subject's surface can completely change the feel of an image.
Use of a mirror creates a sophisticated and modern feel
Using a ring light reflected off a white ceiling, at f22 and a 30 second exposure
Use of bright colours creates images with instant impact on social media
Most food photography requires some degree of post production to remove blemishes & enhance colour.