I have a morning routine that, like many other people, involves going on Facebook. Not to look at status updates. Not to look at what is going on in the world. But to look at food videos.

These food videos are posted on a page called Tasty, which is produced by Buzzfeed. They show the viewer how to make a recipe in about a minute. It simplifies everything, making it easy to follow for even the least culinary viewer. The shortened format helps keep the viewer engaged. It’s also much easier for some viewers to watch a video as opposed to reading a recipe. The food they make looks amazing, and they make everything from buttery steak to strawberry lemonade bars (which I just made last weekend, and they were divine.)

Facebook isn’t the only social media site that exhibits food obsession. Many people post pictures of their food on Instagram and Twitter. Plus, food blogs have increased in popularity and quantity.

Due to social media’s obsession with food, I was not surprised to see an event on the University of Oregon’s campus with the title: Food Photography Workshop.

Earlier this month, the UO Social Media Club hosted an interactive event that was designed to help food bloggers and social media enthusiasts learn to take pictures of their food. The club partnered with Spoon University, which is a popular website produced by college students about food, and Dari Mart to put on the event.

To draw people into the workshop, Dari Mart revealed that they would be using three of the best pictures taken at the event for their marketing, so it was beneficial for students who want to get their photographs out in the world.

“It’s a big opportunity for someone who wants to work with social media because they can be like, ‘Hey, I went to an event, I participated, and a company is using my picture for their marketing,” said UO Social Media Club president Kevin Loder.

For the event, a table was set up on the Lillis lawn displaying huge sandwiches, bags of chips, deviled eggs and other food items. After a brief introduction where representatives from Oregon Spoon University gave tips for food photography, which ranged from using natural light as opposed to florescent light (which tends to make food unappetizing) to eliminating background clutter, students attending the event started taking pictures of the food. They were allowed to adjust the food however they wanted.

At first, I thought the event was going to be a little ridiculous. After all, anyone can take pictures of food. But then, I realized that the event was geared towards those who are interested in food blogging, and it is important for food bloggers to take creative, interesting pictures in order to make sure they get viewers.

I personally love food blogs. I have food many wonderful recipes on blogs produced by normal people who just want to share their food with their readers.

“I think food photography is super important,” said Spoon University representative Mariah Swift. “Food really brings people together.”

It’s true. Food bonds people together. When you want to hang out with friends, you go eat. Taking pictures of the food via social media you eat allows people to engage with you. My roommate, for example, likes posting the food she makes on her snapchat story. Often, her friends will text her, asking for her recipes.

Since social media is here to stay, it is important to learn how to use it. Social media is perfect for engaging with friends, connecting with others around the world that share your interests and promoting yourself. If you want to promote your culinary prowess, taking appealing pictures of food is super important. So the next time you whip something up in the kitchen, display your food and snap away.