Ever heard of @new_fork_city? How about @missnewfoodie? These Instagram accounts capture countless photos of food taken in restaurants around New York City, providing an imaginary sensation for those who have dreamed of trying Big Apple dining. These photos reach people all across the country, and have contributed to the popular phenomenon known as “foodstagrams.”

A “foodstagram” is an Instagram account that is devoted specifically to pictures of food, and often aims to post artsy shots of delicious baked goods or dishes from restaurants. “Foodstagrams” are one of the latest technology trends, and the more popular accounts have thousands of followers. @new_fork_city has 108,000 followers, while @missnewfoodie has 25,000.

Taking pictures of food has become an art, and there are many aspects of photography that must be considered to achieve the “perfect” photo. The University of Michigan has identified five of the key photography trends: close-ups, food with a bite taken out, the aerial view, in front of the restaurant, and food in the air.

Not only are foodstagrams an art, but they are contributing to a culture where teenagers today are being described as the “Foodie Generation.” Teens commonly use Instagram as a platform to take pictures of food and share them with the world. The hashtags #foodstagram and #instafood produce millions of results that are open to the public.

One of the reasons for the foodstagram’s recent boost in popularity is that it recommends restaurants and specific menus to its followers. Junior Alexandra Gluckman said, “I use @new_fork_city to help me figure out what to eat when I am in a specific place. I will go to their map and zoom in on the place that they tagged around that area. When I was on the art trip to Chelsea, I went on the account to see if [@new_fork_city] had [posted at] any restaurants around the area.”

Foodstagrams fill the Instagram feeds for many Hackley students. “I follow so many foodstagrams,” said senior Amanda Flock. “@new_fork_city and @feedyoursoul are some of my favorites.”

But what is it about foodstagrams that people are so hyped about? “I get hungry when I look at the pictures, and I am like “Wow, what I would do to eat that,’” explained Amanda. “I really like food Instagrams because I live vicariously through the food.”

Senior Emma Satty, another foodstagram lover, said, “My favorite foodstagram is @youdidnoteatthat.”

Amanda thinks that foodstagrams are currently the most popular Instagram trend, and that they are the “new thing.” “Foodstagrams are the most popular,” she said. “#tbt and #selfiesunday hashtags are out, and #eats is in.”

In addition to following food Instagrams, some Hackley students even hold their own accounts. Juniors Lindsey Schecter and Ella Charkes share an Instagram account called @sliceslicebaby_. They opened the account over the summer with their friend Elizabeth while they were at Cornell University.

“All three of us were excessive Instagrammers and we would always be taking photos of our food. We thought it would be fun to make a ‘foodstagram,’” said Ella. Ella and Lindsey post on the account about once a week and upload personal photos rather than taking photos from Internet. “We don’t believe in eating for Instagram,” said Ella, “but we do believe in eating good food. We take our own photos and try to be as original as possible.”

Ella and Lindsey recommend other Hackley students to join in on the trend. Although managing the account is time consuming, they said it is definitely worth their time to see all of the feedback and positive responses they get.

“Food has always been a part of American culture and especially now that you have the ability to take pictures of your food with your smartphones and share it with your friends, [foodstagrams have become] popular ideas people tends to like,” said Lindsey.

Ella thinks that involvement with foodstagrams is “all [a] matter of interest.” She added, “These accounts connect people who are food lovers with people who simply like to eat,” she said.

The next time you sit down to eat at a restaurant, take a look around the room. If it’s a popular place, you’ll probably notice the hustle and bustle of waiters scurrying to deliver meals and collect plates. But before you know it, you’ll see someone whip out their iPhone and take a picture of their food. And they will probably Instagram it.