My sister and a friend are starting a small catering business. They are in the process of putting together a website and have asked me to take some photos of their food to include on the site. I would love to see some food photos you have taken and would be greatful for any suggestions/tips on how to make it look great. Here is one that I took last night. Thanks for your help!
Hi, I have no experience in food photography so I will not be able to help much. I have one comment to make on the current photo, I hope I don't offend you:
The photo above looks good, and I like the food in the background and the DOF. However, the spoon laying on the side kind of draws my attention away from the subject.
Its just my opinion, hope you understand :)
Good luck, I have heard of a few strange techniques used in food photography...
This is one of my few food photos. It's Austrian Apricot Dumplings, and I can only make them for a short stretch of time every year, but they are one of my husband's favorite foods, so we all feel it's a big deal when I make them :-)
Oh, and i think that your pic would've been better with more light, if you don't mind my saying so. I didn't have any idea what it was until I read about it, and herbed butter like that is a family favorite. I do like the garnish on it very much, and it really complimented the shape of the dish. Food is really hard to photograph. :-)
Well, first I set down my jar of peanut butter, and then....
Kidding. Your sage butter looks good--I like the bit of garnish on top. Good luck with your business. (:
I've read that tight crops, low angles and oil for sheen are things to keep in mind when it comes to food photography.
I have not posted too many of my food photos (have taken a lot over the years), and these are from early/mid year of this project. A few may be not so food though...LOL
I am guessing with the winter months coming up, I may be taking some more food photos.
try to use simple backgrounds and keep them clean with some colour contrast to the food you are photographing
to give foods a shimmer brush with a light coating of oil
when taking photos of fruit and veg use a mist spray to make them look juicier, also works on glass bowls of icecream and bottles of cold drink
high and low angles work well with food but take shots from all angles
when shooting meat make sure to adjust your white balance to shoot in warm tones (blue meat does not look so appetising)
create a steaming hot effect by secreting cotton wool balls that have been soaked in water and heated in the microwave for a couple of minutes into the dish
also some of the best looking icecream shots are in fact mashed potato with or without a touch of food colouring :)
I agree that photographing food is quite a bit more difficult than it might look. I prefer shooting with lots of light, (particularly natural light for food), but try and reduce the shadows as much as possible. I found a tripod helps to maintain the composition if you need to adjust the food at any time, or 'pour' on more garnish. Best of luck with your business.
Here is one I took a bit ago. I only uploaded here tonight for this thread. I hope to learn how to take food photos, I love to cook (though I do not have much time anymore due to going back to work) and I love photographs. I hope to better myself in this area.
They are right, simple backgrounds is the way to go. You want to showcase your food so why distract the eye from it. I like photo shots that are on natural light. You want to sell them, so the more luscious they look the better. Shoot different angles and see which works best for that particular dish. Sometimes, "in your face" shots look better. Use macro settings. Good luck on your business! :)
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The photo above looks good, and I like the food in the background and the DOF. However, the spoon laying on the side kind of draws my attention away from the subject.
Its just my opinion, hope you understand :)
Good luck, I have heard of a few strange techniques used in food photography...
@ladyrazzor This looks yummy! Thank you.
@kjarn You are quite the chef! Thanks for sharing.
Kidding. Your sage butter looks good--I like the bit of garnish on top. Good luck with your business. (:
I've read that tight crops, low angles and oil for sheen are things to keep in mind when it comes to food photography.
I am guessing with the winter months coming up, I may be taking some more food photos.
try to use simple backgrounds and keep them clean with some colour contrast to the food you are photographing
to give foods a shimmer brush with a light coating of oil
when taking photos of fruit and veg use a mist spray to make them look juicier, also works on glass bowls of icecream and bottles of cold drink
high and low angles work well with food but take shots from all angles
when shooting meat make sure to adjust your white balance to shoot in warm tones (blue meat does not look so appetising)
create a steaming hot effect by secreting cotton wool balls that have been soaked in water and heated in the microwave for a couple of minutes into the dish
also some of the best looking icecream shots are in fact mashed potato with or without a touch of food colouring :)
PS The apple was fake!!!
And finally my favourite fruits!
Yes, best of luck to you!!!
Obviously, I'm still learning...