I am a little bit obsessed with taking photos of food. Everywhere I go I'm constantly snapping for inspiration, so I can relive it later or to remember one particular element or of course to share it here. One thing I didn't really think about when I started my blog was taking photos and how important they are to the blog.
When I first started out my photos were pretty bad. I look at this one and think 'who would rush off to make that?' I think I've come a fair way from this photo to the first photo. I haven't taken any lessons just a lot of Googling and trial and error.
One great trick I learned was this little set up. I have no idea where I saw it but I have used it quite a few times. All you need is a window, some baking paper, a white surface (I've just used a piece of paper on a chopping board), a piece of aluminum foil and something to hold it up.
This is how the photo turned out. If I took that now I'd want to do a bit of editing afterwards but it's a pretty cool effect considering all you need is a few things in the kitchen.
This one was another result of my paper experimenting. Pretty cool huh?
The best thing that's happened to my food photography lately was buying a photography eBook from a wonderful American food blogger A Pinch of Yum. The book is so well written and teaches the simplest but most effective ways to get great photos. Since reading it a few months ago, I've had 10 of my photos accepted on Tastespotting, which, after a lot of rejections, I realised is kind of a big deal! If you're after a little bit of help with photography I highly recommend it.
I do have a fancy camera for my photo-taking. I use a Nikon D5000 and just recently ungraded to a macro lens. It sounds like a know what I'm talking about but I really don't. I explained what I wanted to do with the lens to the camera shop man and he told me what I needed.
Between the friendly man at the camera shop and a lot of reading I have learned a few tips that I'll share. They're not rocket science and definitely not anything new but they've improved my photography.
- shoot in natural light whenever possible
- take A LOT of photos and then delete them later (I take at least 30 of each item to get a good one)
- play around and take photos in different positions
- you don't need fancy editing - I just use iPhoto (because I'm scared of photoshop) the eBook I bought taught me iPhoto has a lot more features than I thought!
- learn how to use your camera - I bought Nikon D5000 for Dummies and taught myself
- practice, practice, practice
- have fun! I have found myself telling muffins 'that's a wrap' when I've got the perfect shot
The next thing I'd like to learn about is styling or as Tastespotting likes to call 'composition' (I know that because that's the reason they give for rejecting a lot of my photos).
I'm working on my styling items collection, that part I don't have trouble with surprisingly (actually I have quite a collection I might share one day), so now I just need to master the art of putting them all together.
So what about you? Do you take photos of your food? What's your best photography tip?
Disclosure: I get a commission from sales of the photography eBook but I would never EVER promote something if I didn't think it was worth it!
Alana says
I love seeing other people's food photog set ups; digging your paper-against-the-window idea! I may have to try that soon. The lighting on your sausage rolls is really nice!!
I think people shouldn't be afraid to work with artificial light in food photography; if course natural light is ideal when you have time during the day to take snaps but strobe lighting etc has the ability to create some really stunning, dramatic images too.
Claire says
Thanks Alana. There was a huge window behind the sausage rolls. It's at my parents beach house. If only I could take all my photos there.
You are quite right so many great photos have artificial light. Unfortunately for amateurs like me it's natural or nothing because I can't quite justify a fancy light yet.
Jennifer (Delicieux) says
Some great tips there Claire! I love seeing how other people take their food photos. And I agree, natural light is definitely best for food photos.
Claire says
It's very interesting isn't it. I'd love to see a bigger frame of a lot of people's shots. Hmm maybe I could do a post on it?
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
There's nothing quite like natural lighting is there Claire! Great tips! Now, are you back to the real world after your honeymoon? :D
Claire says
No there is not. Yes back to reality I'm afraid but it's good reality!
Hotly Spiced says
It's obvious your images have really improved. Those are great tricks with the paper! I have high-end camera equipment but I also use an i-phone (but I don't think any of those images would be warmly greeted by Tastespotting!) xx
Claire says
Thanks Charlie. The paper is brilliant!
nadine ominski says
Great tips! Thank you!!!
This is something I really need to improve upon with my blog. I love your DIY kitchen light room tips.. honestly so easy! Who needs to be a pro photographer when you got all your materials in the ktichen! Thank you hunni xxxx
Claire says
You're very welcome! You become quite resourceful when the real deal is so expensive!
Nic@diningwithastud says
Fab tips Claire :)
vanessalilllian says
Thanks for the recommendation. A LOT of my photos look like your bowl of noodles, and half the time I don't have time to photograph something properly, let alone in natural light, so I end up having to use the flash. But hey, it can only get better from here!
Claire says
I know that problem too. I've started making dinner in the middle of the day (when it's something that will keep) and photographing it then. I realise that's not an option for many people though! One lady suggests always making a bit extra and photographing it the next day before work. The added bonus is you have lunch ready-made!