Food photography

[Guesty]

I've been asked to photograph some cakes for a friends new business start up.

Any tips? It's not subject I've photographed before.

[paul linton]

Re: Food photography

Not to sure on tips but ; A macro or close focus lens would be handy, using a tripod will make life easier to frame the shot, flash could always help if lighting is poor bounce light of ceiling to reduce any shadows, keep an eye on your exposure use +/- compensation to bring out or reduce the shadows or highlights this can be quite effective when shooting food, also shoot from different angles side, top,wide angle, closeup.One more thing if shoot close up watch your depth of field as you don't get very much (even at f8/16) can be creative but focusing needs to be right, These are a few thing that would be on my mind if i was going to shoot food dishes.

Paul

[Mazzie]

Re: Food photography

I am no expert by any means but like to photograph food I have cooked. I would say always use natural light if possible. If you have to use a flash use something that replicates natural light. Think about the set up of the food as Paul said above. Different angles. For cakes think about rows or on a cake stand. Try a shallow DoF and get the nearest cake in focus, with the others fading into the distance gradually. Look at the details, is there swirly cream or decorations on top. Try and focus on that. Enjoy!

[secondintime]

Re: Food photography

Again, no expert but natural light is likely to be best, be aware of what is behind your subject as it can be easy to get focused on just your subject and you could pick up some unwanted distraction in the background, shallow DOF works well for food photography. Good luck, be sure to post some of the results.

[Woolley]

Re: Food photography

I've recently done a similar shoot. Here's what I did:

Natural light with a reflector.
For backgrounds you'll find a handful of wallpaper off-cuts work really well - the bits you're allowed to take away as 'test' samples are ideal and free.
I found shallow depth of field of 50mm worked best, camera on a tripod.
Shoot RAW - you will need to be very accurate with horizontals/verticles and you're white balance is critical. Also keep an eye on exposures as anything white is likely to need compensation.

The bottom group of 18 on this page are mine.

[DeeGee]

Re: Food photography

What about different props. If your photographing food to appeal to many rather than the few.

Some prefer the plain muffin on a plate with a latte.. others will like to see the china cake stand with a cup of tea in a china cup and saucer. Just an idea.

[Guesty]

Re: Food photography

Thank you all for your help. Will post some of the results.

[Guesty]

Re: Food photography

One of my favourites from the other day. I like the pastel colours.

C&c welcome!

uploadfromtaptalk1361833015075.jpg

[Mazzie]

Re: Food photography

That's just fab! The DoF, colours, composition, the lot. Look forward to seeing more.

[paul linton]

Re: Food photography

Think your going in the right direction Guesty, Nothing wrong with your first image well done.

Paul

[DeeGee]

Re: Food photography

I like the dof and how you've caught the colour.

Do confess though, don't think I would be able to put a knife into that cake.

[Guesty]

Re: Food photography

Here are a few more from last week. My friend was very happy with them, but if appreciate done c&c.

uploadfromtaptalk1362225118115.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1362225149035.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1362225202028.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1362225229193.jpg

[tesarver]

Re: Food photography

Nicely done.

Tom