10/01/2011

Food Photography: Part 2

By Michael Brutt


Immediately after the planning phase for the photo shoot is total (see Part 1 - Preparing for the Shoot), you might be now prepared for the photo session. The photography area should really be large enough to accommodate the lighting, the primary table that the food items and accessories will likely be placed on, and possibly a background. A second table or surface might be handy for prepping and assembling the food items. Cooking, if required, can be carried out on the second table, using a portable burner, but a separate kitchen area for cooking and washing is ideal.

Getting the appropriate tools to prepare the food is necessary, and every little thing that would be found in a operating expert kitchen ought to be offered. A food stylist typically brings most utensils required to prepare the items. It's also crucial to have ample foodstuffs and supplies to total the assignment. For example, if the image demands fresh tomatoes, then a fantastic selection is needed to obtain the best-looking ones. This also applies to a product which is ready off-site, for example bread, pies or any ready-to-eat items. Photograph the one that represents the product at its greatest.

The goal need to be to create the food appear as fresh and appealing as doable. To start with, the most effective approach is to use a "stand-in" sample that's an approximation with the item to be photographed. This really is simply because quite a few foods, right after being served and sitting a though, will drip, settle, or just cease seeking as fresh as it could. With all the stand-in on the set, decisions is often created as towards the very best camera angle and height, which props add or detract from the shot, and if the lighting is enhancing the subject correctly. The test shots could be scrutinized, discussed, and modified as necessary. Then the "hero" food item - the one that may in fact be photographed - is brought in. The photographer can now concentrate on taking the photos swiftly, and possibly with variations of angles or lighting effects.

The lighting will contribute significantly to the overall mood, and as a result appeal, of the food. Shooting in the studio will give a polished, professional look mainly because it presents by far the most control more than the environment, from a lighting standpoint. That's not to say which you can't get good results on-location, however it does involve extra perform to manage the surroundings. Most skilled photographers will use many off-camera flash units, at times with diffusion between the flash head and the subject. Correct lighting can place shadows to give the image dimension. Some foods benefit from glistening highlights, which make it appear fresh and juicy, and this really is achieved with precise light placement. A bright background can give a "sunny morning" feel, although dim lighting might very best portray an intimate dining encounter.

After the very first shot, the rest with the food shoot commonly becomes one of the most productive portion, as everybody settles into the function flow. Getting a number of items or food items to select from, a lighting style matching the use of the image, and an effective team to keep the pictures moving forward may be the important to a prosperous food photography assignment.




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