The following is a tale about the most boring day of school…
Actually that’s a lie; the following is a story about what I THOUGHT would be the most boring day at school
Fortunately, about three minuets into Ross’s speech I knew this was about to get interesting.
Food Photography.
What’s so exciting about taking pictures of food? It’s boring, it doesn’t move and it sure can’t “vogue” very well!
Well, I was certain I would hate this tedious genre and I was half way to giving up already.
Yes, the process can be tedious but it also surprised me. You may still think I’m crazy for falling into the “food-foto” trap but let me change your mind.
I’ll give you five points – if by the end if you don’t feel the urge to take pictures of moms meatloaf then hey, can’t blame a girl for trying?
So here’s how it happened:
One afternoon a group of students and myself were assigned to shoot food; to bring our own food, different kinds, and swap and trade and basically gain as much experience with different situations. Sounds lame-ish right?
It’s a science; a specific skill set and technical understanding of light, directions, and angles that can be applied to ANYthing.
So yes, I went to McDonalds and bought Big Macs… mmm Big Macs.
Two to photograph and one to eat…. There’s no way I could stare at a delicious burger all afternoon and NOT eat it. So I came prepared.
And here is what I learned in five points:
1. 1. SHADDOW – lighting your subject from a back 45 position allows the shadow to fall forwards and towards the camera.
By using the diffused light, you not only obtain a true representation of the color of your subject but you also get a soft and constant light in your focal area. Trust me, it’s a genius tip you may want to mental note.
2. 2. GET CLOSE! - There is so much detail and texture in the surfaces and shapes naturally present – use it! Exploit it! It’s the best advantage you have – think about it, how many little crumbs and bumps and patterns there are in an Oreo cookie? Still think this is boring?
Tip: slap on your 100mm macro, manually focus as close as technology will allow you and shoot – move left, move right, shoot again - then slowly back up to encompass more of the product in the frame and shoot again. It’s amazing how a slight change in framing and composition, focal point can change the photo. Repeat and shoot, repeat and shoot. And do it all over again.
Still having trouble finding food interesting??
Still having trouble finding food interesting??
3. 3. BE A NERD - Know your subject, and be obsessed with it - knowing little helpful hints about your subject is an easy way in – for example, knowing that a photographing a salad under hot lights for an hour miiiiiiight not look as great at the end of the shoot as it did in the beginning
Knowing the simple hint that hey, lettuce wilts, food is perishable, and will change over time will completely change your shooting style. Know that you’ve only got a few minuets at best to get THAT shot is key, and it changes the game. Also, know what makes the viewer tick - do they want to see a deliciously fresh baked glossy chocolate doughnut!? You bet they do! So make it happen.
Still think this stuff is a slow and finicky process? Maybe, but the game just got a whole lot more exciting.
Still think this stuff is a slow and finicky process? Maybe, but the game just got a whole lot more exciting.
4. 4. WATCH THE BACKGROUND – this is almost a no brainer for every and any photographer – but it is especially important to remind yourself of what’s happening beyond your subject. Maybe the background is non-existent, maybe the context is everything – regardless it still makes an impact
Even the decision for a simple white background came about with a lot of thought. So pay attention to it.
5. 5. The KISS Method – Keep It Simple Stupid!
Don’t complicate things more than you have to! Even the most complicated problems usually have the simplest of solutions. Be careful not to over do anything, from the set, the composition to the lighting. Especially the lighting!
The most important lesson I have learned from this assignment is just that - Simple lighting keeps the shot easy to control, manipulate and allows your natural creativity to come through without complications or distractions.
This is the lighting set up I used for the product shots seen above. It’s the same one light situation that produces dramatic results. It was easy to manipulate with a reflector simply by changing its angle or its color. (Note the gold side is used to "golden" the bun or dough of baking... hint hint!)
Another major tip I learned through this exercise is that this simple lighting set up can be used for anything… anything! To prove this tip I used the same set up to do a fashion shoot.
Still board silly? Still think I’m wrong and all this was a boring waste of time? Then I welcome you to challenge me!
At the end of the day, don’t knock it till you try it…
Who knows, you may end up with something you hate, but better you may end up with something you love.
Regardless there’s no harm in learning.
Boy oh boy I learned, and boy oh boy I loved.
Cheers!
P.s. I have to thank Ross The Amazing - without whom this insight would never be surfaced!
