Tutorial Tuesday - Food Photography

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

I am not much of a food photographer. I occasionally post favorite recipes on this blog, but even that has fallen by the wayside lately. Truth be told, I don't really like to cook. I do enjoy baking once in a while, but mainly because I am a cookie fiend and I can't go a day without a cookie, lol. While I admire food photography and sometimes drool over the gorgeous images on other foodie photog blogs, I know it's not my forte.  I also have crappy light in my kitchen and dining room, and dark red walls. That said, I would like to be able to take decent food photos when I want to post a recipe. When I stumbled upon Ashley's Tutorial Tuesday for this week, which is chock full of tips for food photography, I thought I might as well give it a whirl. I always learn a ton from trying different tutorials, even if my attempts aren't entirely successful. 


So, I started with some Valentine's Day candy. I took my light box outside for some natural light and set up a few shots. These were the best of the bunch:



Eh, they're ok, but kind of boring, I think. I started realizing taking some time to really plan out a shot and set things up is key. I am definitely lacking some decent props... nice linens, simple white dishes, or interesting antiques...most things here are more kid-friendly than photo-friendly ;)

Since I was tired of beating the kids away from the m&m's I thought I'd move on to some fruit. Ha, ha, I knew they wouldn't be trying to snatch that out of my shots.

I had seen Jaymi's tutorial on Fruit in Bubbles and was impressed by Gina's shots, so I thought I'd try that next. 







I found these shots to be a lot more interesting and fun. I don't have a macro lens, just my kits lens with some macro filters so many were out of focus and just plain bad. But I was glad I pushed myself and tried something new. I learned that lighting makes a huge difference in how appealing food looks, and keeping things clean and simple makes for a better shot. 

I'm so glad I took the time to try some new things and learned a bit along the way. Thanks to Ashley and Branson for hosting the fun!!!

Tutorial Tuesday

I'm also linking up at Deb's place today. Stop by to say hello!


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Tiffany said...

Love all of them...you did great. I tried the bubble shots last year and had a lot of fun with them. Love all the color in your shots. Hope you are having a great week.

Tiffany

Amy said...

I absolutely love these - so fun and bright!

Unknown said...

Great food photography! I love the bubbly fruit.

Gillian said...

These bubbles are too fun! And to be honest, i like the first ones too : )

4 Lettre Words said...

I really have to get on the fruity-bubbles bandwagon 'cause they are so, so cool. The colors in your shots are gorgeous, Melissa! They would be awesome hanging in a coastal kitchen! :)

Seeing Each Day said...

I definitely love all your fruit in bubbles shot (well done! looks so effective) but i also think your m&m ones are good as well - i especially like how you've arranged the three dishes in the second one.

Heather said...

Love these, The fruit looks delicious!

Ellie said...

These look as if they were fun to take. Love the happy bright colours and the bubbles.

Sherri B. said...

These are gorgeous - you look like a pro! Thanks so much for sharing.

Ashley Sisk said...

I seriously think you did a fantastic job with all of these - great work!

Rose Clearfield said...

Beautiful done! I love all of the detail with the bubbles and the vivid colors.

Michelle said...

I saw your thumb nail and had to come over. First, you m&m shots aren't boring. They are shiny and crisp and makes me hungry for some chocolate. :) Great job on the bubbly fruit. The colors are fantastic.

Mary Kate said...

I love them all. The bubble shots are great but I have to say that the m&m shots are my favorites.

Liz Mays said...

I love that lime with bubbles shot! Really cool!

Jaymi said...

great job on the fruit and bubbles shots! I love the lime with the purple background! Great job!

Gina Kleinworth said...

YAY- I LOVE these. I like the idea of taking the light box outside. I need to make one with a cover so I can get that filtered light through the top that way. TOTALLY in love with the second candy shot.

To answer your question - yes, just around the corner we have a "dog park" & it is landscaped with all these old pieces of farm equipment. I never really thought about it until I was looking through Pinterest for inspiration. Worked out- I was happy they provided the shade I needed- however next time I will try to remember my reflector. Countering the shade with the color cast the equipment was giving off was something I didn't account for - rookie mistake :) I was just going to email you this- but for some reason you are coming up as no reply now.

Anyhow- have a great evening!!!

Aimee said...

Great shots! I love food so I love taking pictures of it too!

Bethany said...

Awesome shots. I like the second one!

say cheese said...

love the bubbles!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Hi Melissa- just leaving you another comment so hopefully we can figure out the issue with blogger email. :)

Serendipity is Sweet said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kaylene said...

Fantastic, must try this as well.

Mira Crisp said...

I like all the bubbles, but I love those pinks!!

Kat said...

WOW the bubble shots are amazing!

Holly said...

I love your pictures. I think they're beautiful and those bubble shots are AMAZING!!! (How did you do that? Was it Sprite or something?) Love it!

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