Conclusion of the food photography blog

Based on the food photography lessons which have been conducted throughout the term, the author had attained several photographic techniques through the practical and theoretical knowledge gained during the on-going lessons. Furthermore, before learning about food photography, the author had a mind-set where professional photographs could only be captured using DSLR cameras or other high quality cameras. However, the lessons had helped to change the author’s mentality towards photography, as the author is now aware that the secret of a high quality photograph lies on the skills of the photographer and not on the quality of the camera (Rockwell, 2013).

In addition, the author also learnt and realised that food styling techniques in regards to the vast utilization of colours, textures of food and placements of the compositions within the plate plays a crucial role in food photography. Also, the position of various types of lights such as fill light, key light along with the reflector at the correct angle elevates the intended outlook of the food component by creating a three-dimensional appearance. Moreover, the author also learned that background colour choices are essential to complement the components in the picture. The other factors which the author had  learnt are the leading line technique and the framing technique which helps to convey the details of the picture in a clear and concise manner as they give depth to the whole outlook of the photograph (Baier, 2014). 

Moving on to the equipment knowledge, the importance of the aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings has played a vital role in the author’s day to day photography not just in relations with the food but also on the daily life. In conclusion, due to the skills attained, the author is now able to capture good quality photographs with the available resources such as the iPhone 5 and the IPad; with the concentration on the elements and surroundings of the subjects which has elevated the final appearances of the photographs. Moreover, the author now sees photography as a form of skilful enjoyment instead of a complicated procedure.

Baier, L. (2014) Food Photography Tips, A Sweet Pea Chef, [online] Available at: http://www.asweetpeachef.com/food-photography/food-photography-tips/ [Accessed 28 November 2014].

Rockwell, K. (2013) Your Camera Doesn’t Matter, [online] Available at: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm [Accessed 28 November 2014].

Recreation of a professional photograph

Figure 1: original picture

Figure 2: recreated picture

The students decided to recreate an existing photograph related to food. Therefore, figure 1 was the chosen image which was recreated into figure 2. 

Figure 1 has a wider outlook. Therefore, more vegetables were showcased. In addition, the dark background elevated the vibrant colours of the vegetables. Also, as the vegetables are halved, the picture did not need any form of decorative element due to the natural patterns and colour variations of the vegetables. Therefore, figure 1 had solely gained a magnificent outlook with the earthy elements. However, it is prominent that figure 1 looks less natural when compared to figure 2. Moreover, the uneven structure of the soil had given depth to figure 1. It also creates an illusion due to the placement of the vegetables. In addition, the composition of the vegetables was cleverly done in figure 1 as the root vegetables with leaves were placed on the top while the root vegetables without leaves were placed in the bottom, thus creating a realistic outlook.

Figure 2 was captured with an iPhone 5 and it has a narrow outlook when compared to figure 1. Therefore, lesser vegetables were showcased. The lumps in the soil have contributed to the realistic outlook of the photography. Furthermore, the wooden background choice had matched with the earthiness of the elements. However, figure 2 looks less attractive and professional when compared to figure 1. This is because no artificial form of lightings, reflectors or Photoshop was used. In addition, figure 2 looks gloomier when compared to figure 1. Also, the illusion effect which figure 1 showcased could not be done with figure 2 due to the lack of equipment.

In conclusion, when analysing both the figures individually, they tend to showcase their own magnificence through the choice of soil, composition of vegetables, combinations of colours and background choices. However, when compared with one another, figure 2 is considered to have its own originality and does not seem like a recreation in the eye of the author.