Newcomers to photography can have a tough time; sometimes they have to explore a new and unfamiliar world. Virtues and Vices in Photography reveals, in collaboration with Canon photographers, the lessons, pitfalls, highs and lows of the industry. These professional photographers offer valuable advice specific to their field.
In this installment: Ten top tips from Sid Ali, a culinary photographer.
1.
As a culinary photographer, it is very important to be able to bring your client's vision to life. To do that, you need to know the limitations of your equipment, be able to tell a story with your image, and create a specific mood with your lighting.
2.
Start with natural light so that you understand how it works. Experiment by photographing a dish on a sunny day and then the same dish on a cloudy day. Once you understand how natural light works—and how to use it—you can move on to artificial light sources.
3.
One of the biggest misconceptions about food photography is that it is easy and anyone can do it. But food photography truly depends on a deep understanding of the food you are photographing.
4.
Photographing food from above can work wonderfully, making it look exceptionally beautiful and graphic; however, it does not suit every type of food or occasion. Experiment by photographing the same food from different angles to learn what works and what does not.
5.
When I am looking for inspiration, I consider lighting, form, composition, and story. The more ideas you draw from paintings, books, films, and everyday life, the more grounded and distinctive your work will be.
6.
There are many ways to establish the mood of a photograph through lighting, props, color, form, and story. First decide what you want the image to convey, then make the technical decisions needed to achieve the right result.
7.
I always shoot tethered (with the camera connected to a computer or tablet), so I can see what I am creating on a large screen and make adjustments immediately.
8.
Sometimes the best way to achieve the image you want is to take five different shots and composite them in Photoshop. Take as many photographs as you can so that you have as many options as possible for the final design and retouching.
9.
I always try to make a photograph look as perfect as possible in camera, then use small post-processing adjustments to improve it. These might include adjusting contrast and sharpness, darkening the background if necessary, or enhancing the colors of the dish.
10.
The very best way to become a great photographer is to never stop finding inspiration and never stop shooting.
With thanks to Virtues and Vices in Photography.
See also:
Ten top tips for travel photography
Ten top tips for family photography
Ten top tips for fashion photography
