My photography has improved so much!
It is sometimes hard to believe that my pictures once looked like this:
Now, with lots of studying, practicing, and learning from skilled food photographers my pictures now look like this:
Believe me, taking food photos is not a gift that I was born with. It is a skill that has and is continuing to develop. It doesn’t come easy especially learning how to use a DSLR Camera. I mean, who knows or understand the terms aperture, ISO speed, and white balance anyway? I still having a hard time remembering. All I know is how to do is use my camera, but I still can’t tell you everything about how to use one when it comes to using the terms or all the features of a camera. I am sure that is not in the cards for me to teach a food photography class, but what I can do is share with you what has worked for me and has really turned the quality of my photos around. That is what I will do in just a moment.
I want to take the time out to say something about food photography and blogging. When I decided to begin a food blog, I didn’t start a blog with the intent of showcasing recipes of food that I thought people wanted to see or food that I thought might make it on Google’s top page. I created food that came straight from me that I wanted to share with you. That also goes the same with food photography. When I take a photo, I think a lot about the dish that I am sharing and what I want it to translate to my audience. I don’t want to take just another pretty picture that is “pinnable”. Of course, that will drive traffic and gain me more reliable readers and visitors to my blog but taking good food photos is about igniting emotion that will hopefully stimulate your senses and give you the confidence to make a delicious dish. That is what taking good photos is and has always been about for me.
So, how did I develop my food photography skill? The biggest tip I have for you that has helped me tremendously, is regularly looking at skilled food bloggers and food photographers work. I look at how the light hits the food and how deep the shadows are. I look at the use of composition and props as it helps me understand what a good food photo looks like. Once I have studied the work of others, I then use the learning materials I have to support my skills. Make sense? I am sure everyone has their way of improving this skill but I like to study and see what others are doing. How I know if my picture is “good” (which is completely subjective) is if it makes me hungry or igniting emotion as I am editing. Now, to those resources that has helped me:
This book is probably the most valuable resource that has helped my photography. It is super easy to understand and it is filled with real videos on how to use your camera as well as how to using editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. If you are trying to get into photography, I highly recommend in this investment. This alone, you will notice improvement in your photographs. It is only $19.00 and worth every-single-penny.
The second resource that has catapulted my food photos is Mr.Andre Scrivani. He is a world-renowned food photography and conducted a series of food photo lessons that really pushed my skills further. There are some videos you can watch for free but if you want to buy the entire class it is $129, but I do think its worth it. Click here for more information.
Now about the food…Didn’t your mouth just water looking at some of the food pics that I took this year? I choose these recipes for its photography, not because the other sucked, but because due to traffic, SEO, and Pinterest these are the recipes that people have drooled over. Therefore, if you forgot here is a look at some of my best photos and recipe of 2014.
Now you must do me a favor as you are going through these recipes. Share these recipes with the rest of the world by pinning on your Pinterest Boards. Looking at these pictures and recipes, how could you not want to. I don’t know about you but I am really excited about 2015 and what is to come in terms of recipe development and life in general.
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