Food photography

[shutter_blitz]

Hi,
I am new to this forum. I am fairly new to photography as well. I mostly shoot by daylight. That's the extent of my skill set. I want to learn to stylize my shots with new tips. Here for example is a shot of a cake:
http://search.msn.com/images/results.aspx?q=deep%20chocolate%20cake&FORM=BIRE#focal=4831673a79eba037584f541a6d4f027d&furl=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.meredith.com%2Fbhg%2Fimag es%2Frecipe%2Fss_R092890.jpg

Can some explain how to achieve that blown out look in the background, yet keep the subject from getting washed out? Is it a white light source? High exposure?

[rammy]

I actually did the opposite to this with flowers :-)

You are right in that they have a bright light shining directly onto a white background like a white card. You expose correctly for your subject matter (use spot metering or focus in and get the exposure right) and the background will "blow out".

A big light box can do the same thing but who wants to carry one of those around with them. Try a white card, paper is not dense enough and a lamp on the background. Set your white balance accordingly because of the incandescent light and expose for the cake.

[johnms88]

Lol, I don't even think the pic you showed us is good.

Like said above, a light box is used in shots like these
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524

see that link for a plethora of information pertaining to the type of shots that you are looking for.

[shutter_blitz]

Thx rammy & johnms88! I will give your ideas a try. I actually thought the picture was very good, but I guess.....to each his own. Makes my mouth water everytime I see it::drool::.

[PhotosGuy]

Food: Shooting food with limited equipment (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=300080)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=137781