Food Photography ... Any Tips?

[gis_tech99]

I am planning to take some pictures of the food in my friend's restaurant for its website? Could you provide some tips and techniques?

BTW, I have a Canon G2 for this.

[Steveo31]

Strong side lighting with reflectors would be a good setup IMO. Small apertures and low EI means tripod, so use one. Maybe the usual key at 45 to the side and above with a fill on the other side too.... try and see.

[robertwgross]

For many types of food, cover it with a thin spray of cooking oil. It will keep the food looking fresh, despite being in strong lights for a while.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotosGuy]

While you're setting up the lighting, use a 'stand-in' for the food in the final set-up, exposure determination, & client pre-approval. Then bring in the 'real', steaming food & shoot like crazy!

Hint 1: Look at lot's of food shots for ideas. :wink:
2. Mashed potatoes make a reasonable stand-in for ice cream.

[IndyJeff]

I saw a show on Discovery or the Learning Channel once about shooting food. They used stuff like egg whites, cooking oils sprays like Bob said, lemon juice, melted butter and I can't remember all what they had but it blew my mind.

The egg whites were brushed on a turkey to give it that fresh moist look and the turkey wasn't even fit to eat as it had been cooked at high temps for a short time to brown the skin. I don't remember for sure but, I think the egg whites were brushed on several minutes before removing from the oven and then again when it was first brought out.
Lemon juice was used to keep sliced fruit looking fresh and butter was poured over ice cream to give it a rich glistening look.


That is one speciality that I take my hat off to the folks that do that.

[randallwade]

have a snack before the shoot