Restaurant Shots

[Noel_]

Been doing some shots for a friends restaurant, it's my first "gig" if you want to call it that. Naturally they are heavily processed as the goal is to sell, make you thirsty, hungry or just generally hang out there.

Let's start with food. Lessons learned here were; try to retain shape as best you can, saturated colors = good and most importantly, natural light is KING.

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Next up, Cocktails. Lessons learned: If the drink itself is "murky" and doesn't let in much light, it's going to be tough so you'll need to compensate with a strong environmental background (i.e. unless the inside is beautiful, take it outside).

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Kitchen! Had lots of fun here. Feels like you're shooting sports, i.e. anticipating the next move so prepare quickly Lessons learned: Capture the action to give the viewer an understanding of its creation (requires tripod), black & white = visually more hygienic kitchen and be sure none of the staff have jewelry/watches/rings on! The kitchen was spotless, but the viewer needs to understand that too:

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Decor. Lessons learned: Bring a tripod (duh), make sure everything looks like it's supposed too (i.e. alignment forks, napkins, chairs, etc.), try getting a foreground / middleground / background as much as you can, create or add your own lighting in PS.

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[Noel_]

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Guests! Probably the most challenging part. You want good times but at the same time not recognizable faces. I had to alter my goal here slightly and also play around with blur where needed. Not sure if this worked, you tell me!

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Thank you for looking at this thread. I am by no means a professional photographer, but I thought it might be useful to share my experiences. If you have any criticism or feedback, by all means share! I appreciate whatever constructive comments I receive....

Cheers

[drmanolo]

Nice job.... I really liked the decor shots. About the food... this might help... it seems a little bother the background colors. I have tried the same food on a plate... but on a white cardboard or cake paper inside my lightbox. Natural light is GOOOOOD but without disturbing backgrounds.

Love the cup shot!!!!

[RandyMN]

Well you certainly made me hungry except for that one that looks like someone spit on it...

[Noel_]

Thanks guys, I actually enjoyed having the backgrounds there, added some uniqueness to the whole set of shots (imho). But food on white is definitely more versatile later on.

Cheers

[KAS]

Food is always really hard to make look good in a photo. Partly why I don't really go after that kind of thing. You've done an excellent job! I think the owner will be very pleased (I know I would be). All those dishes look delicious!

[roman_t]

good job. makes me go to the frige

[Noel_]

Thank you both!

[Flo]

Really Well Done! The colors are fabulous, lighting is marvelous, and you have certainly set the mood for me. I would be thrilled to have these.

[Tee Why]

I'm not a fan of selective coloring, but otherwise, I think they look very nice.

[Wyn]

looks so good!

[angryhampster]

Originally Posted by KAS

Food is always really hard to make look good in a photo. Partly why I don't really go after that kind of thing. You've done an excellent job! I think the owner will be very pleased (I know I would be). All those dishes look delicious!

Agreed 100%. I've never been able to achieve and appetizing food shot.


Great photos, OP.

[Grande Latte]

I do love your thread. The pics and the explanations really help me understand how you took your photos. I'm an amateur photographer so I always enjoy learning from other members. Please post soon in the future and I hope others can do the same.

[Mark1]

WOW they work for me! A few of the interior are a bit dark. It may really be that dear in real life, but the loss of detail trumps the look I think.

[Noel_]

Thank you for the kind comments all, I'm glad ppl enjoy them.