[dropcap]Hello[/dropcap] dear readers – now what advice does a not yet even 1 year old food blog (although nearly there, mind you [in a couple of weeks, actually] – by the way, I hope you’ve been practising your food poetry/haiku writing because as part of helping to celebrate Padaek’s first birthday, there will be a fun/light-hearted food poetry writing competition, with a lovely/small prize to the winner [humbly chosen by me] – so please stay tuned for more info) have to give about food photography?
Good question – and to be honest, if you’re a talented/passionate/seasoned food blogger/photographer or artist/pro photographer – probably not too much really. You see – I’m relatively quite new to food blogging/photography (nearly 1 year is still quite new, right?) – but I do enjoy the art. Also, do you know what I happily learnt this week? I learnt that when you/I genuinely love doing something, the universe has a magical way or revealing some wonderful/fabulous things about it that is not normally/necessarily obvious/easy to notice, otherwise.
Padaek – what on earth are you talking about – just get to the point – what do you have for us today? OK, with the aforementioned point in mind and as an aspiring/passionate food blogger/photographer and artist/photographer (without super fancy/expensive photography equipment) – I’ve learnt/realised a few hopefully helpful things about food photography that I want to share with you.
I’ve compiled this info into a list of my humble top 3 tips on food photography. Because the list started to get quite long (hence the delay on this post), I decided to publish the 3 tips in 3 separate posts – with the other 2 tips/posts published on later dates. Today is all about my #1 tip and it reads as follows:
1. Just take more photos gawdammit!
Are you serious, is that tip #1? – I can hear you think. Yes, I am serious and I’ve placed this at the top of the list because as simple/obvious as it may sound, I personally think (from experience too) that it is the most important advice to share on how to improve your food photo (or any type of photo) skills.
To expand – I advise that you take your camera (or phone) with you practically everywhere that you go (within reason) and just take as many photos as you can, even if you think the weather/conditions or subject matter are not good enough, or if you’re not really in the mood. Whether to the fresh produce markets, local deli, friends’ BBQ, the beach, lunch/dinner etc. – just try and take more photos, and make a habit of it.
This way, not only will you familiarize yourself with your camera (and all of its whiz bang features/knobs, etc.) – you’ll also build confidence in yourself as a photographer/taking photos in public places too. Furthermore, you’ll also build confidence in your own unique style of photography – your perspectives/views/interests/special golden eye, etc.
Do this even if you’re just using the auto feature on your camera (which is what I often do), or if you have a basic (yet very cool) camera.
Don’t be afraid to use your camera – that’s what it’s there for. Nothing lasts forever and by the time you’ve worn your camera out (and you’ve grown as a photographer and developed your unique taste and style), you’ll be ready to swap it for a new one.
I remember when I first bought my current camera – I was quite precious about it and I didn’t want to get it scratched/damaged or be “over-used”. Fortunately, I overcame this dilemma quickly enough and my camera is now both much loved and much used.
At the start, I was also my harshest critic (and can still sometimes be) – thinking that my photos (and camera) were simply not good enough (in comparison to whoever/whatever). Not only did this hold me back from taking more photos and having fun, it also hindered me in improving my skills and progressing as a photographer. Weird, I know!
I eventually got myself out of this negative/futile mindset and made a conscious decision/effort to take more photos whenever/wherever/of whatever I can, without being too critical on myself/work.
I realized that the only way to be good/great at something is to start doing it, and there’s no better place/time to start than now/atm. Consequently – I decided to take my camera with me practically everywhere (wrapped in my man/shoulder bag or camera bag) and simply took more photos of things (almost everything), and became more aware of/on the look out for possible good photo opportunities.
My camera and I quickly enough developed a special connection with each other, and now I feel more comfortable/confident in taking photos in public places and am more proud/less critical of my photos/work too.
You’re probably thinking – well, I’m doing this already anyway – with my smartphone and using Instagram!
If that’s the case – that is great and continue what you’re doing. I personally don’t use my phone to take photos, nor do I regularly upload photos to Instagram. Instead, I prefer to use my camera to take photos with and also use Flickr to upload my photos to (which I embed to my blog posts), but the choices are yours.
Either way, my point is the same – just remember to always have your camera/phone with you/close by, make a habit of taking photos regularly, and always be on the lookout for great photo opportunities! This way – you will not miss out on the possibility of finding/taking a good photo, at the same time steadily improve your photo taking skills.
As the adage goes – “practice makes perfect”! I think we all know this and agree on it too but to actually practice it is a different story. So what are you waiting for? Get your boots on, batteries charged, and get out there and take more photos!
Note: While you’re out there taking a lot of photos, do take some time to carefully think about what you’re taking a photo of and how you’re doing it. This way – you will consciously and speedily refine/better/improve your skills/style. I will talk more about this on a later post.
That’s all folks! Stay tuned for the next instalment of my humble views on food photography – due next Friday. Until then, have a great weekend!
Excellent advice. The more you practice, the better you get. Someone really clever told me it wasn’t about spending hours and hours all day long. She said I should take photos every day of the week and I would get better. She was right. I have a long way to go but I’m getting there.
Good series.
Thanks for your comment Maureen. I think the practice makes perfect (or at least makes better) is a great saying and can definitely be applied to food/all types of photography. I still have a lot to learn about photography, but I think that by taking photos regularly and being genuinely passionate about and committed to it really helps me to better my skills at it. The problem with me was just starting the process/routine of taking photos regularly and not being too critical on my work. I/we can only get better in what we love/have fun doing. I really love seeing different photographers’ unique styles shine through. Best wishes! :)
Great tips! I tend not to take enough shots of my recipes…then when I’m ready to edit, I have a great shot but something is out of focus which should be IN focus. Should have taken more!
Thank you for your comment! I’ve experienced that same problem too, even after taking hundreds of photos. Now, I try to take as many photos as possible, and then also preview them in the camera’s screen before stopping. Although, even then, sometimes the photos don’t appear quite right on the computer. It’s still a huge learning curve for me, but I’m enjoying it and learning from my mistakes. Best wishes! :D
Great advice and so true, taking more photos is common sense. I always find photography makes me more observant and notice beautiful/interesting things which perhaps I might not have.
Hi Emma!
Thanks for your comment. Yes, it’s a pretty simple and common sense advice but I think it’s so important. I’m still learning from it and have a long way to go and improving to do, but I think that the more I take photos, the more I actually enjoy it, and helpfully improve my skills too. Also, when you love doing something, it usually works out well for everybody. Also, at least you’re having fun. I’ve admired your photos from the start. Best wishes! :D