Taking photos for deli Menu

[pleess]

Hi all,

I've been asked to help out a friend to take some photos of food for his deli menu. Need some advice on what I need to have, need to do, etc. I own a Canon 350D with kit lens, a 28-105 lens and an external flash on loan from my bro-in-law. I'm kinda new in photography, so appreciate any help I can get. Thanks in advance.

paul

[Stratix]

i guess macros are the way to go, try a few new angles for close ups... =)

in my opinion, the kit lens should be good enough...

[pleess]

Thanks pal! By the way, should I use flash? If yes, how should i do it?

[elfvin]

i think food usually appears SOFT. i think i think. i saw pictures on food photography and mostly are soft. and i read a little on food photography, closed up attracts people to look at the pictures.

flash? bounced it!

[Adiemus]

I prefer to use the 50mm f/1.8 for these kinda shots.
Given a choice, I would mount it on a tripod and shoot using ambient light.
If flash is required, use bounce or use a diffuser.

[elfvin]

Originally Posted by Adiemus I prefer to use the 50mm f/1.8 for these kinda shots. Given a choice, I would mount it on a tripod and shoot using ambient light. If flash is required, use bounce or use a diffuser.

yeah, doing outside your window is the best when the sunlight is the strongest!

[Scaglietti]

How about using a light tent....

[VR Man]

Go to your local library or book store and get a book on food photography read up.

Your kit lens cannot make it. Better buy, borrow or loan a prime macro lens.

Get a reflector, 1-2 lights and tracing paper.

You should get someone who can style your food.

Have fun

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

do a search... tis has been repeated over many times...

anyway, if u wan professional results, i guess u won't get it, cos 1 flash isn't gonna help much but probably add that 'artistic' shot since might even over color or have underexposure, u won't really get a well even lighting.

then your lens might not be able to deliver...

then since u never shoot before... u can take 100 test shots and not satisfied by 1...

[wildstallion]

Originally Posted by VR Man Go to your local library or book store and get a book on food photography read up. Your kit lens cannot make it. Better buy, borrow or loan a prime macro lens. Get a reflector, 1-2 lights and tracing paper. You should get someone who can style your food. Have fun

I beg to differ. The kit lens will do it fine.

Its not really the equipment, more the person using it. Buying or borrowing a lens may help if you know what your going to do with it, otherwise whats the point?

The kit lens will do the job well.

[elfvin]

ya it might be tougher but its still possible.

good luck with your shoooot!

[VR Man]

Originally Posted by wildstallion I beg to differ. The kit lens will do it fine. Its not really the equipment, more the person using it. Buying or borrowing a lens may help if you know what your going to do with it, otherwise whats the point? The kit lens will do the job well.

I agree with you that for most people starting out, getting a better lens may not be more of a help and may get in the way. So the kit lens is fine for that situation.

I also think you will agree with me that once you have more experience, you will want to find something better than the kit lens to get better control and results. I was looking at it from this perspective.

[wildstallion]

Originally Posted by VR Man I agree with you that for most people starting out, getting a better lens may not be more of a help and may get in the way. So the kit lens is fine for that situation. I also think you will agree with me that once you have more experience, you will want to find something better than the kit lens to get better control and results. I was looking at it from this perspective.

Not to start a fight or anything, but thats the wrong perspective in my opinion for the TS.

[VR Man]

Originally Posted by wildstallion Not to start a fight or anything, but thats the wrong perspective in my opinion for the TS.

I also don't want a fight or anything

But I think we are both confusing the TS at the rate we are going

[wildstallion]

Originally Posted by VR Man I also don't want a fight or anything But I think we are both confusing the TS at the rate we are going

Ok, shall stop then

Ok, id say, just use natural light, use the 105 end to get in close and capture the texture (not too close though) shoot from a 45 degree angle (roughly, apparently this is how we view food usually, so its looks the most appealing) and a tripod is a must, ive never really been a fan of using flash for still life, natural light just tends to look very good.

[Volks]

Don't want fight fight.

Think don't try on your own, spend $, hire the person good at it. It's business afterall.Be Professional. Bet U won't want to do silly things to your car if it breaks down & U still insist to try try.

[dragos]

use a light tent, it helps...take note of the food u are taking...no need to ensure they are really cooked

[pleess]

WOW! Great tips guys! I think i'll need to digest these slowly and work on them. I'll try to post the pics once they're done. By the way, pardon my ignorance but, what's a light tent?

paul

[pleess]

Originally Posted by elfvin ya it might be tougher but its still possible. good luck with your shoooot!

Thanks elfvin!

[mattlock]

natural light is good.saves you the trouble for using a flash.