Food Photographers' Group

[Royaux]

Was just wondering if anyone would be interested in a small group of photographers focused on food photography?

The rough objectives would mainly be:

1) Get together to share ideas
2) make more rewarding shoots possible
3) participate in hands-on shoots
4) help each other learn the basics of food photography and
5) make new friends.


The main problems facing most hobbyist if I'm not mistaken are:

1) Getting presentable food to shoot
2) Ideal shooting location / conditions
3) Technical aspects - lighting
- shooting
4) Aesthetics - set styling

If we pool together and share ideas and resources, it might get us a lot further than shooting on our own. For example, we can share location, skills, set materials and so on.

This group would, for a start, be focused on non-professional enthusiasts interested in the above objectives, and are serious about learning and growing where food photography is concerned, and are willing to put in the effort needed. I mention this because Food Photography is largely technical and usually very demanding.

Working professionals are most definitely more than welcome to share!

Please share your food shooting experience(s), preference, problems faced and thoughts and ideas or anything that you wished you could do but was limited either by equipment, proper presentation or technique/knowledge.

NOTE: Please do NOT post up photos of food you have taken as that would clutter up the thread. Seek your kind understanding. ;-)

Actually there is already a wealth of information online. One thingt great about our western counterparts is that they share information freely.

I suggest that every one interested do some research on the net first. Look for thye specific area that you're interested in, e.g., how to light, how to shoot desserts etc. I understand that sometimes, without prior experience, some of the information may sound 'foreign' to us, but that way, when we get together, we would have a basic understanding (at least of information, if not practical) and can have specific things to discuss.



At this point, could I ask participants to let me know their shooting proficiency levels and understanding of light. If you're not sure, just send me a few samples of food/product/still life shots you have done. Please send info and samples to: a_d_m_photography@yahoo.co.uk

Please don't worry - I'm not asking for this information to judge, but to get an idea of where the group is in general, and as mentioned earlier, what and how to plan. This is also in-line with my vision of starting a group that is mutually sharing and interactive, so that we can all learn from each other in one way or another, as well as share resources and shoot better food photographs!

It would also give me an idea of the knowledge and proficiency levels of participants and how and what to plan for future meets and shoots.

thread brought over here ~

 

[zac08]

Is there a summmary of the outing's discussions??

 

[Royaux]

Is there a summmary of the outing's discussions??

i came quite late just now. you may have to ask DM for a full summary ~

 

[Dream Merchant]

It was a good meeting.

Waited till 2.55pm, and since only Lotusfairy, Peterpan, AK and Peztilent truned up, we proceeded to have kopi.

Thanks for those who took the time and trouble to keep us informed that they couldn't make it.

We chatted about food photography, the different types of food photography, and got to know each other's shooting backgrounds.

Leong and Royaux made their appearance later when they could, and from there, we discussed pertinent areas we needed to look at if we were to do food shoots/outings.

Top of the list was location, and Peterpan kindly volunteered to look into that area to see if he and dennis could assist. Next was how we wanted to go about learning about shooting food, and I suggested some research and reading, including the topic which so many shy away from - understanding the basics of light (in photography). It was also highly encouraged that further research and reading on food photography be done on an individual level. That way, and at future meet-ups, there would be more points and topics that could be brought to the table.

We agreed to taking on a mini challenge to shoot a simple subject - coffee, and a white cup. Any setting, any style, any presentation. Submission deadline by next Sunday for discussion and analysis.

That notwithstanding, and with a reiteration of the objectives and vision set forth for the formation and working of the group, including the preferred practical ethos, we proceeded with the highly enjoyable lim kopi and TCSS.

END OF REPORT. :bsmilie:

Thanks to all who attended the first meeting! Looking forward to lots of new adventures and sharings in food photography!

 

[zac08]

Thanks for the report...

Would read up more on this area too and see if I can join in when I have free time.

 

[CYRN]

The mini challenge is interesting. Issit onli for meetup session discussions or can do for online discussions as well?

 

[Dream Merchant]

I'll check with the group, but as far as I can see, online discussions would be far easier, except that it takes longer to type. But that could be a good thing in that more thought can be given to the topic. Possible downside is that not everyone may be comfortable with discussing it in writing as opposed to a live discussion, for various reasons.

 

[CYRN]

Agreed, that's why the first meet-up in the first place.

 

[Royaux]

where all the foodies go ~ :bsmilie:

 

[Dream Merchant]

where all the foodies go ~ :bsmilie:

Mondaze blues ..... :sweat:

 

[Royaux]

brew kopi and pour into white cup to shoot for assignment and cure monday blues :bsmilie:

 

[Dream Merchant]

brew kopi and pour into white cup to shoot for assignment and cure monday blues :bsmilie:

I think when they do that, becomez eben moar bluez!

Naw I thinking haw I want to do it leh. :sweat:

 

[phoakm]

i can join you guys after you finish shooting the food.

 

[peztilent]

Hey guys, thought I share a few links to some simple lighting tips...

http://stilllifewith.com/

http://www.prophotolife.com/video-library/

http://steamykitchen.com/blog/category/photographyblog-tips/

Have fun with the first challenge, waiting to see many nice photos

 

[Dream Merchant]

i can join you guys after you finish shooting the food.

Hahaha! You wouldn't want to eat it Phoa, believe me. :bsmilie:

 

[Dream Merchant]

Hey guys, thought I share a few links to some simple lighting tips...

http://stilllifewith.com/

http://www.prophotolife.com/video-library/

http://steamykitchen.com/blog/category/photographyblog-tips/

Have fun with the first challenge, waiting to see many nice photos

Hi Peztilent!

Great to see you here, and contributing!

The first and last links are great! The second is good general info on various techniques. Try looking for tutorials or articles specifically about lighting for food.

Would be great to hear from Royaux, Peterpan, Leong and AK as well! Hope they can join us and discuss.

CHEERS!

 

[peztilent]

Hi Peztilent!

Great to see you here, and contributing!

The first and last links are great! The second is good general info on various techniques. Try looking for tutorials or articles specifically about lighting for food.

Would be great to hear from Royaux, Peterpan, Leong and AK as well! Hope they can join us and discuss.

CHEERS!

Yup, for now I just share some basic stuff first, nothing too complicated.
Will share more advance stuff progressively

 

[tSkye]

Wooo I'm in, better late than never!

 

[Dream Merchant]

Thanks for sharin Pez. That was great!

 

[Royaux]

stress :sweat: