I gotta keep it real here. Food photography is tough. I struggle with it every single time I do it. I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I am totally faking it.
This is my favorite shot of a slice of cake. When one person (whose opinion I trust implicitly) saw it they said, “Can I just tell you everything that is wrong with that shot?”
Yes!! Please do!! (Seriously, I appreciate all feedback!) Because when I took it I didnt realize the back was blown out and that the fork placement draws your eye away from the cake or that my depth of field is way to shallow. I just thought it was pretty.
So this is not a series on how to be a better food photographer. Because clearly I know very little on that topic. And there are amazingly talented people out there who DO know how to do food photography and styling.
These guys are the real deal. One reason that these folks speak to me is that when I see their pictures I dont think, “That is beautiful styling.” I think,
“I want to eat that food.”
They are so masterful with telling my eye where to go, where to linger, and what exactly it should be focusing on.
They just get it.
(I highly encourage you to check out those blogs… if you love their talent as much as I do, be sure to tell them!)
I am quite secure in the fact that food styling & photography is NOT my gift. I DON’T get it. I have taken classes, I have watched video’s, I have tried to flat out copy people. (always giving credit of course) Its just not. my. thing.
So I fake it.
One way I fake it is with props. I tend to make lots of cakes so side plates are a big prop in my life. I have many, many, way-to-many side plates.
And way to many cake stands. But thats another post!
For this {faux}tography post I want to show you the power of a side plate. I am not kidding you when I say that they can transform a piece of cake.
Things to look for: In which picture do you think, “Oh, thats a pretty plate,” and in which (if any, remember I am not a pro) do you think,
“I must eat that cake!”
So does one stand out?
Look at how much a difference a red plate vs. a white plate can make. Can you imagine if we added a glass? Or a pretty napkin, or even the whole cake behind? I have a hard time seeing that so I have to try and build as I go, a piece at a time.
So. While I fully suggest if you want to be a great food stylist and food photographer, learn from the best.
But if you need to fake it like I do, try focusing on one prop. Like plates. Or silverware. Or napkins. And then build up your supply so that you can experiment and see what you prefer!
(Most of these plates were purchased at Thrift Stores and yard/salvage/garage sales. One of these days I will take you shopping with me!)
Wanna know which one I like the best?
Plain ole white.
Did you have a favorite?
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