i am baker

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?

Something that amazes me is the number of new food blogs. Every single day 100′s of people join the food blogging community and begin this fantastic journey of documenting the one thing that we all share… a love for food.

I thought maybe I could share a few tips for creating a successful, but more importantly, friendly food blog.

Why is “friendly” more important then successful? It is my opinion that you cannot attain great success unless you first choose to do it the right way.

1. Do not post someone else’s recipe verbatim. Do post the directions in your voice.

You can certainly post ingredients exactly, but the directions should always be in your own words. How did you prepare the food? That is how your directions should read. Even if you followed another recipes directions precisely, you should still share your experience in your words.

2. Do not use someone else’s pictures without permission. Do take your own pictures.

In some instances you really just want to showcase someone else’s work. (if you are using their pictures, try to limit it to one) This is a wonderful aspect of the food blogging community and one that is encouraged! However, always always always provide proper links back to the original blog. If you really want to use someone else’s pictures, simply ask them for permission. Most bloggers have a disclosure preference on their blog if you are unsure. When in doubt, ask!

Even if you are not an expert photographer, people still want to see how you prepared the food. It is your blog!

There is always opportunity to learn more about taking better picture of food. (Here is a quick tutorial)

3. Do not take credit for someone else’s work. Do provide proper links and accreditation.

If you chose to make someone else’s recipe (which is not only common but expected) you make sure you are very clear with your readers about who provided your inspiration. This involves clearly explaining where the recipe source originated. If possible, try to include a link back to the creators website.

If ever in doubt, just ask yourself the food bloggers Golden Rule, “How would I want to be credited if someone was using my recipe?”

I hope that these little tips can help you to not enjoy enjoy the food blogging experience, but help you to develop strong and long lasting relationships with other food bloggers!

Food {Faux}tography

Food Blogging Etiquette