Research: 3 Types Of Food Photography

Having looked at lots of different websites and blogs, you seem to be able to separate food photography in to 3 distinct categories: Packaging, advertising, and editorial. And although you there can sometimes be areas of overlap on the last two, packaging seems to be a very specific style of photography.

Packaging Photography

Due to the necessity of adhering to the laws surrounding packaging. And the fact the layout of the packaging will usually have been predetermined by the creative and marketing departments of the company. This seems to be the most restrictive form of food photography. Compared to the other styles, there is relatively little creativity involved in the whole process. You simply have to be able illustrate the contents of the package, and, make sure you don't imply the inclusion of extra ingredients, or other unrelated items, (though common sense would dictate the 500g pack of couscous doesn't contain a full place setting, or dining table!)

Advertising Photography

Lisa Adams Photography for Food Lion

Although you'll usually be working to a brief. Advertising photography allows you much more of a free rein than packaging does. You're still constrained by the need to illustrate a product or service accurately, but you can do this in a much more creative way. Whether that's taking the products out of context, but staging them in an artistic manner (as above.) Or putting them in to a realistic situation, like a family dinner, or restaurant, and using a swathe of props.

Editorial Photography

David Griffen

Editorial photography is the most unrestrained form of food photography. It can be created for a publication, a website, or just for the hell of it (not very good business practice that last one though!) The purpose however is simply to make the food look amazing. This can be achieved through the application of a narrow depth of field, high/low key lighting, or by focusing on a single abstract element of the creation (merely hinting at the shapes and colours.) Ultimately, you want be people to be fascinated.

My work with Sabrina will be a mixture of both advertising, and editorial photography. The photographs will be used for decorating the shop (editorial.) And, as a means of conveying her range and ability (advertising.)

Research: Food Photography - Cookbook shoot

Research

Having spoken to Sabrina, I now have a much better idea of what she wants to achieve. The following elements formed part of the research.

We looked at several of her books, but this book was the best example of the sort of cake styling she wanted to achieve:

Turner, M., 2009, Couture Wedding Cakes, Jacqui Small LLP

The following pictures are the sort of photograph she wants to end up with:

Gold Leaf Cake, By Little Venice Cake Company

http://www.lvcc.co.uk/

Frill Wedding Cake, By Maisie Fantaisie

http://www.maisiefantaisie.co.uk/frill-wedding-cake.html

As you can see, they're relatively simple with regards to the setup. The cake obviously has to be the main focal point of the image (it is the whole reason for the picture after all!) The only other set dressing is the cake stand, and the complementary background.

Like these pictures I'll probably use wallpaper mounted on a board for the backdrop. I won't be able to actually paste the paper, so I'll have to use tape to secure is as well as I can. I'll also double side the board in an effort to speed up the redressing between cakes.

As far as I can tell, the images above are only using a single light source (probably natural light from a window), but I think this leaves the unlit side a little dark. So I'll probably use another light, set on a very low power setting, to remove the shadows. If however this makes the pictures too stark, I'll go back to the single light setup. I'll also probably use softboxes on the flash heads in an attempt to emulate the diffused light.

I'll be using the one of the college 5d mark II's, fitted with a 50mm fixed lens. Though I'll go in to equipment in a more detailed post later.

Health & Safety

Although a lot of this is only relevant to working with outside temporary studios, or on location. Some of the safety considerations would also apply to a permanent studio setup. I found it on a health and safety executive pdf: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis18.pdf

It's also quite long, so I'll put in a jump break.

Lady Jayne's cakes meeting

I met up with Sabrina on thursday, and we managed to clarify exactly what she wanted.

Clients Brief

Rather than wanting more photographs for the website, she actually wants some images that will be framed and used as the backdrop in her new stall at Burton indoor market. Sabrina wants them to serve a dual purpose:

•  Decoration for the shop.
•  Demonstrable examples of her work.

As she's happy with the cupcake pictures I've already taken, she now wants to concentrate on another aspect of her business. Tiered cakes. The pictures are to be relatively simple setups, with just the cakes, and a coloured or patterned backdrop. I was also shown several examples of the sort of pictures she liked, on her computer, and in a selection of books.

The photographs would also have to be produced fairly quickly, as the shop opens on the 1st of November.

Execution Of The Brief

Although I prefer to use natural light where possible. There are several reasons I think this would be best shot in the studio:

• The need to hang, and arrange, several backdrops. I could try to jury rig a solution at home, but this would waste time, and create unnecessary problems.
• The quick turn around required, means I can't rely on the changeable lighting conditions at this time of year. Whereas the studio equipment would provide a constant and manageable source of light.
• I can use the college camera equipment. Although I'm happy with my camera, Sabrina wasn't sure how big she wanted to print these pictures, so the extra detail of the college camera would be useful.

Issues To Consider

If Steve agrees that shooting in the studio is the better option, I'm going to have to think about the associated health & safety requirements:

• Make sure any equipment is stored away safely, and unobtrusively, when not in use. So as not to cause a tripping hazard.
• Check all electrical equipment is in good working order before hand, and that it doesn't pose any risk of electrocution.
• Ensure Sabrina has appropriate identification whilst on college property. Has been made aware of the emergency evacuation plan. And make sure she is fully aware of the college rules and regulations whilst working in the studio.
• Studio equipment is to only be handled by myself (if previously agreed), or by an appropriate member of staff.

There are other things to consider, but I'll go in to more detail when I'm writing up the report on completion of the shoot.