What camera/settings do you use for pics?

cookingrvc

17 years ago

I see the sophistication of pictures have increased a billion fold in recent years.

Tell me, what camera do you use and what are your tricks (lighting, etc) or settings to get the photos so professional?

Amazing, just amazing.

Sue

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Comments (5)

canarybird01
17 years ago
Here's what I use:
Cameras:
In restaurants: Olympus Stylus 800...little pocket point & shoot. If indoors with lamp over table: I set the white balance (WB) to the incandescent bulb setting, portrait, closeup and exposure compensation +.03. NEVER USE FLASH.

At home: Olympus SP560UZ or Canon 30D...near open window for daylight, shutter speed from 1/80 to 1/125, aperture around f3.4. (Aperture priority,) white balance set to cloudy, closeup (the little tulip icon), again no flash.

If you have an optical zoom, it often helps to stand back a little and use the zoom (never use digital zoom) to get in close to the subject without the distortion which often happens when you put the camera too close to the subject.

Remember to always press the shutter half way down to activate the focusing.
When it beeps (or flashes) to say you're in focus then press the shutter the rest of the way down.

Take photos from several slightly different angles and keep your eye open for stray bits of food or sauce dribbled or hanging over the edge of the plate. When it's enlarged and seen at close range, the slightest little untidy bits can look large and unappetizing.
Pay close attention to the composition and the lighting.

SharonCb
jimster
17 years ago
That is a food photography course which hits all the essential points in one screenful. Good job, Sharon. Thanks.

And thanks again for the pleasure your photos give me. I promise I will try to reciprocate one of these days.

Jim
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deborah_ps
17 years ago
I haven't posted food pics for a while but when I do I use an Olympus Camedia digital camera, taking many pictures and editing the until I get the best shots.
Lighting is KEY! Natural lighting is best at my place, but if it's after dark, then I use a small portable lamp with a 100 watt bulb. I'll move the lamp around, sometimes right above the food sometimes to the side. A light or white background helps a ton. Turn the plate this way and that, taking in many angles, try positioning cutlery at different angles.
And like Sharon suggests NO flash, it makes the food an off color.
canarybird01
17 years ago
Thanks Jim. It will be nice to see your food photos here as well!

Sue here are a couple of interesting places to check out as they have plenty of tips on how to take good food photos.
You can also find many tutorials on the web by just doing a search for "food photography".

Digital Photo School Beginners Tips

Digital Photography School - Food Photography

Stilllifewith - Check out the links on shooting, styling, exposure and colour balance etc. at right panel of page. This is an excellent site with much information if you click on links and look at previous posts.

Good Luck!

SharonCb
artsyshell
17 years ago
Thanks Sharon for the info! That is really helpful!

Shelley

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What camera/settings do you use for pics?

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canarybird01

jimster

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