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Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice

September 27, 2013 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

I have had this tutorial in the drafts folder for some time, somehow I forgot about it. But here it is and I hope you enjoy it.

The initial photo session was intended for capturing samples for the “Diffusers and Reflectors” section of Yummy Pics, my photography book. (The section begins on page 46 and ends on page 48.) After capturing the photos there was nothing left to do but eat the juicy orange. The scene, lighting, camera and tripod were all set, so I turn my snack into a styling practice session. My goal with each exposure and nibble was to see how I could capture a different angle or a way of styling each shot. Below are the results.

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

I set my camera to the remote timer and grabbed my wireless remote control so that I wouldn’t have to keep going back and clicking the shutter with each exposure. On a side note, I really recommend having a wireless remote control for times when you will need to keep touching the food. That way you don’t have to keep cleaning your hands or get the camera dirty.

The orange was already in place, as were all the camera settings, from the previous session. I only added the small paring knife, not a great shot so I continued.

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

As you can see, in the photo above I cut out a wedge. Cutting into the orange caused one of the leaves to fall so I left it where it fell. If you purchase fruit/vegetables with their leaves or stems attached take advantage of it as it’s great for photos. The leaves and stems add colour and make the fruit/vegetable more realistic. Did you notice the juices underneath the orange? It was so juicy so the the liquid ran down the sides of the cutting board. This is great because, again, it captures reality and gives interest to the viewers eye.

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

In this shot I cut an additional slice off the orange, added the knife back and recomposed a bit. Angling the orange wedges gives a sense of depth to the photo. Compare this photo to the previous one, what do you think?

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

Trying out different angles is very important. I know many of us get stuck in certain angles that we become comfortable with, but we must push ourselves to move around. Using a tripod will really limit you because it tends to stay in one place and it’s difficult (a pain) to keep adjusting it. So, don’t use a tripod unless you really need to.

In this photo not only did I adjust my angle but I also moved in for a closer view. Don’t forget to move in closer and show off the details in what ever it is you’re shooting.

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

After munching on the two orange wedges I placed them back on the cutting board and adjust the angle very slightly. Not bad, but I think I prefer how the photo looked with the whole wedges. What do you think?

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

Not being entirely satisfied I turned both the orange and strips on their sides. It makes an interesting look, as it’s not one commonly shot.

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

For this penultimate shot I sliced off a couple more wedges, rearranged them and the peel slices and turned the orange around. I only had one orange so I tried to get a bit creative. The napkin I was using to wipe my fingers had a very pretty pattern so I added it to see what the photo would look like.

Food Photography Tutorials: From Snack Time To Styling Practice by @SpicieFoodie | #photography #foodphotography #styling #tips #oranges

After the previous photo I continued to eat the whole orange. I wanted to see how stacking the peel slices would look. I tried a few different setups but the one you see it the best one.

In my book I wrote a small section titled “Messy Is Beautiful” (page 86), and it’s about seeing beauty in a messy setting. The so-called mess gives the viewer a deeper sense of reality; because just like in eating an orange, cooking and eating can be messy.

When I look at this last photo I can see that the orange was juicy and I imagine it’s sweet taste and scent — I can almost taste it. The photo makes me crave an orange every time I look at it. Making our viewer’s mouths water or noses tingle by just looking at one of our photos means the photo is a success.

Tell me, what do you feel when you look at the photos?

P.S.
For more free tutorial please visit the Tutorials page.

 

 

Yummy Pics: A Food Blogger's Guide to Better Photos, Photography eBook by Spicie Foodie

Filed Under: Photography

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Comments

  1. Rosa says

    September 27, 2013 at 12:27

    Lovely clicks and great tips. Unfortunately, I don’t have a remote control…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 27, 2013 at 16:06

      That’s too bad, but thanks Rosa:)

  2. Angela @ Canned Time says

    September 27, 2013 at 14:16

    Gorgeous as usual. And you had me drooling for a slice of orange. Especially liked the close up shot of the two slices with the whole orange in the back blurred.
    Great work Girl!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 27, 2013 at 16:06

      Thanks Angela:)

  3. Monique says

    September 27, 2013 at 14:55

    I feel like why aren’t all oranges this juicy and how does she do it?:)Not the juice..that’s nature..just the light..the crispness..LOL..JUst:)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 27, 2013 at 16:07

      Hehe, it’s all Mother Nature being beautiful. Thanks Monique:)

  4. Judy @Savoring Today says

    September 27, 2013 at 15:42

    Yes, I noticed the juice on the cutting board right away – love that. I liked the empty orange peels by the orange, it showed action, which I liked, and who could resist a juicy orange anyway. Your photos always inspire. :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 27, 2013 at 16:07

      Yay, glad you noticed.:) Thanks so much Judy!

  5. Victoria of Flavors of the Sun says

    September 27, 2013 at 15:46

    You are a true artist, Nancy. Gorgeous photos.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 27, 2013 at 16:07

      (blushing) Thanks Victoria!

  6. Nusrat Azim says

    September 27, 2013 at 19:14

    Your surreal, too-cute-to-be-true photos always give me goosebumps!
    You’re a treasure, dear Nancy :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:14

      Thanks so much Nusrat!

  7. Marta @ What Should I eat for breakfast today says

    September 27, 2013 at 19:23

    I surly like your tutorials. Thank you.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:14

      Thanks, Marta!

  8. Ramona says

    September 27, 2013 at 23:08

    Loving your tutorials!! I’m researching for a new macro lens… but I think I better learn to use my camera a little better first. :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:16

      I hope you get your new lens soon, it’s always fun playing with a new toy.

  9. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    September 28, 2013 at 00:43

    Great tips, I love seeing your process and you are so right about changing up the angles to stretch ourselves!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:16

      Thanks so much, Laura!

  10. yummychunklet says

    September 28, 2013 at 00:48

    Thanks for the tutorial!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:16

      Thanks!

  11. Joanne T Ferguson says

    September 28, 2013 at 02:42

    G’day Nancy, beautiful photos, always inspiring, true!
    I was glad I was not the only one who noticed the juice on the wooden board…wonder what Freud would say about me too! lol
    Cheers! Joanne

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:16

      Hehe, it’s great that you noticed:)

  12. Ash-foodfashionparty says

    September 29, 2013 at 07:30

    You create magic with your photography. Great tips my dear. Hubby always asks me to use the remote and tripod..should use it more.
    The picture is not a over styled one, and very real.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:17

      Your photos look great Ash! I don’t use it too often because it can be limiting, in my opinion. Thanks:)

  13. john@kitchenriffs says

    September 29, 2013 at 18:43

    Nice lighting! I have a wireless remote for my camera, and it’s quite useful. Another advantage of it, in addition to the convenience, is you totally eliminate camera shake that sometimes results if you too aggressively trip the shutter. Good post – thanks.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:17

      Yes, that’s a great advantage John! Thanks

  14. Suzanne Perazzini says

    September 29, 2013 at 21:42

    It was interesting to see you at work here. I definitely prefer the shots where the oranges segments are intact although I love that I can almost see you eating the orange as you proceed through the shoot.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:18

      Thanks so much Suzanne!:)

  15. Sandra says

    September 29, 2013 at 23:44

    My photos want to be like yours when they grow up!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:18

      ;) ((hugs))

  16. GourmetGetaways says

    September 30, 2013 at 14:49

    I looked at the first image and I thought, only Nancy can style a simple orange to look so beautiful. I love that you have shown us step by step how you would think to stye this shot. Great lesson!! Thank you for sharing :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      September 30, 2013 at 16:19

      Thanks so much Julie! Hugsxx

  17. Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says

    October 1, 2013 at 22:34

    I love this styling practice. Not only does it help to show how to think outside the box but it looks like a story, beginning to end. Great shots.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      October 2, 2013 at 23:37

      Thanks so much Evelyne!

  18. mjskit says

    October 2, 2013 at 17:09

    Part of my problem is definitely getting stuck with one angle as well as one point of view. Thank you for reinforcing the angle thing and telling me to “move”. :) Great shots!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      October 2, 2013 at 23:40

      I think we all experience that at one point. Thank you!:)

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