Foodography
Many readers asked me the same questions:
1. “How to take good pictures?”
2. “What type of camera do you use?”
1. I myself is constantly experimenting on the food photographing techniques, therefore sometimes you might find that my pictures quality are different from post to post (might look good on one post and turned out blurred and dark in another post). But the basic techniques which required to take a good picture would be:
- Steady hands. Else, get a mini tripod or maybe rest the camera on a hard object such as box.
- Get a decent camera. Preferably with higher zoom (most models came with 3x optical zoom but if you can get a higher one, the better), 5 megapixels or above and from a good brand such as Canon or Nikon, rather than BenQ or Grandvision.
- If possible, place the food under bright lighting or next to a window. If both of the options are out, then maybe you can try with alternatives, such as flashlight from Sony Ericsson handphone (most of the floggers use this method in desperation LOL!). I don’t flash my food as I find the light is too harsh and it also produce shadows.
2. I’m currently using a compact digital camera, not DSLR as thought by many. I got my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 in March 2007, it’s my first camera and I have been using it since then. In case you’re wondering, nope, I’m not upgrading to any DSLR anytime soon as I still have lots to learn to handle my Lumix. I haven’t really fully utilize its functions and unleash its potential yet. :p
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 (discontinued model)
5.0 Megapixels CCD
Maximum 6x optical zoom
Maximum 4x digital zoom
6.1-36.6mm lens
Shutter speeds from 1/2,000 to 8 seconds
Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer)
2 Responses to "Foodography"
March 24, 2009 at 2:13 pm
ES Kwa,
Hi there, thanks for dropping by and for the compliment.
Yeah, I only uses my LZ2 for all the photos in this blog. For your information, I do not use any external lighting devices (well, spotlight or lighting on top of the dining table doesn’t count!). Nowadays, I try my best to shoot the subject next to a bright and natural lighting source such as by the window, which most of the time, will create shadows like you saw.
Like most people say, don’t judge a book by its cover. The same can be applied to food too. Some food maybe be presented in a fancy and interesting way but bland and vice versa. Whatever the reasons, I see food presentation as a form of art that doesn’t last long or fragile, hence I would do my best to capture it.
The myriad of food we food bloggers had in one post definitely are shared among us (if there was a gathering among the bloggers or taken while dining out with family or friends), I don’t think any single bloggers can finish all the items alone!
Thanks again for visiting and do drop by again.
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March 19, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I just chance upon your blog today and I am impressed by your photography. You claimed that you use a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 but by the double shadows on some of your photos, I suspect that you must have some external lighting devices. If not you must have God’s favour with multiple lightings.
Being a “thum chia” I am going through the food blogs of Malaysia so that I know where to eat whenever I visit Malaysia. The good photographs you take add to the excitement of the food. I however struggle to understand why some of the dishes reviews may be bad, but photos are still nice. I guess it is better than some blogs with all photos blur.
One thing I dislike is to see some of the blogs with useless photographs like close-up of fork and spoons or up to 5 photos of the same broccoli taken from different angles.
I am also amazed how most fool bloggers, you included, can afford to order so many dishes, desserts or types of drinks just to photograph them. Paying for them is one thing but to consume all of them – wow!
Good work, keep it up.