Fottocini

Mise en place, knives, towels, and now cameras..

I am writing this article for chefs who like to photograph their food at work. I have seen so many photos that could have been a lot better if you follow some basic principles. So here are some tips on making your food look really clean.

1. Use a tripod

2. Don’t use the flash (use the desk lamps pictured below)

2a. If you can shoot in the restaurant, shoot close to a window for good natural light

3. Buy some desktop table lamps (Home Depot $15 each, fluorescent)

4. Get close as you can, digital zoom isnt very good

2 Home Depot desk lamps, one on top and one in the front, $30 lighting, see photo below for result

5. Set the scene with a plate first, and put a small colorful napkin on the prep plate to test lighting

6. Always plate the food at the last minute, after you have already determined the location and adjusted lighting, if you have a sauce, plate it at the scene moments before the shot is taken

7. Set the camera on the self-timer, you might cause a vibration when pushing the button to take the photo, I set mine to 5  seconds, then you can be sure the camera is absolutely still

8. Camera doesnt matter, a point and shoot camera on a tripod with decent lighting can produce a clear photo like the one pictured below.

2 Home Depot desk lamps, one on top and one in the front, $30 lighting

I will be posting a step by step “How-to” very soon, stay tuned.

Thanks to Chef Daniel Zeal of the Georgian Room for the beautiful salad.