I was meant to get out a recipe this week but travel commitments along with picking up my new computer (and some very expensive “toys”…ahem!) have held me back. I really need to focus more on my time management! Also, by the time this post reaches Australia it will be Saturday but it’s
technically Friday in other parts of the world. So it still counts right?
For this photo friday feature I wanted to talk about images shot against a darker background. Personally, these are my favourite pictures I present on the blog. I love the atmosphere and story they convey. Sometimes I think I like them too much! When I first started food photography, it was always on a white background with (usually) white plates. After a while it kind of felt “same-same” so I challenged myself to photograph food with a moodier setting. I thought I’d throw in my favourite pickles shot. Me and pickles didn’t start off on a harmonious journey. As with most foods and me, they were something I learnt to like later on. I think the salt addict in me craves them now! For this picture it was as simple as placing a dark brown cloth and using my favourite natural window light. I quite like the “open jar and looking down on it” effect.
For this eggs shot I chose to go with a dark navy blue cloth and again use natural window light coming in from the top right. This was morning light. My favorite kind of light to use in food photography. I just wish I could get up earlier and be energetic enough to do it a lot more often. I was planning to showcase this picture for a baking dish but canned it the last minute. Don’t get me wrong, I like the picture but unless I really “feel it” I won’t post it on my blog.
These Beurre Bosc pears were shot for a dessert I was planning but ended up doing something else. That happens a lot with me! I got in quite close with my macro lens and left the aperture wide open to give it a little softness. The golden skin of the pears is quite beautiful and really stands out against the dark brown background. All in all I think I did about 120 shots that morning but only kept a handful in the end. As I said last week, this feature was not about covering the technical aspects of food photography but rather my observations and thoughts that go into producing a shot.
In other news I’d like to announce the winners of the tickets to the Sydney Good Food and Wine Show.
- Matthew L
- Pip M
- Reem A
- Barbara H
Your tickets will be posted out this weekend.
Cheers everyone!
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Hi! I'm Peter. Welcome to Souvlaki For The Soul. My "little" space on the web. My blog is choc full of recipes, travel stories and photos. Have a good look around and enjoy your time here. Cheers!
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Amazing pictures as usual and the tips are great, Thanks for sharing my friend. Enjoy your new toys!
Lovely.. I do quite a bit of dark background photos especially for showcasing bright colored ingredients but notice that it isn’t the norm.. white is the chosen color. love your simple styling against the dark!
Your shots are splendid! I particularly like the one with the pears. I love dark/black backgrounds too.
Cheers,
Rosa
Lovely shots as always, Peter. I’m glad you took the time to share them with us. I’ve noticed your affinity and talent with producing these darker, moodier shots. It’s a nice change of pace from the brighter shots more common on food blogs.
Peter you are one of the few people who are able to shoot gorgeous shots out of their comfort zone. Thanks for the inspiring shots. I feel like doing some dark shots this weekend!
Great shots and thanks for the photo tips too! Always good for amateurs like me still stuck in the white on white phase.
This was interesting to read and perfect timing because I’m starting to tire of the sameness of my food photos. As an amateur blogger/photographer I started out with different color boards and backdrops and some pretty bad shots (which probably had nothing to do with the backdrops). As I endeavored to improve, I focused on presenting my food on white plates with white backgrounds. Striking, but sometimes the white balance has been a challenge.
I love the photos of the pears, they just look very happy sitting there. I also applaud your patients at taking 120 photos. I would just have to eat the subject by photo 10.
Love your insight on the darker background, Peter. Very nice indeed. I paid attention to the cover of Gourmet Traveller. They like to use darker background in colder months, perfect for bringing out the darker, more comfy mood for autumn/winter food.
I really like that last pic
have a nice day,
Paula
Your photos are always amazing Peter so thank you so much for sharing your photography tips with us.
Woohoo! Thanks lovely!
Like Forager, I too am stuck in the white on white phase, but I’m going to start experimenting now.
What I like about this is that you have a photo viewpoint that is your own. You make food sexy. There is a trend in food blogging to go a certain style, but I think finding your own voice is photo is what makes your photos so interesting. I want to come here to see how you shot.
My husband is our photographer and he loves this style. I sometimes think that food stylists must have cupboards full of beautiful crockery and cutlery, but simplicity seems to work best. Natural light is certainly more appealing.
Thank you!
I’m with you on the dark background. Maybe it’s just because I’m a guy, but I love the way the black makes the subject pop. The whole high key Donna Hay look is way overused IMHO.
Gorgeous shots and great advice – many thanks for sharing!
I absolutely love your darker pictures Peter, although the lighter ones are also brilliant. Thanks for sharing your thought on these photos!
Love this feature Peter.
Peter you are really a magician when it comes to your photography!
I am always at loss of words when I see your pictures. Thanks for the post and the tips. Amazing…
I love dark shots as well and should invest in some dark cloths soon. I like your idea of a photo Friday, It will definitely help us with our photography!
I’ve found I have a perfect 20-minute window in the morning when the light comes with a built-in, golden diffuser through my window. Moves so fast, but so worth it when I can get up to catch it.
Beautoful shots – I find dark backgrounds very challenging, especialyl singe I almost never have natural light to work with. Did you see the Donna Hay 50th anniversary edition mag? The chocolate recipe shoot on a dark background in there was awe-inspiring.
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