For decades food photographers had used studio setups with multiple light sources and complex clamps, reflectors, etc. to create food photos that fit the above scenario. However, in the last decade the food revolution took hold of us all and we now find value in rustic, natural looking food photographs. Something that is hard to replicate in a studio. Hard, but not impossible. But you don't need a studio in order to produce professional food shots that are pleasing to the eye and look as though people are actually enjoying the food that is being photographed and it wasn't created simply for a photo.
One of the easiest ways to produce these types of images is with a diffuser. That is, a translucent piece of material that scatters and diffuses light from your main light source onto your subject. In this case, food. There are many types of diffusing materials. They range in size from very small and compact, to very large. Vellum paper is the easiest and cheapest way of starting with a diffuser in your photography.
In addition to vellum and the more professional material, there are also many other ways of creating diffused light. Almost any material can produce the desired effect. However, the best I have found are professional diffusers that are easily folded to about one-third of their normal size. These usually come in a set with several reflectors, like: gold, silver and white. Lastolite makes a very good quality set of reflectors with an added diffuser. This is a very good way to get started. These 5-in-1 sets have everything you need to produce stunning results relatively inexpensively.
The best way to use a diffuser is to place it to your left or right, depending on which side your light source is located on. I usually shoot almost exclusively in natural light, which favors a light diffuser. My food setup is in the middle between the diffuser and my white reflector. The diffuser spreads gorgeous, even light across the area I'm photographing and the reflector reflects that light onto the area that isn't being reached by the light source. In this scenario it would be the right hand side.
The two elements combined are a great way to inexpensively produce food photography that is right up there with the best of them. And in fact, most of the blogs you've read that contain great food shots are done in this manner. The light source angle might vary, but the one thing they almost all use is a diffuser. Whether it's backlit, side lit, or front lit, a diffuser and reflector are ideal companions for any food photographer.
In summary:
- Buy the right size diffuser for your needs. They can range in size from about 12 inches to 48 inches and larger.
- You can start off with velum paper, or tracing paper to save you a little bit of money.
- Place the diffuser to your left, or right, depending on where your light source is coming from.
- Place a white cardboard reflector on the opposite side of your light source and diffuser.
- Shoot away! And remember, when taking photos it is all about what you find pleasing. Find a lighting setup that you like and continue practicing.
One of the easiest ways to produce these types of images is with a diffuser. That is, a translucent piece of material that scatters and diffuses light from your main light source onto your subject. In this case, food. There are many types of diffusing materials. They range in size from very small and compact, to very large. Vellum paper is the easiest and cheapest way of starting with a diffuser in your photography.
In addition to vellum and the more professional material, there are also many other ways of creating diffused light. Almost any material can produce the desired effect. However, the best I have found are professional diffusers that are easily folded to about one-third of their normal size. These usually come in a set with several reflectors, like: gold, silver and white. Lastolite makes a very good quality set of reflectors with an added diffuser. This is a very good way to get started. These 5-in-1 sets have everything you need to produce stunning results relatively inexpensively.
The best way to use a diffuser is to place it to your left or right, depending on which side your light source is located on. I usually shoot almost exclusively in natural light, which favors a light diffuser. My food setup is in the middle between the diffuser and my white reflector. The diffuser spreads gorgeous, even light across the area I'm photographing and the reflector reflects that light onto the area that isn't being reached by the light source. In this scenario it would be the right hand side.
The two elements combined are a great way to inexpensively produce food photography that is right up there with the best of them. And in fact, most of the blogs you've read that contain great food shots are done in this manner. The light source angle might vary, but the one thing they almost all use is a diffuser. Whether it's backlit, side lit, or front lit, a diffuser and reflector are ideal companions for any food photographer.
In summary:
- Buy the right size diffuser for your needs. They can range in size from about 12 inches to 48 inches and larger.
- You can start off with velum paper, or tracing paper to save you a little bit of money.
- Place the diffuser to your left, or right, depending on where your light source is coming from.
- Place a white cardboard reflector on the opposite side of your light source and diffuser.
- Shoot away! And remember, when taking photos it is all about what you find pleasing. Find a lighting setup that you like and continue practicing.
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