As my media studies classmates and I prepare for our double-page spread, I felt it necessary to conduct practice photoshoots. If pleased with the outcome, I can use these photos for my table of contents. It is worth noting that I attempted these photoshoots before learning about the equipment and props that could enhance my photoshoots. Nevertheless, it was a learning opportunity to realize the tools I can incorporate in the future that could address my struggles. I also wanted to share and document my photographic experiences since my latest photoshoot in the Cooking, Food, and Beverage genre.
The Results:
In preparation for my table of contents, I guarantee to photograph all of my baked goods. Therefore, I can be prepared and have various photos to choose from when designing it. It also helps me with trial and error since I have extra chances to improve my skills, experiment with different camera shots and angles, and learn new iPhone photography techniques.
These three images are of my cheesecake brownie photoshoot. In this photoshoot, I experimented with different camera shots and angles to learn which would be more effective in this situation and enhance its qualities the most. I usually take overhead shots, yet this photoshoot helped me attempt new photography techniques. After comparing the three images above, I realized that I liked the overhead shot the least as it doesn’t display the inside of the brownie; photographing the brownie's center shows its texture, a quality that would be more effective in appealing to people. I also experimented with plating and location in this photoshoot. Before this photoshoot, I wasn't sure how to plate food to look more appealing. I added powdered sugar and chocolate chips around the subject. I learned how this plating may not have added any benefits. If anything, it took away from the dessert as it looked messy, contrasting with my goal of neatness. Instead, I could've applied powdered sugar to the whole dessert to make the brownie look finished and more realistic (you usually sprinkle powdered sugar over the dessert and not as a decorative element). I could’ve also omitted the chocolate chips for the brownie to be the main focus. Regarding my shoot location, I decided to take this photoshoot beside a window, as opposed to where I usually photograph my desserts (my kitchen), to allow for maximum natural light and utilize a surface that isn’t reflective.
I took this photo after the cheesecake photoshoot above, considering how simple plating may be more effective than elaborate plating. Therefore, I decided to plate a slice of my homemade chocolate cake on a simple white plate. I also took a close-up shot to enhance the quality of the dessert and captivate my audience. Taking a close-up shot minimized the shadows the photo captured as well. Since I achieved better quality photos by taking the previous photos beside a window, I photographed this chocolate cake in that location. I feel that this choice worked in my favor since the natural light from the window increased the quality of the photo. Unlike the cheesecake brownie photoshoot, I took this photo using flash to see if it would improve the quality of my photos. Although this may not work in all cases, I think it enhanced the details and shininess of the icing.
I made these scones (plain and raspberry) on an international vacation. Although I was limited to my iPhone and a few dishes, I took the opportunity to challenge myself and my creativity. More specifically, I used a white plate and a decorative bowl that I had at hand to plate the scones. I tried different plating techniques with these dishes, such as arranging the scones neatly—from a linear to a circular pattern—or piling them. I also tried to use a placemat in two of my three photos to see if it had any benefits; I noticed that the placemat hid the shadows from the plate. Despite the limited equipment and props, I felt it would be optimal to photograph these scones since I haven't yet photographed this type of baked goods. In both this photoshoot and the chocolate cake photoshoot, I used simple plating and adjusted the brightness and contrast settings on my phone, improving the quality of my photos.
I was satisfied with the results of these photoshoots, despite not using equipment and props (such as a ring light, tripod, or professional camera) that would enhance the quality of my photoshoot. I was most satisfied with the chocolate cake photoshoot since there was quality lighting, the dessert was in focus, and it fully displayed the cake's texture and shininess. For this reason, I will most likely include this photo in my table of contents. For the same reason, I would also like my table of contents to feature one of the images from the cheesecake brownie photoshoot. I will most likely not include the scones in my table of contents as the background (the placemat and surface) doesn't fit my preferences and intentions (they look slightly messy). With these photoshoots, I realized methods for improving the quality of upcoming photoshoots—for example, having a backdrop to replace reflective and shadowy surfaces and a ring light to replace poor lighting. I also became more aware of the angles I can use for more quality and diversified photoshoots.
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