I will be conducting my final photoshoot in a few days. To fully prepare and ensure a successful outcome, I wanted to shoot a trial photoshoot to be more familiar with the equipment I may need. Since baking often requires both hands, I knew a tripod would be crucial for my final photoshoot. Therefore, the images below are of my attempts to familiarize myself with a tripod. I learned from previous photoshoots that photographing in my kitchen was challenging due to the reflective surface I bake on; this trial photoshoot helped me experiment with other, more superior locations in my house and gave me an idea of which was most successful.
Experimenting With My Tripod:
As I knew I would be baking oreo cheesecake for my final photoshoot, I planned and bought extra Oreo cookies and heavy whipping cream. With these extras, I experimented with my tripod to mimic the process of making Oreo cheesecake before my final photoshoot.
Shot #1:
These shots represent one of the first steps in making the crust of an Oreo cheesecake. Although this isn’t a shot I plan on photographing in my final photoshoot (after creating my shot list), it helped me understand how a tripod works. In other words, I used these shots as a test to figure out how to adjust the tripod regarding height, angle, and distance from the subject. It also helped me understand my work surface and how I can minimize shadows. As displayed in the image to the right, I also experimented with the flash feature on my iPhone. I wanted to compare this addition to the shot without flash and see if it produced a superior outcome. In this case, I don’t think the flash feature was necessary and didn’t add any benefits to the shot; the lighting looked unrealistic and was too dark.
Shot #2:
I didn't include this shot in my shot list. Nevertheless, it allowed me to learn proper placements and adjustments of the tripod. After taking this shot, I realized positioning the tripod in front of me would've been more sensible. Placing the camera parallel to the subject would show more of the action and create a Point of View shot, allowing the audience to feel more involved. It would also focus more on me mixing the Oreos with the butter rather than my hands. This shot was further helpful as it allowed me to practice making an Oreo crust before my final photoshoot, making me less likely to mess up when it counts.
Shot #3:
Similarly to the shots above, I didn’t add this shot to my shot list. However, it allowed me to analyze and critique my images and learn from my mistakes before implementing my final photoshoot. It also helped me practice my technique for making cheesecake, guaranteeing a better result. With the extra ingredients, I learned the best way to cut the Oreos without squashing them and ruining their appearance.
Shot #4:
This shot also wasn’t on my shot list, but it helped me understand if my phone can capture fast-moving actions. Since I plan on photographing sifting flour and pouring batter into a pan (shots that show movement), I wanted to experiment with beating heavy whipping cream and see if my phone would capture the action without blurriness. Therefore, it helped me realize if I need special equipment, such as a professional camera if my phone can’t photograph my intentions. My phone captured the action without blurriness, and I may not need to use another camera during my final photoshoot.
Shot #5:
I didn’t use a tripod for these shots, nor do they directly relate to making cheesecake. Nonetheless, it was another opportunity to build my skills in photographing my homemade desserts. In the image to the left, I used the flash feature on my phone and experimented with changing the exposure. In the image to the right, I didn't use flash. I think using flash and slightly increasing the exposure enhanced the berry cobbler’s features. It made the dessert brighter, more appealing, and less dull. I also photographed this dessert in a different location in my house, rather than the kitchen (where I usually conduct photoshoots); I placed the dessert near a window to maximize natural lighting, improving the photo’s quality.
Final Thoughts:
Practicing before my final photoshoot allowed me to not only learn how to use a tripod (I’ve never used one before), but it helped me figure out where I should place the tripod regarding the subject, what time of day reflects the most natural lighting, and more. It also gave me a sense of the best locations to photograph my baked goods. Since my kitchen emits less natural light and has a reflective surface, I now know another area that would increase the outcome of my photos. This trial photoshoot further helped me practice specific steps (making the Oreo crust and homemade whipped cream) before making the cheesecakes for the final photoshoot. Not only that, but this photoshoot made me realize the benefits of using a tripod to show step-by-step instructions for making a dessert; tripods can allow the baker to demonstrate the methods for baking the recipe and a more in-depth explanation of how to follow the instructions.
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