Ever look at a photo and wonder what sort of camera the photographer used? Did they use a point and shoot or was it a DSLR that allows them to change the lens? Did they manage to get that amazing shot with an iPhone? And we really mustn't forget about all the different brands of cameras out there! Are all brands the same? In the second edition of Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots Nicole S. Young dives deep as she addresses these questions that may be nagging new freelance food photographers.
Cameras: Does it Really Matter?
In each and every picture she takes, Nicole S. Young takes care to list what camera she used, the brand, ISO, the shutter speed, and focal length. She also goes into detail about the different types of cameras and how they impact each shot. The information is invaluable for new photographers but may be a little basic for veterans.
Photos: The Good, The Bad, and the Not So Mouth Watering
Unlike most photographers who rarely, if ever, publish their failing shots, Nicole doesn't hesitate to take bad pictures and put them in her book. This is used as an example to show how a picture can be impacted by the use of different cameras. Thankfully she doesn't stop there but takes the same picture again with a different camera. This allows readers to view the two pictures side by side and compare for themselves. Nicole also takes pictures using her camera phone and shows how different angles make the difference between an appealing shot and a picture you would most likely delete without posting.
Styling and Editing
Unlike most photographers who rarely, if ever, publish their failing shots, Nicole doesn't hesitate to take bad pictures and put them in her book. This is used as an example to show how a picture can be impacted by the use of different cameras. Thankfully she doesn't stop there but takes the same picture again with a different camera. This allows readers to view the two pictures side by side and compare for themselves. Nicole also takes pictures using her camera phone and shows how different angles make the difference between an appealing shot and a picture you would most likely delete without posting.
Socializing
For the freelancer who is looking to get their business started, Nicole has a section on getting your name out there. From social media to conferences and networking, she breaks down what you need to do in order to get noticed. Nicole also offers some great advice on how to protect your photos as you add them to social media and registering for copyrights.
Do you have a food blog and are looking for someone to do videos for you? Here at Yumpic we are freelance food photographers who cook, photograph, film, and style! If you'd like to give us a shot, contact us for more details.
