Please note: the following photos throughout this post are those of the uber-talented Todd Coleman, the presentor of Modern Editorial Food Photography, a photography session at the International Food Blogger Conference (I know you thought they were mine but I can’t take the credit, haha)
I always love attending the photography workshops at food blogging conferences, because it’s something that I’ve been working on over the years and I hope to continue to grow in this area. Unfortunately there was only one photography session this year, but it was definitely an interesting one. I picked up tips that I had never heard before- a very enlightening session!
What is a food blog without great photos? Or a food magazine or cookbook? We eat with our eyes first so an outstanding food photo hooks and reels people in way before the words they are about to read.
Todd Coleman, food photographer, chef, writer and creative director at the Tasting Table gave us a totally different perspective on food photography. And boy does he have some experience, he’s acted as an editor at Everyday Food and produced shows for The Food Network and has worked as executive food editor of Saveur, running everything food, from recipe selection to test kitchen oversight for 7 years. He has propped, styled, and photographed the majority of Saveur’s covers which are beyond drool worthy photos as you can see throughout this post.
His session taught us the art of prepping with everyday items that we’re all surrounded by, but fail to see, and lighting with inexpensive equipment. He definitely taught us to think outside the box.
Here are some take-aways I learned from his session:
- Don’t be afraid to distinguish yourself in your photos. Be bold, don’t be afraid to “push in and get up close”.
- It’s okay to make an “over the top mess” when shooting food (think crumbs, milkshake spilling over the glass, half eaten piece of cake). Not everything has to be perfectly in place.
- Natural light isn’t always the best. Yes, you read that right! Todd’s point is that you won’t always have the best natural light in which case artificial light will give you a much better result. If you ONLY shoot with natural light you will likely have some missed opportunities. Look into 1) bouncing light onto the food using aluminum foil (wrapped around a foam board works) 2) using a speed light 3) using a soft box. Flashlights are also great for taking great photos says Todd.
- Use unexpected surfaces such as books, carpet, old wood pieces, tile, someone’s scarf, the floor! Again, don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Don’t always try to get rid of shadows. They can make things interesting!
- Move the food around. Look for the light or where you can create the best situation.
- Try different angels, textures, patterns and/or symmetry in your photos.
Here is a small sample of Todd’s food photos….take time to look at the beauty in each one. I know I did!
Saveur, where I found all these amazing photos taken by Todd Coleman, has some amazing recipes by the way- I subscribe to the magazine and haven’t made much but now after picking out these photos on their website I see a ton of stuff I want to try!
P.S. I totally noticed a trend of how Todd photographs food that looks eaten not perfect. I love that! Just look at the mess of the lasagna! Absolutely perfect.
[Tweet “Food Photography and Beyond – Tips I Learned from the #IFBC 2014 via @nutritiouseats”]
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Like you said, I love that the food is cut up or eaten in the photos. It doesn’t look perfect but it still looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Embracing the Taper
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
You’re welcome. Isn’t he fantastic?
CARLA says
one of my good friends is a food stylist and Ive always found this so so fascinating!
CARLA recently posted..Meet my friend Melvin.
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
It is super cool. I never knew starting my blog that there was so much to food photography!
Maureen says
I WISH I had half the talent to take photos like this!
Maureen recently posted..Month 3 Update & Month 4 Plan {Road to Wellness}
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
No kidding. He’s amazing.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
His pictures of half eaten photos make me want to eat the food even more!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted..Navy and White Look
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
I know right? It totally makes sense. Makes you want to dig in!
Sam @ The Second Lunch says
I love Todd’s photos! (Okay, and the photography in Saveur in general). I’ve never gone to IFBC (and it would have been easier living on the west coast), but always love living vicariously through other bloggers 🙂 Happy shooting!
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Sam. Aren’t they amazing shots? I seriously drooled over all the photos on the website but his are definitely a different style
Sandra Laflamme says
These are such great tips! I especially love the fact that he recommends leaving crumbs or a little splash of milk. this must have been a fantastic workshop!
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Sandra! I loved his approach and it made me feel like I don’t have to be so perfect with the food. Gotta love that!
lindsay Cotter says
i love how they displays the food pics. like homemade grub ready for eatin, but still pretty!
She Rocks Fitness says
I agree with Cotter…I like the messiness of the food. Homemade, real, and looks damn tasty…I want to eat it ALL!
She Rocks Fitness recently posted..Recent Eats + Wednesday Ramblings
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
I know! He’s amazing. I learned some great tips in such a short time, but shooting the food not so perfect might be the best lesson learned!
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Seriously, like you just want grab a fork and go to town! We’re so used to seeing perfect food photos and these are just so real. Love
jill conyers says
I can easily get lost in setting up food shots. I love that it adds another layer of being creative to developing recipes.
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