Club members challenged to photograph “Food”

By Rex Dolby

“Food” will be the competition theme when the Wassenberg Camera Club next meets, Thursday, February 9, at 7 p.m. at the Wassenberg Art Center. There will be some business items discussed also.

To take an effective picture of food, the picture must not only display the food well, but also make the viewer think it looks good enough to eat. If you put yourself in the shoes of a professional photographer charged with shooting food dishes for a new menu, or someone entering a recipe contest that requires an accompanying picture of the finished product, you’ll have some idea what it is that you’re trying to accomplish.

Lighting should be natural. Set the dish near a window or open door. A fill flash may over expose the food, so use the available light. A small flashlight, however, may supply some highlights or create some minor shadows to reveal the texture of the dish. Texture may also be revealed by placing the food in direct sunlight when the sun is lower in the sky. Choose a camera angle (45 °) that will show the top and two sides of the dish.

Pick a plate that allows the food to stand out and reveals something of the personality of the dish. A French creation might be placed on an elegant china plate with a similar pattern of silverware, stemware, and a linen tablecloth. Ribs on the other hand, might appear on a plainer plate with simpler table service, and possibly checkered tablecloth. Give similar, careful thought to the display of any specialty foods, such as  those from Mexico, Italy, or China for example.  All the coordinated backgrounds help sell the shot, but remember that the food is the star and needs to be emphasized.

Associate hot foods with hot places such as in or near a skillet or grill. To keep the illusion of hot foods still being hot, try wiping the surface with a little vegetable oil or use a water spritz to keep the surface shiny.

Much of what is said for photographing still life can be said for shooting food. Try different arrangements, different angles, and different lighting until you get that winning combination.  And when you are done, enjoy the clean-up!

Contact the art center at 419.238.6837, via wassenbergdirector@embarqmail.com or visit our website at wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert.