Assignment #38: Food

NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
edited August 8, 2007 in Assignments
Now that Andy joined us, I think it's time to switch to his time-honored primary subject. Repeat after me: "it's always about the food" :rofl

Yes, this week we're going to shoot us some food. Imagine you were asked by a local restaurant to help them to create a menu. You can choose your own style: drive-through, sports bar, steak house, sushi place... The choice is yours.
Your submission should be a pictiure worthy of an actual thing. Remember, though, we're not shooting the restaurant ad, we're shooting food, menu items. No need to include the light fixtures or a portrait of a chef. Also, let's not shoot beverages at this time.

Few things to care about:
  • lighting (duh :-)
    restaurants are usually dark, so BYOL (bring your own light). At home, use the light dome, or any other bright light, preferably with diffusor
  • angle
    some menus shots are "straight down", some are at an angle from the customer point of view, some are real low angle, almost from the table level.
  • watch the background
    you don't want to include your neighbour's elbow or another dish in your frame. And if you do - clone it out!
  • shine yer forks
    should you decide to include utensils in your shots, they better be shiny (please refer to WA#35 Chrome) - unless they are wooden chopsticks:-)
Check the real sources (food magazines and menus) - and have fun!

Post-processing is OK, just remember to shoot first:-)
For the rest of the basic rules and index please check out this sticky.

Let's shoot us some food! :-) :wink
"May the f/stop be with you!"
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Comments

  • z_28z_28 Registered Users Posts: 956 Major grins
    edited June 1, 2007
    Good to be first with last food mwink.gif

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  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 1, 2007
    z_28 wrote:
    Good to be first with last food mwink.gif

    Nice entry, thanks! thumb.gif
    Funny that we start with desserts;-) mwink.gifrolleyes1.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited June 1, 2007
    158448109-M.jpg158448996-M.jpg 158449895-M.jpg,
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 1, 2007
    Antonio,
    three pics
    Thank you!
    I like #3, it can really be a menu picture.thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • photojphotoj Registered Users Posts: 102 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Hamburgers with Ears!
    I couldn't resist...not the most artistic but it was interesting to have Mikey Ears on my burgers!

    mmmmm...tasty looking ears.
    158807055-M.jpg


    Before they started cooking...
    158807129-M.jpg
    "Make it don't take it!"

    Jason
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    photoj wrote:
    I couldn't resist...not the most artistic but it was interesting to have Mikey Ears on my burgers!
    mmmmm...tasty looking ears.
    Before they started cooking...
    A) Well, you tried! thumb.gif
    B) If I saw that on the menu, I'd be out of that joint faster than you can say "mcdonalds"...:-)

    Try something's ready to go:
    63575346-L.jpg
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • BeemerChefBeemerChef Registered Users Posts: 265 Major grins
    edited June 4, 2007
    Nice... nice... being a Chef for... 40 years! Did not care for the sausage/meat cooking pictures however... no biggie.
    Funny that now I, we... my dog and I, are on the road for 7 months... I cook in space 2' x 2'... with chinet plates! One pan...
    This is my latest (small A20 pentax camera!!!)

    159113459-M.jpg

    sorry... just had to... here is the food!!!

    134044627-M.jpg

    134044640-M.jpg

    Fun!!!... for my camping with one pan eventual... book!!!

    be well...

    Ara & Spirit

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com
    The Oasis of my Soul our Blog and Life Therapy...
    My Gallery in progress...
    On the road, homeless, with my buddy Spirit...
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 4, 2007
    BeemerChef wrote:
    Nice... nice... being a Chef for... 40 years! Did not care for the sausage/meat cooking pictures however... no biggie.
    Funny that now I, we... my dog and I, are on the road for 7 months... I cook in space 2' x 2'... with chinet plates! One pan...
    This is my latest (small A20 pentax camera!!!)

    sorry... just had to... here is the food!!!

    Fun!!!... for my camping with one pan eventual... book!!!

    be well...

    Ara & Spirit

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com

    The last two are very nice! thumb.gif
    Thank you for the entries!
    First one is not on a subject and is a cross-posting (you've posted it in Spring, too) :nono
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • MarkRMarkR Registered Users Posts: 2,099 Major grins
    edited June 4, 2007
    Stir-fry
    Lessons learned:

    1. No matter how much light you think your kitchen has, you need more.

    2. You may have mental images of taking a fast shutter snap of food as you toss it in your pan. Don't bother trying unless you have a helper. And nerves of steel. And mad-crazy coordination. My iPhoto trash is full of failed attempts.

    3. Stir-fries are still good even if they get slightly overcooked (because insane husband decided to take a picture of it.)

    4. Pans are very hot for stir-fries. Safety first!

    159610675-L.jpg
    Eggplant Abstract

    159606939-L.jpg
    The Finished Product
  • evorywareevoryware Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited June 4, 2007
    Here's some food from tonight.


    1
    159663369-L.jpg

    2
    159663409-L.jpg

    3
    159663423-L.jpg
    Canon 40D : Canon 400D : Canon Elan 7NE : Canon 580EX : 2 x Canon 430EX : Canon 24-70 f2.8L : Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L USM : Canon 28-135mm f/3.5 IS : 18-55mm f/3.5 : 4GB Sandisk Extreme III : 2GB Sandisk Extreme III : 2 x 1GB Sandisk Ultra II : Sekonik L358

    dak.smugmug.com
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    Lessons learned:

    1. No matter how much light you think your kitchen has, you need more.

    2. You may have mental images of taking a fast shutter snap of food as you toss it in your pan. Don't bother trying unless you have a helper. And nerves of steel. And mad-crazy coordination. My iPhoto trash is full of failed attempts.

    3. Stir-fries are still good even if they get slightly overcooked (because insane husband decided to take a picture of it.)

    4. Pans are very hot for stir-fries. Safety first!

    Eggplant Abstract

    The Finished Product

    Thank you! thumb.gif
    I would say, if I was your menu editor or the restaurant owner, I'd chose 2d one but would ask you to crop clone the stove and part/most of the pan out.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    evoryware wrote:
    Here's some food from tonight.
    1
    2
    3
    Thank you!
    #3 fits the bill rather nicely! thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • anwmn1anwmn1 Registered Users Posts: 3,469 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    Timing- Nik- Timing

    These are a couple weeks old but can't help but post. Had a job for a catering company.

    150221019-L-1.jpg

    150224097-L-1.jpg

    150221741-L-1.jpg

    150217799-L-1.jpg

    150231084-L-1.jpg
    "The Journey of life is as much in oneself as the roads one travels"


    Aaron Newman

    Website:www.CapturingLightandEmotion.com
    Facebook: Capturing Light and Emotion
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    Aaron,
    anwmn1 wrote:
    Timing- Nik- Timing

    These are a couple weeks old but can't help but post. Had a job for a catering company.

    Too bad! First three are top class! thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • MarkRMarkR Registered Users Posts: 2,099 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    Nikolai wrote:
    Thank you! thumb.gif
    I would say, if I was your menu editor or the restaurant owner, I'd chose 2d one but would ask you to crop clone the stove and part/most of the pan out.

    After I posted the original I thought the same thing, but couldn't get a crop I liked. I did find another image that cropped better: 159774871-S.jpg
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    After I posted the original I thought the same thing, but couldn't get a crop I liked. I did find another image that cropped better:

    Gland we are on the same page! I like this crop better! thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    Nikolai.
    This is more an experiment than anything else.
    I would like it would have been better but ...ne_nau.gif
    I must try again tomorrow, not with a piece of bread, but with slices of tomato.
    159932378-M.jpg
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • StanStan Registered Users Posts: 1,077 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    sorry the DOF is a little short. I will try this again but I ate the subject, shot with 100mm at F/4.5

    159948841-L.jpg

    Stan
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 5, 2007
    Stan, Antonio,
    Both are nice shots, thank you for entering, thumb.gif but I yet to see a resaurant that would accept them as a picture menu item... ne_nau.gif
    Let's put a bit more back into it, shall we? ;-) mwink.gif
    Please refer to the beginning of Aaron's post #14 - great shots for an actual assignment deal.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • ChatKatChatKat Registered Users Posts: 1,357 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    Okay time to eat..err..play!
    Okay, you guys made me hungry and I've been here lurking on Dgrin too long. Time to dine with you .Beet and Goat Cheese Tower with a cherry balsamic dressing. - Link in case this is missing:
    http://www.pbase.com/chatkat/image/80065793.jpg
    80065793.yUvW0iCL.jpg

    The Softshell crab was delish, but, not too photogenic!

    Followed by Apple Tarte Tartin for two: ( link in case it's missing - http://www.pbase.com/chatkat/image/80065794.jpg

    80065794.G1X65nUN.jpg
    Kathy Rappaport
    Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
    http://flashfrozenphotography.com
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    Kathy,
    ChatKat wrote:
    Okay, you guys made me hungry and I've been here lurking on Dgrin too long. Time to dine with you .Beet and Goat Cheese Tower with a cherry balsamic dressing.
    ..

    The Softshell crab was delish, but, not too photogenic!

    Followed by Apple Tarte Tartin for two:

    No show ne_nau.gif Please check if the external links are enabled on that gallery.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • mwaltersmwalters Registered Users Posts: 119 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    I know it's not healthy but...

    160189066-L.jpg


    Always have a balanced diet...

    160189435-L.jpg

    Matthew
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    Nikolai wrote:
    ... Please refer to the beginning of Aaron's post #14 - great shots for an actual assignment deal.gif

    In fact Aaron's pictures are excellent and very professional ! iloveyou.gif

    I had seen them before and I have seen them again now.
    Good work indeed.:D

    They are a long distance from what I can do in this assignment ... :cry

    But I'm going to try again, that's for sure Nikolai.

    Wait and see mwink.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    Matthew,
    mwalters wrote:
    I know it's not healthy but...
    Always have a balanced diet...
    Matthew
    Thanks, good entries! thumb.gif
    Possible improvement: more professionally-looking b/g and better lighting...
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • mwaltersmwalters Registered Users Posts: 119 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    Thanks Nikolai.

    You mean I need to replace my black paper? (I also need to replace the doughnuts now)

    Matthew
  • anwmn1anwmn1 Registered Users Posts: 3,469 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    In fact Aaron's pictures are excellent and very professional ! iloveyou.gif

    They are a long distance from what I can do in this assignment ... :cry

    Thank you very much Antonio but I disagree that photos like these cannot be achieved by you or anyone else for this assignment.

    Like the Assignment says "Think Menu". Several posts have been too close up. A menu item shows the whole dish or at least most of it.

    My pictures were achieved handheld with a simple bounce flash off a 9ft ceiling. Granted the food was very nicely prepared but the shots themselves were very basic.

    Oh- yeah there was not photoshop done on those either.mwink.gif Simply cropped, straightened, and a little sharpening in Iphoto, that is it!

    I will not be able to cook or shoot anything until at least tomorrow but I will post some more current photos for this assignment as well.


    cheers!
    "The Journey of life is as much in oneself as the roads one travels"


    Aaron Newman

    Website:www.CapturingLightandEmotion.com
    Facebook: Capturing Light and Emotion
  • ShepsMomShepsMom Registered Users Posts: 4,319 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    How about some good ol' bbq stuff?


    Hmm, tastes like chicken...

    160244095-M.jpg



    And some burgers....:eat

    160243717-M.jpg
    Marina
    www.intruecolors.com
    Nikon D700 x2/D300
    Nikon 70-200 2.8/50 1.8/85 1.8/14.24 2.8
  • fashiznitsngrinsfashiznitsngrins Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    Side Dish
    I don't know what this is called, but it was always a favorite growing up... I dedicate this assignment to my mother iloveyou.gif

    160247537-L.jpg
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    ShepsMom wrote:
    How about some good ol' bbq stuff?
    Hmm, tastes like chicken...
    And some burgers....:eat

    Marina,

    nice pictures, but I have never seen a menu showing the unprepared food ne_nau.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited June 6, 2007
    I don't know what this is called, but it was always a favorite growing up...
    Great entry, thanks! thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
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