With the popularity of social networks, more and more people have begun to develop the habit of taking pictures of food. Whether they are dining out or cooking at home, after the food is served, they will take a photo and share it on the Internet before starting.
You also like to take pictures of food, but even if you use a SLR, the photos you take are still not satisfactory. The light always feels stiff and the style of painting is not as casual and natural as other peoples paintings? So hurry up and take a look at your home. Do you have the following things? Although they are not professional photography aids, if you use them in photography, the effect will be improved.
1. Cooking spray oil
A food photo that can arouse peoples appetite. In addition to the presentation, props, and lighting, the food itself is actually equally important. After all, who would have an appetite if it is dry and shriveled? Don't underestimate this. Use Nonstick Cooking Spray. If the food has been left out for too long and becomes less attractive than when it was freshly baked, spray it lightly and evenly and the food will immediately become more enlivened. Covering it with a layer of oily sheen will also help the food catch the light better.
2. White cloth napkin
Putting a napkin under the food bowl is one of the common practices of many food photographers, but it must notDon't think this is just for aesthetics. You can first take a look at the before and after comparison pictures. The photographer used the same camera settings (SS 60, f/2.8, ISO 250), and there was no post-processing. The only variable is that maybe the light coming from the window was slightly different at that time. , but after adding the napkin, the picture looks obviously more cohesive, and the white cloth can make the light more concentrated, so you can see that the entire light and color have changed.
3. Old baking pan
Many people will choose to throw away this kind of baking pan that is covered with scratches, oil stains, and rust and replace it with a new one. However, in the food photography circle in recent years, this kind of kitchen utensils, which are called retro and old-style, are It is so popular that if you want to buy it, the price will be double or even more than buying a brand new one. Although it looks very old, using it as a background can make the picture more textured and characterful.
4. White baking paper
If you are into baking, or if you have an oven at home and know how to cook oven dishes, you will most likely have this kind of baking paper at home. It can actually be a good substitute when there is really no other background available. . It is white and reflective, and because it is translucent, it will make the picture more textured and highlight the food. It is low-key, does not steal the spotlight, and is soft. You might as well give it a try.
5. Mirror
Can the mirror at home be used for food photography? Yes, and the method is very simple. Just face the mirror to a light source such as a window, and then tilt it slightly toward the food to reflect the light. There is no professional artificial light equipment, and the light at home is not high enough? Then this is the only way to remedy it.
6. White photocopy paper
White photocopy paper is definitely the cheapest type of reflective sheet. Fold the paper in half and then stand it up to achieve the reflective effect. You can adjust the angle at will until you are satisfied, and you can free your hands without using a professional stand. Friends who are most annoyed by heavy shadows remember to try this trick.
7. Flashlight + cardboard
Want the photo to have a vignetting effect, with the light in the center relatively strong and concentrated? Then you can completely create a custom light source. Now use hard cardboard to roll into a long paper tube, fix a flashlight on one end, and then cover the other end with white kitchen paper. After turning on the light, it becomes a spotlight, and because the end is covered with kitchen paper, the light will become Its softer and not as pale as using a flashlight directly.
8. Carton
Don’t have a white tabletop and white background at home? There is no need to buy special photography background props. Place a piece of white photocopy paper under the food, a cardboard box with the opening facing up behind it, and another piece of photocopy paper on the side facing the food. Block it in front as a background and add soft light to achieve the pure white effect you want. Its also great for taking jewelry photos.
9. White gauze curtain
Of course, soft light can make food more attractive than strong, direct light, you know? In fact, the white transparent gauze curtain next to your window can also play the role of soft light. If not, in fact, A thin white sheet, cloth, or even a light dish towel will work just as well. Do you have an old white pillowcase at home? You can keep it, cut it into a single piece and use it as a soft light cloth, hang it up to block the light source, and it will immediately become softer.
10. Thin white T-shirt
After becoming addicted to food photography, many people will start to upgrade their equipment. Have you bought a photography light? If so, then you should have experienced how stiff and artificial this light source is, and you are too lazy to buy a soft light cloth? It doesn’t matter. In fact, it’s okay to dig out the summer thin white T-shirt in the closet. It can achieve the same soft light effect, but you must remember that your clothes must not come into contact with the bulb, and you must take them off immediately after use to prevent fire, but generally speaking, such problems do not occur.
