This week we are going to explore the foods we eat the most.
To inspire you we will learn from experienced photographers how to capture the everyday with simple and easy tips.
Because we use a wide range of foods we have classified them in 6 groups.
Protein
beans, peas, lentils, tofu, fish, egg, meat…
One of the best way to improve your food photography is to learn about colour theory.
Colour theory can help us understand the relationship between colours, and how to use them in a more harmonious way.
As a matter of fact, colours combination are all around us. At home, in nature, art, advertising, and even in our plates.
One of the reason these delicious Turkish fried eggs look lovely is because the green herbs are very well suited with the orange yolks. When we cook we don’t think about it but unconsciously it plays a big role in our choices and tastes.
The Colour Wheel
Let’s begin with the primary colours Red, Yellow, Blue (RYB).
They are called primary colours as they can be combined to make other colours but in theory cannot be created by mixing other colours.
Complementary colours face one another on the colour wheel.
They are also called opposite colours or contrasting colours.
When complementary colours are placed next to each other, it creates a very strong contrast. As a consequence, the colours appear brighter and more vivid.
Using complementary colours in photography helps to create more captivating compositions.
The main complementary colours are:
- Green & Red
- Orange & Blue
- Yellow & Purple
Tip:
- This week I invite you to pay attention at the way you put colours together, and at colours combinations around you.
Fruits and Vegetables
Rinko Kawauchi is a Japanese photographer who uses humble ingredients to celebrate beauty in the everyday. Her photographs remind us not to overthink our composition.
This image is only made of three elements; table cloth, plate and grapes. The result is lovely because the colours, textures and shapes are in harmony.
Tips:
- When taking a picture of fruits or vegetables think about the props you can use.
- Try to keep your composition simple, with a few colours and elements.
- Shoot from above making sure you’re shadow is not on the way
- Don’t forget to have enough light by opening your curtains.
Starchy food
potatoes, bread, pasta, rice and cereals
Irving Penn’s photographs invite us to experiment and not be afraid to combine unrelated things.
If you don’t have much colours at home you can use a white or grey table against a white wall to create a simple yet interesting composition.
Tip:
- Try shooting in square mode if you want to create minimalist composition.
Dairy
Food photographs can also question our society in a playful way.
I took this photograph in London just after Brexit. I wanted to keep the lights on the left as they reminded me of round french goat cheeses. And the orange and white stripes reminded me of slice of cheese to put in a sandwich.
In case you are vegan you can take pictures of your dairy-free milk alternatives such as soya milk and nut milks.
Tip:
- Feel free to include images of magazines, street art or advertising.
Fat
Oils & Spreads
Like the Tessa Dóniga you can use your street photography to make a statement.
I personally like this image because I always try to “heat” my butter if it’s too cold to spread it more easily but I haven’t tried this technique yet.
Fast Food
I have to confess that I have a weakness for Mc Donalds’ fries. What about you?
The Foods We Eat the Most
This week I invite to take 3 pictures of the foods you eat the most and one photo of a meal.
Have fun!
Inspirational Reference
