What do you think about some of these shots that I took for a menu in sushi restaurant. These images are for basic illustrations of the different pieces that they need for a white background.
I also took a few of their menus on plates but these are not ready yet.
I am interested in getting feedback especially on the lighting, which by the way were 2 SB-800 in softbox/white umbrella.
Jim Rickards wrote:
As this is the People forum, the food doesn't fit in. Anybody know which forum this should be posted in? (Yes, I know people eat food, but....)
Ahh - sorry - I just saw the word "Studio" in the forum description, but when I read the entire description I can see where I went wrong
Jim Rickards wrote:
As this is the People forum, the food doesn't fit in. Anybody know which forum this should be posted in? (Yes, I know people eat food, but....)
ok - thanks. I did not have any access to this (and no stylist) but I guess I could have prepared better.
My comments or suggestions below are not a criticism of you, your sushi, your talent or skill. I offer them in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you with a second POV and set of eyes. If you read sincere questions and simple suggestions as "criticism" of you, then you will miss how I am trying to help you. All smilies I post are genuine and sincere.
Of course this may be your own "style" or your own "vision" and I suppose we can assume that the images look just like they do because that is exactly how you like them. That is OK too. It just shows that there are differences of "opinion" on what looks good. IF these are exactly what you want and like, then by all means continue making your images look like that and have fun doing it. As I always say: "Follow your own muse."
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I like sushi. I find most appetizing to look at and very colorful and interesting to see (with my eyes).
What about these pics then?
Overexposed and unappetizing...looks "bland" and the light looks "blasted" in what I call "Ebay Lighting Method."
My Simple Suggestion: Try a different PP route, and increase saturation.
Hello! These look pretty good. I have some experiences shooting food photography. What has been said above about it being a little "Bland" looking is correct.
What you might do to change this - Is increase the saturation and darkness to give it contrast. Do this in layers though because your yellow colors always go too far and make the food unappetizing. I might also experiement with the contrast.
The pic with more saturation is nicer. I would try to get that effect when you shoot the photo, not in post, however. Otherwise, it'll be a LONG evening in front of the computer.
The straight-on photos of the single pieces don't do it for me. Having them at an angle is much more pleasing. Also, I KNOW they want a white background, but try some on their serving dishes. That can look nice, too.
Try experimenting with different liquids to make the meat look less dry, too.
I'm glad you're doing this and not me. I'd eat all the product end end up photographing an empty white space!
FSJ_Guy wrote:
Also, I KNOW they want a white background, but try some on their serving dishes. That can look nice, too.
The great thing about sushi is that everything is dressed up. Many places have different dishes and planks on which they put their food. A restaurant around me uses these boat shaped dishes to place a bunch of food on them. I think the dish will go a long way to making the food more interesting.
Also, I agree about the lighting. I think the food is overexposed, so a lot of the detail is lost in the bright areas of the food and especially in the rice.
I really appriciate your feedback (what would a community be without interaction and participation!)
A few specific things:
1: I am happy with your comments on the saturation etc. Its strange how you think that something can look ok and then its obvious that something is wrong.
2: The client explicitely wanted the straigt-on angle for the rolls, but I have a some of the menus that are of course another angle.
3: I'll try and work on the exposure for the rice as this is kind of an integral part of the sushi
4: Thanks againg all for superb feedback. Im glad i posted it here, before sending it to the client!
You guys give great advise. Now its a little bit late in Copenhagen (first few glaases of redwine is in) but first thing tomorrow I'll work on my PP and upload a few more shots that hopefully are just a bit better than the first ones.
Good Morning (at least in NY)
a couple of things. First as already mentioned you seem to be ovrexposed (at least your pictures are). The white rice blends into the white background. You also said you used an umbrella. I am far from an expert in food photography but I have read that when shooting food you generally don't want to use light modifyers like umbrellas or soft boxes. Low camera angles and very tight crops were suggested which you did do.
Interestingly this past week I entered a shot I took of Sushi on the Fred Miranda weekly contest for the category of colorful. If you get a chance take a look and let me know what you think of my shot.
Regards,
Larry
