Would love some input on these images and no I am not apologizing for the pun in the tittle. I know the images aren't perfect but would love input to see if I may be missing anything. Also how does the filet mignon dish look? I know it is somewhat out of focus (should have deeper focus) but the focus stacking did not work due to operator error in the time frame I was shooting. Yeah I know lame excuse but still wanted to share it for input as meats like that seem to be tough to shoot and make look appetizing.
Thank you everyone
A few suggestions:
1) The main protein should be the focus and most important part of the photo. This is what people buy at a restaurant. Photos 1 and 5 should be focused on the salmon or fish.
2) You don't need focus stacking just f6.3 and good technique to bring the viewers eye to the right spot.
3) The lighting here is OK but not exciting. Try using slightly diffused natural sunlight for vibrant light..
4) Your colors and composition variety are good.
5) Plain meat is tasty but often a little boring in a photo. Use green garnish like onions/parsely, sauce, or even sea salt to jazz it up.
These photos where shot in the F10/11 range as I was shooting close with the Tamron 90mm range so am I doing something wrong thing or should I be focus stacking. Also thank you on the complement on composition as that is something I have been struggling with in my opinion.
Since I was on location for this shoot in a dark corner during the event (no light at all basically) I used a 37in Octobox, what would you suggest instead in this situation by vibrant light since sunlight is not an option during the night (I like to try and be prepared with what ever is thrown my way).
Also Looking at it now I'm kicking my self for not asking for something to add to the meat dish, thank you for the input.
The Tamaron 90 is a nice lens, but will give you a more shallow DOF at the same distance compared to a 50mm 2.5 macro The 90 is good for tight close ups, but not as good for complete dishes. Shooting tethered to a tablet or laptop will give you much better feedback and focus control during the shoot. Also using unsharpen mask properly can make a huge difference in any product photo.
After years of trying to make strobes look more like sunlight and failing, I do not compromise anymore. I shoot restaurant food with sunlight only or I turn down the shoot. Shooting in the afternoon also gives the chef far more time to focus on the food instead of a busy dinner crowd.