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Lauchlan Toal's picture

Champagne

Hi folks, I guess it's only fair that I post an image for you all to critique, since I started this group. I'm still very much working towards improving my food photography, and I decided to try a more environmental shot than I usually do.

https://fstoppers.com/photo/73791

Any critiques are welcome. Also, for any of you who have more experience than myself in the food photography industry shooting for restaurants, do you find that restaurants prefer more environmental images or just straight-up shots of the food?

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4 Comments

I like the composition and general lighting, but the level/angle of the contents is (for me), providing tension to the shot. Are we on a ship? I'd also ad a third light, (pen light), either aimed directly at the top end of the stem beneath the fluid (45 degree angle), or, pointing downward from above directly into the effervescing fluid. In both cases, I'd reduce key and fill to your artistic preference, the glow of the glass and bubbly would be the subtle to strong hero. I also like the vacancy to the right for possible adv. overlay and or for the clients brand/logo information.

As to shooting for restaurants environmental vs. straight-up shots of the food, the short but not easy answer is "both". A shooting "style" is one piece of the decision, but so is where will the images be experienced by the restaurants guests.

This is a big topic, and usually requires a 1+ hour meeting with the restaurant owner or manager as part of the scope of work.

Thanks James, good point about the tilt - it bugs me too and should've been noticed while shooting. Great advice with lighting as well, I'll have to try that. Cheers!

I like mixing environment and food shots. I think it helps tell a story of the restaurant. After all you are paying for the experience as much as for the food.

As for the shot here I would've pulled the glass to the edge of the piano.Not seeing it when the image framed for it is just a bit uneasy feeling. No wrong or right just how I'm seeing it. Is the that the color of the drink? It looks like the glass is cold. For bubble-y I want to be able to see through the drink. I would allow the glass to warm up in this situation.

I think your light is coming from all the right places. Maybe a pic of diffusion from the right side. just to knock down how hot that highlight gets. Nice concept.

Thanks for the advice Jason. I hadn't thought about seeing through the drink - good to keep in mind! I might try re-visiting this shot, or something similar in the next couple weeks.