PDA

View Full Version : Photo lessons


beachreader
9th February 2007, 02:18 PM
How do you guys get such great pics of food? Do you just use flash and it turns out that way? Sometimes I think my flash is too strong--it tends to wash things out, but I don't know any way to adjust it.

And while I do have a setting for no flash which makes for some cool pictures, it's usually too dark in Tulum eateries for that to work. My shots at Zamas from last year are really just nice pictures of candles, everything else is dark.

This all might just be because I have a two or three year old digital camera of basic capabilities, but I'd love to be able to post better food pics.

Thanks for any tips!

Oh, and do you ever feel conspicuous taking a flash photo in a restaurant?
dcap
9th February 2007, 03:12 PM
My camera has a setting for food shots along with about 20 other options.. It's a Casio Elixm. On that setting it will flash but at lower intensity. And it sets certain digital filters.
beachreader
10th February 2007, 12:46 PM
That's cool, but as I suspected, my camera doesn't have that option. I'll look at the instruction book again (amazed I still have it), but it's definitely something I'm going to look for in my next camera! Thanks, Dcap.
AdGuy
11th February 2007, 02:05 PM
I'd blame the equipment, not the operator! :D Actually, most cameras have several settings that adjust shutter speed (thus allowing more or less light in without using a camera). Even in the darkest restaurants, you can still get decent shots of food without using a flash...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB333.jpg
beachreader
11th February 2007, 05:04 PM
Whenever I try to use the no-flash mode, the picture is almost always a bit blurry because I'm holding it in my often-unsteady hands. I'd rather have the flash be adjustible.

Hm, I wonder if I can experiment with covering the flash with tissue or something to knock it back a bit? That should be entertaining for my fellow diners!
lambert13
14th February 2007, 10:37 AM
Whenever I try to use the no-flash mode, the picture is almost always a bit blurry because I'm holding it in my often-unsteady hands. I'd rather have the flash be adjustible.

Hm, I wonder if I can experiment with covering the flash with tissue or something to knock it back a bit? That should be entertaining for my fellow diners!

Another option is to use a small piece of tracing paper taped over the flash. You can even leave it taped to the back. Just experiment a little to get the right color, and transparency you need.

Another neat toy I use a lot these days is a gorilla pod. Its small enough to carry around, will support my big ol Digital SLR, and the arms can wrap around anything. It works very well as a table top tripod also.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/EVENTS/PKNA06mrp/images/joby.jpg
AdGuy
14th February 2007, 10:49 AM
Great suggestion on the Gorilla Pod. For those interested, you can find these new on eBay for about $40.
beachreader
14th February 2007, 12:55 PM
Another option is to use a small piece of tracing paper taped over the flash. You can even leave it taped to the back. Just experiment a little to get the right color, and transparency you need.




Great idea, Lambert, I'll look around here to see if I can find some tracing paper; I'm sure I've got some somewhere in my office closet. And if I get really ambitious, I'll take some test photos here at home so I know what I'm doing when I'm down there.