Hello from Seattle
Dec 23, 2011 08:54:03 #
heliplot
Loc: PNW
I recently purchased a Canon T3i, Tamron 90 2.8 macro and Canon 50 1.8. My goal is to learn to photograph food. I have no training in either photography in general or digital cameras, so my learning curve is steep and I have nothing but questions. I guess the first is...whether to learn how to use the camera first (menu's etc), then learn about lighting and photography after, or vice-versa. Secondly, if I were to hire a professional photographer to spend 4 or 5 hours teaching me (realizing that that amount of time is not going to make me a pro), what would be a logical order of learning? Thank you and Merry Christmas to all!
Man at work
Dec 23, 2011 09:09:57 #
DON'T get frustrated. The people on this site are the most helpful around. Just ask a question and someone will answer it.
Have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.
Have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.
Dec 23, 2011 11:55:19 #
I'm not a pro but this is my take on it.
Learn about the basic controls for the camera - settings for exposure (ISO, aperture and shutter speed), setting your meter and focus modes, setting the white balance. While you re getting familiar with these, shoot a few food plates so you can compare the results. You can use the automatic and program modes while you learn, but your goal should be to use the manual and semi-auto modes.
Knowing about off camera lighting will be important, but I think you can get that as you go.
Learn about the basic controls for the camera - settings for exposure (ISO, aperture and shutter speed), setting your meter and focus modes, setting the white balance. While you re getting familiar with these, shoot a few food plates so you can compare the results. You can use the automatic and program modes while you learn, but your goal should be to use the manual and semi-auto modes.
Knowing about off camera lighting will be important, but I think you can get that as you go.
Dec 23, 2011 17:25:35 #
Dec 23, 2011 17:30:31 #
heliplot
Loc: PNW
cookin? I want to learn how to use my new camera (Canon T3i), and get good at food photography. I just like the challenge of capturing a picture of something to eat.
Dec 23, 2011 18:33:44 #
heliplot wrote:
I recently purchased a Canon T3i, Tamron 90 2.8 ma... (show quote)
Hi heliplot. The basics are lighting, aperature, shutter speed and the combination for an exposure. If you had a pro for 4-5 hours you still have to practice, practice, practice. I used to shoot food in the studio. There are a lot of tricks to the trade to keep it looking tantilizing, although the food is not usually edible afterward. Learn lighting to show texture, daylight to hold the colors and techiniques to keep it looking fresh. And enjoy most of all. I hope you have a blessed Christmas
Dec 23, 2011 19:03:09 #
heliplot
Loc: PNW
Thank you for the insight. Seems I have been learning something new all my life, and here I go again. Two pointed questions...1)How important is it that I white balance each time I use the camera (thats assuming the light source is different in each case), and 2)Do the fluorescent energy saving 5000-5500 K light bulbs come close enough to daylight to use without doing a white balance with them...or should a white balance be accomplished each and every time, anyway?
Dec 24, 2011 07:40:09 #
Major Photo
Loc: Jeffersonville, Indiana
Hello, Merry Christmas and welcome aboard.
First, in teaching, I advocate the new camera owner to become familiar with his/her camera before transitioning to
full control of te manual settings. In other words shoot in "Auto' format. After a week or so of becoming familiar with the camera, then move on to partial control.
Next step set the format to "P", which is still Auto, but allows you to take control of the shutter speed.
Come back to the "Hog", often with questions!
We all here, live to help!
Major
First, in teaching, I advocate the new camera owner to become familiar with his/her camera before transitioning to
full control of te manual settings. In other words shoot in "Auto' format. After a week or so of becoming familiar with the camera, then move on to partial control.
Next step set the format to "P", which is still Auto, but allows you to take control of the shutter speed.
Come back to the "Hog", often with questions!
We all here, live to help!
Major
Dec 24, 2011 07:53:34 #
Dec 24, 2011 13:14:17 #
You must learn what ever camera before you can expect satisfactory performance, and there are volumes of books, or better yet go online for a tutorial you tube Photography site...they will show the setup, and the rest is practice, practice and practice. You will discover it's lens type and speed, used, and sometimes software if your work goes macro. Then there is the lights with modeling lamps. I mention this stuff not to discourage, but to introduce you to the range your subject involves. Don't go hire a photographer unless he or she is a professional in the field in which case you likely won't hire them...cost being an issue. My concern with your opening is you don't expect to know any more than you started with, or expect to know how this is done in 4 or 5 hours time...that won't happen, and your outlook must be optomistic, or failure is assured. L3
heliplot wrote:
I recently purchased a Canon T3i, Tamron 90 2.8 ma... (show quote)
Dec 24, 2011 14:17:21 #
silver
Loc: Santa Monica Ca.
heliplot wrote:
I recently purchased a Canon T3i, Tamron 90 2.8 ma... (show quote)
There are some good photography organizations in Seattle. You should contact photography schools and discuss this matter. Food photography is very specialized and high end equipment is a necessity. There is a lot of competition in this type of photography and you will be up against pros if you are interested in doing this as a professional. It you are just interested in doing this for yourself there are books that can be a big help.
Dec 24, 2011 22:08:41 #
Welcome!!!!
The best way to learn is take lots of pictures, different angles, different settings, and read what others are doing. Take a look at food magazines and see what professionals are doing. Duplicate some of it and then change what they are doing and find your niche.
The best way to learn is take lots of pictures, different angles, different settings, and read what others are doing. Take a look at food magazines and see what professionals are doing. Duplicate some of it and then change what they are doing and find your niche.
Dec 25, 2011 01:25:42 #
Read the manual !! Learn what the camera is capable of then go out and use it.
When you are finished with the dishes can you come over and do mine? LOL
When you are finished with the dishes can you come over and do mine? LOL
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