Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I can't decide if this is good or not. Open to all comments and critiques.

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Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

I like it. I like the knife, and the treatment of the tomatoes. I do find the white (cutting boards?) distracting.

At one time I did a lot of produce photography for my job, mostly deciduous fruit, and something just occurred to me. The varieties of modern produce, especially in the US, are the product if years and years of selection for better color and appearance. It just isn't as interesting visually as the older "heirloom" varieties.

Mike

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The layout is nice. The image is dark, but I don't think just more light or brightness in post will help. Rather, rub everything lightly in olive oil. Then. see what happens with the exact same light. Maybe to add 'shine' by increasing the power of the light / flash from the same direction of the current version.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Thanks Mike,
I bought the cutting board just for this shot.🤔 I liked the contrast at the time. Like to see other opinions for or against the board.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I could spray the vegetables with water. That might give it some additional depth.🤔
Jim

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The pros use oil ...

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

The white is good. I just find the contrast between the white and the table top a little distracting. It is a minor point.

Mike

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Cut the pepper open... outside is dull, but inside is full of interesting stuff...

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Composition-wise, I would like to see less "space" across the bottom of the picture and more across the top. Can't explain why....

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I’m no expert, only a looker but I think it is quite good. I like the cutting boards and their slightly diagonal alignment. The tomatoes are bright, with just enough shine to make them look natural. I like the arrangement of the vegetables. The only change I would try is to leave a small space between the end of the green onions and the sliced tomatoes to separate them. Nice work!

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Thanks for all your input. I will try again next week. Last night we ate some of my props.😋

SENSORLOUPE

A Very nice Still.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I think the comment about the cutting board being a distraction might be a result of it being tilted. I know this is nit-picking; but still life shots are very fussy. With the tilt, there is a fairly large and irregularly shaped black area in the upper left. If you were to straighten the board, you could still create the slant that the produce has be re-arranging. I would also put a space between the onion and the cut tomato. Maybe even create a small space between the knife and the tomato. The lack of space between the whole tomatoes is not a problem. (they are a group). The pepper is also visibly behind the tomatoes so there does not need to be a gap there. The lighting is up to you although I like your idea of spraying the produce. Make sure to wipe the board if you do. Droplets should only be on the produce.
Erich

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Suggestions:

Use overhead lighting as per diagram. It will give better modeling, shape and dimension.

When shooting food, pick produce items carefully- find a pepper with a perfect surface. Find a position of the item or a camera position that better defines the shape.

Select a KEY and stick with it. High key items on a low key backgroud tend to distract. The white cutting boards are the brightest element in the composition- the food items should be the most attractive to the eye.

The knife and the green onions should lead the viewer's eye into the motif of the image.

Water droplets are not mandatory but they do add the feeling of freshness and "sparkle". Plain atomized water is good if sprayed on just before exposure. A small amount of light oil can be added to the water if the droplets are needed to stay in place longer. You need to be careful that the oil does no add a greasy look.

In this image, the knife is not particularly photogenic. A modern knife with or more antique decorative knife might work depending on the theme of the image. Choose props carefully so that the fit in with the theme and period.

Try for more dynamic compositions.

A good food shot should make you HUNGRY!