Food photography: Hi folks, my son has a restaurant in Seattle and would like to improve his food products photos. He’s been using his cell phone for years and does pretty well but now...

PotoFotos Loc: Agua Amarga, Spain

Hi folks, my son has a restaurant in Seattle and would like to improve his food products photos. He’s been using his cell phone for years and does pretty well but now he asked me for a recommendation of a relatively inexpensive camera for this purpose. Fellow photographers, do you have any suggestions?
Thx, PotoFotos

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

What is his budget? Will he use the camera for anything else?

A tripod would be a great accessory for food photography and probably a decent flash.

I’m just thinking out loud on what I would require if I was in his shoes. I’m no food photographer but commenting on some of the basics he might need.

You’ll get a lot of good advice here based on some of the great food photos I’ve seen here over the years.

Rich

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

PotoFotos wrote:

Hi folks, my son has a restaurant in Seattle and would like to improve his food products photos. He’s been using his cell phone for years and does pretty well but now he asked me for a recommendation of a relatively inexpensive camera for this purpose. Fellow photographers, do you have any suggestions?
Thx, PotoFotos

Perhaps he could do a bit of "Beginner's" YouTube research for food photography.
Taking it up a level would best be a good but inexpensive camera like a R50 or equivalent.
Then a couple of lights, tripod etc. No major expense but just good basic stuff.
Then perhaps a call, after a bit of research, to a store like B&H for some guidance.
As a food professional he already knows about good presentation and now how to digitize it to share.
Good luck and let's hear/see how it works out.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

cant answer that question but an idea may be . Post a local message looking for someone to shoot food pix. He may be able to get someone that knows what they are doing and at a very good price.

PotoFotos Loc: Agua Amarga, Spain

Thx! I’ll pass this on.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

You might get more ideas posting your question in the "Foodie" section of the UHH forum PotoFotos.

Don

PotoFotos Loc: Agua Amarga, Spain

Thx, but he’s the kinda guy that likes to do things himself. And he’s not a bad photographer.

PotoFotos Loc: Agua Amarga, Spain

Good idea!

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

With food photography, lighting is more important than what camera is used. If he wants to do it himself he should research and purchase some studio lighting equipment.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

PotoFotos wrote:

Hi folks, my son has a restaurant in Seattle and would like to improve his food products photos. He’s been using his cell phone for years and does pretty well but now he asked me for a recommendation of a relatively inexpensive camera for this purpose. Fellow photographers, do you have any suggestions?
Thx, PotoFotos

As I was an advertising creative director, I had many times needed to do food photography among other types of advertising. The best advice I can give to your son is: Purchase a 4x5 view camera with a digital back, (using the tilts and swings of a view camera makes distortion obsolete.) Some lighting, some seamless backdrops, and then LOTS AND LOTS of experimentation. Food photography is in a class all by itself. Of all types of advertising photography, food is the hardest to render!!! Good luck.

Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio

PotoFotos wrote:

Hi folks, my son has a restaurant in Seattle and would like to improve his food products photos. He’s been using his cell phone for years and does pretty well but now he asked me for a recommendation of a relatively inexpensive camera for this purpose. Fellow photographers, do you have any suggestions?
Thx, PotoFotos

Find a UHH photographer in Seatle and bribe him to take or help or help your son for free samples or a meal. Barter still works.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Rich2236 wrote:

As I was an advertising creative director, I had m... (show quote)

Of course TS lenses come close and at tremendous savings in equipment cost.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

Architect1776 wrote:

Of course TS lenses come close and at tremendous savings in equipment cost.

I certainly agree with you that a TS lens will come close, but no "brass ring." And I agree that the cost savings is very apparent. But, nothing can replace a view camera with a good Schneider lens on the front.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Rich2236 wrote:

As I was an advertising creative director, I had m... (show quote)

I think a digital view camera would be overkill for a restaurant owner, and too expensive. Some lighting equipment and a decent camera is more realistic. Some good food photography has been done with just that.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Rich2236 wrote:

I certainly agree with you that a TS lens will come close, but no "brass ring." And I agree that the cost savings is very apparent. But, nothing can replace a view camera with a good Schneider lens on the front.

Remember that the user is using a cell phone.
A fully articulating view camera takes even years to fully master.
I doubt that the intended user wishes to spend that effort over creating masterpiece dishes.