Among the cameras I started with is an Instamatic 104. I still have it in my collection, along with my first Argus, several other box cameras, and three of the original Polaroids. (I caught the photography bug when I was five, and never lost it.)

I hope I didn't seem to be making light of your first effort. That was not my intention.

EVERY first effort is a learning experience. I've learned that the more shocking it is, the more I learn from it! It's not always fun, but always, always, useful and memorable.

I have been behind the camera and in the lab enough to have seen a bit of everything. As an AV producer back in the 1980s, when corporate, computer-controlled slide shows were popular (and my job to produce), I photographed all sorts of setups, from machinery, to toys, to food, to flat art, and because I worked in a portrait lab, people.

I studied lighting from Dean Collins, a master who is no longer with us, but whose FineLight works are still relevant. Later, I helped transition a portrait lab from 100% optical processes to 100% digital processes, moving from film and optical printers to servers, Mac and PC networks, and laser printer mini-labs and inkjet printers.

If you dive into photography head first, it will be daunting. But if you learn to swim in it, it can be fun. I'm a training content developer now, and it's just one of the tools I use. But it's still my first love.

My best observation: If you concentrate on the principles, you will learn to make great images with any gear, and to appreciate whatever gear you have to work with. Good luck!

Tracy, your food shots look fine. It's the food that looks dead and inedible! :lol: They should be quite happy with it. Could you have been set up for top-down shooting, might have had a different dimension to it.
Unfortunately chefs/cooks have NO training in food styling. Food styling takes just as much training as becoming a chef!!!
If they were smart, they would dump the food shots and just put in the shots of your granddaughter, she looks so much more delicious!! :lol: :lol:
SS

As A Full Time Studio Owner I Can Tell You That About 80% Of The Things That I Shoot Are Things That I'm Not Interested in. However That's What Pays The Bills.. It Is Also The Real Challenge Of Being In Photography As A Business. It Also Allows Me The Cash Flow To Pursue The Things That I Am Interested.In This Case Even Though You Weren't Prepared. The Important Thing , Was The Customer Happy?Did You Get Paid? I Would Learn From This And Move On.You May Be Able To Use The Food Shots For Portfolio Material. Samples To Pursue More Work Like This.As Far As Being Satisfied On Your End,View Everything In A Positive Light.

Thank You.Also Keep In Mind That A Restaurant Can Be A Very Good Avenue For Other Business. It's Called Cross Marketing.Are There Events At The Restaurant That You Could Photograph?When Was The Last Time The Owner Had A Family Group Shot?If Their All Involved In The Business,Wouldn't It Be Cool To Shoot Them In The Restaurant During Off Hours. Any High School Seniors In The Family? Future Brides?Networking With His Family And Yes Patrons. Once You Deliver For A Happy Customer The Results Can Be Endless Repeat Business Via Networking.