14 9 May 2020 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
TRYTHESE
▲▲ ▲
100mm
macro lens
For close-ups try a macro
lens with a 1:1 ratio aspect; it
doesn’t have to cost a bomb.
Third-party lenses like the
Tokina AF 100mm F/2.
Macro AT-X 100AF Pro D are a
good option. Try second-hand
lenses from trusted firms too.5 in 1 Refl ector
This handy piece of kit will come to the
rescue on many occasions. From bouncing
light back into the shadows to
brighten your image, to
flagging the light with the
black side to enhance the
shadows. Whatever the
result you’re after, this will
help you achieve that result.Flashgun
Studio lights are pricey so
if you can’t afford one of
these then an excellent
substitute is an external
flashgun. Not only can you
use these remotely you can also
set up multiple flashguns
although for the majority of the
time one will suffice.Technique
I
f you’re stuck at home a great way to keep yourself
entertained is to immerse yourself in a food photography
project. You may think you need lots of fancy kit, but this
simply isn’t true. As long as you have some food, a camera
and lens you can have a go at this great genre, and the creative
opportunities will stretch as far as your imagination can go!
Some of the images in this feature have been shortlisted for the
Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year competition, who have
also just announced the winners. For further details, see http://www.
pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com.
There is way more to food photography
than fi ddly studio shots. Claire Gillo
shares projects to try during lockdown,
using images from the Pink Lady®
Food Photographer of the Year contest
Capture
delicious
images
Ready steady
throw!
Throwing or dropping food into
the frame is an effective way to
create an interesting result. This
image was taken using one
external fl ashgun, a refl ector, a
black background and a few
props. When it came to
dropping the crisps and fi ring
the fl ash we found it was simply
a case of trial and error to get
the crisps in the right spot.Backlighting beauty
This image titled Edamame was shot by highly acclaimed food
photographer Stuart West (stuartwest.co.uk) and has been
shortlisted in the Production Paradise Previously Published, a
category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2020.
Stuart shot this image for Waitrose as part of a New Year health
campaign. Stuart tells us, ‘They wanted the images to have this
scientifi c look. I backlit the edamame beans to give the image
texture and this punchy appeal.’ Stuart had to combine two© CL AIRE GILLO
© STUART WEST, PINK L ADY® FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020