Fake Apple Pie

[leviathan]

I've never photographed food before, but I wanted to take a shot of this fake apple pie I made (no apples in it - just Ritz crackers!). I would like to ask for specific feedback in certain areas, but I honestly have NO idea what looks good when it comes to food stuff. I am much better at landscape, so I would like ALL feedback in all areas: composition, lighting, etc. Thanks!

EXIF: Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti, f/1.8, 1/400, 50mm, ISO 100

[edbayani]

you're off to a good start. your shot seems alright but maybe can stand a few improvements.
on my computer, the top crust looks dark, looks a little burnt. maybe a little reflector on the left side would help to lighten it and soften the shadow of the pie on the left. but most importantly, the pie looks so 'lonesome' and needs a little food styling by adding maybe a scoop of cream sprinkled with some walnuts? you shot at f1.8, why not a smaller lens opening for a little DOF. the 4 corners with dark bg is also distracting, maybe a little cropping or use a lighter table cloth.
hope this helps.

[leviathan]

Thanks, edbayani. I really appreciate your feedback. Very helpful.

[edbayani]

you're welcome, leviathan. i hope it can really help you. i used to do this. most of my clients were multinational food companies. i used a good food stylist. i am now retired. (i'm 73 yrs. 'young')

[leviathan]

Wow, what a great job to have had! Yeah, as I was looking at the photo after I posted it, I was especially struck by how alone it was on the plate. And the thought went through my mind, this needs a fork and some icecream or something along with it. Can you tell me the reason for shooting at a smaller lens opening, other than of course creating less depth of field? What's the reason for doing so?

[edbayani]

the reason for a smaller lens opening is to have more depth of field, not less. i said that because your shot of the pie looked blurred at the far end. if you still want to use f1.8, you can also make it sharper by changing your camera angle a little higher.
i did not have this problems since i was using a 4x5 view camera with all the correction options.