First attempt at photographing food

[xm310x]

Hi Guys,

I finally just purchased my first dSLR camera last week and I'm looking for some critique on my photos. I haven't had any prior experience but always had a passion for photography but didn't pursue it sooner because it was expensive.

What do you guys think of this photo? I'm not sure what I should be looking for. Is the exposure correct? Lighting? Position?

Any feedback would be great! Thanks!



Camera: Nikon D7000
Exposure: 1/200
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 92 mm
ISO Speed: 6400
Flash: Off

[zona5101]

I think this is a great shot. It maybe a little warm in color temp as I assume the frosting and the squares on the plate are white, not off white. You could probably do without the yellow object on the background as I don't see it adding anything and the table extending to the background would be fine. I like your perspective/crop and choice of focus point. It makes me hungy for a piece to go with my coffee this morning!

[xm310x]

Thanks zona5101! The yellow object in the background are bananas... the kitchen was cluttered so I figured by adding something in the background would be better than having a busy background. I haven't edited the picture at all (not even cropped) but I do agree with the warmth in color. The squares are white but the frosting is a little bit off white.

[marline]

wow it looks tempting.Very good shot for your first time. Good use of the focus on the cake.I can't even make out the bananas in the back

[xm310x]

Thanks Marline! I guess that's good depth of field? lol

[marline]

yep definately

[AllisonC]

definitely try it without the bananas in the background, it takes my eye to the yellow more than the actual cake. Otherwise i like it! i am into food photography as well, and i love it, it is so fun and creative

[LMAshton]

I agree with the others about the bananas in the background. I think it would look better with just the cake (?) and the table.

Otherwise, it's a great photo. Well done!

[Jim Bryant]

One thing that might help you is to check out some of the glossy food magazines, Like Sunset, Southern Living, Food and Wine and see how the food photographers style, set up and arrange their food shots and what lighting to use. Go to the bookstore and look at food photography photo books to get ideas and approaches to taking food and product photography.