Ice Cream Critique!

[utsc2006]

I recently shot this and am interested in some honest critique. I'm really trying to perfect my food shots and really like the image below but find something not quite right. Is the background too dark? spoon too distracting? Too much contrast between the tabletop and background? I can't quite pinpoint what I could have changed. Any critique welcome


Ice Cream with Honey Roasted Nuts by (Ashley), on Flickr

Camera Nikon D300S
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/3.0
Focal Length 105 mm
ISO Speed 200

Flash bounced off white ceiling camera right. Large window camera left.

Thanks!!

[docxnoel]

Hi Ashley, I can say that this is a neat shot, but there are too much elements on the frame, If I'm going to reshot this, I removed the cookies, the spoon and the towelette, just simply living the ice cream on crystal glass, then I shoot this from upper angle with a bit tighter crop giving more emphasize on the ice cream and its detail. (just a suggestion), I'm practicing on food photography too, you can visit to my flickr account and let's learn together.

[commongrackle]

Well, I have to disagree about removing some elements...part of food photography is about creating a pleasing "display", it's just learning how to place the elements effectively. I think what bothers me about this shot is the blue background, I don't know why it does, but that's where I keep ending up. Also, and I don't know if it's just me, but I don't see any spot that is sharply focused. Looks tasty, tho and I don't even really like ice cream!

[Nicole]

First thing first, I think that the lighting looks great, you did a very nice job lighting the glass.

However, to answer your question, I think it might be something with the angle or possibly the dish being used that's not quite right. I don't mind the extras or the contrast between the table / background. But I wonder if either moving higher or using a more delicate bowl and moving higher might help. Part of that might be because that way you might see less of the melted ice cream. I'm not quite sure what the solution is, though I do see what you mean how it's not quite right.

[zona5101]

I think you have a great start...first thing i'd try without moving anything or changing the lighting would be to simply shoot at from a higher angle (as if you were about to sit down and eat it!).
Also try using either the fstop or post work to throw the napkin/spoon/cookie out of focus just a bit to ensure emphasis is on the ice cream.

[utsc2006]

Great suggestions guys. Thank you!! I'm all for reshooting this (it was good to eat the first time around)

I think I'll try a higher angle and maybe change the styling a bit.

[Jo.T]

Hi, Food photography is very challenging and im yet to get even close to mastering it, so i wont comment on your photo. what i can offer is a couple of links to flickr, one is Xaomena's photostream she has some of the most beautiful and inspiring still lifes.
Flickr: Xaomena's Photostream
The second is a group "Professional looking food photography" they have a discussion "show your setup" has every thing from home made to pro's, I found it very use full.
Flickr: Professional looking food photography discussion topics

Hope that helps a little

[utsc2006]

Thats excellent, thanks so much for sharing!

[Deep Perspective]

Doesn't make me want to eat it! No texture in the ice cream, oh, and where's the sexy lady?

[Barb Gordon]

Wow, I love this.
I would try a little darker table cloth, like you thought, just to lower the attention on it.
The napkin edges facing the camera seem messy.
How would a doiley (can't spell it) or a little textured napkin look?