don't view on an empty stomach...

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/19/2009 06:02:45 PM · #1

a couple months ago an editor called me with an interesting assignment: she needed artwork to go with a story about cooking a holiday dinner. the writer was a chef who was going to prepare a meal to be photographed, then serve it. oh, how i hate this type of work, especially having to stay to eat...

the article is here, my gallery is here.

in addition to the subject and getting to eat, there were a couple other interesting things about the shoot. one was that the art director was there and we were able to work side-by-side on each of the shots. this was really neat. he had brought along some other magazine spreads for inspiration and we were able to come up with our own take on how we wanted to capture the story. on some shots, he would have an idea and i would try to realize his vision; on others, he left it up to me. i really enjoyed the instant feedback as we worked through the shotlist.

the other thing that was interesting was the lighting. except for strobing the portrait of the chef, everything else was shot with available light. on some, you can tell the images were lit with the incandescent chandelier light. the rest were practically shot in the dark, with some ambient light slightly spilling in from other rooms, but with the main light coming through two smallish windows...and this was at dusk on an overcast evening! the shot above above was a 20" exposure!! that's one of the things i love about this type of work, having to be able to make things happen no matter what situation you find yourself in.

and now, if you'll excuse, i've got to go get something to eat ;-)

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

11/19/2009 06:08:29 PM · #2

Nice work Skip. Now I am hungry.

snaffles

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/19/2009 06:18:36 PM · #3

Jeez thanks Skip, now I am frickin STARVING...broiled lamb chops and globe artichokes, here I come!!!!
PS I frickin love living in Ontario, the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) issues glossy mags about every 3 months with just stunning Food & Drink photography. I pick them up (they're free) just for the amazing food photography by the two main photogs they use. Numnumnumnum!

Message edited by author 2009-11-19 18:20:43.

hajeka

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

11/19/2009 06:27:07 PM · #4

Thanks for sharing! I still have a lot to learn.

NathanWert

Canon EOS-90D

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

11/19/2009 08:21:55 PM · #5

I forgot I was on DPC and was looking for the "Like" button. Good job.

Blue Moon

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

11/19/2009 08:38:10 PM · #6

Originally posted by NathanW:

I forgot I was on DPC and was looking for the "Like" button. Good job.

I know, I really need one for this site too :)

11/19/2009 09:01:28 PM · #7

thanks, ya'll! and

NathanW, thanks for reminding me ;-)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/20/2009 09:12:11 AM · #8

it is pretty cool, what you can do with available light and a tripod ;-)

AJSullivan

11/20/2009 09:28:25 AM · #9

Working with an art director/designer is pretty awesome. Because at times, it becomes like a game of "I bet you can't do this" (when you are working with fun one) and forces you to push yourself a little further. Plus its nice getting immediate feed back, so you know that when you are done the job, you got exactly what was needed, and that the person in charge is happy with it.

MattO

Nikon D4

11/20/2009 09:48:24 AM · #10

I'm not surprised at the incredible images in this post, just look at the OP and you will know that. Great stuff as usual Skip.

Matt

frisca

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

11/20/2009 02:02:43 PM · #11

I didn't believe you, Skip and I clicked while having an empty stomach, now I'm famished! What gorgeous photography, and with such limited lighting conditions! I would have never guessed your challenges. All the photos were picture perfect.