The Three Parts of Photography

There are three parts that influence a final photo. A quality final photo. One that you love and that reflects who you are as the photographer and stylist. 

The ratio of importance is: 

30/15/55

Confidence/Gear/You

30% is your confidence level

For many of us, this one takes the longest to develop. It’s easy to think that photography is all about gear or the eye of the photographer, but if you don’t have the confidence that you are creating valuable work you are never going to put that work out there. 

Something starts to happen when we stop looking to others for what they do and constantly comparing our own styles to theirs. When we stop watching the responses they get, the recognition they receive, and the placement of their work.

You free up a large chunk of space that allows you to focus on your own work, what you like to produce, and your individual style. The more you do this, the more confidence grows, the more work you produce that reflects your individual style, and the better skilled you become. It’s a repeating pattern that fuels your work and your confidence level. Focus, confidence, desire to create, increased skills, and repeat. 

Confidence changes things. 

15% is the gear you use

You know I use minimal gear, but I don’t want that to be confused with implying that it’s not important. It is important that your gear matches what you are trying to create.

Want to take pretty flatlays that you only post on Instagram? Your phone will be just fine. Want to photograph splashes and motion? You’ll need to understand shutter speeds and have the lens capable of producing what you envision. I have to have my 100-400mm lens to photograph wildlife from far away. My 50mm f/1.4 allows me to photograph at a shallow depth of field. I love creating food photos with my 24-105mm lens. 

Once you use the gear necessary for the type of photography you are creating, its role stops there. The gear doesn’t control how you style and compose a shot, the angle you saw that no one else does, the way to plate something that is super creative, the color scheme used, the moment you captured that facial expression or snapped at just the right time that animal came into view.

55% is YOU. 

That brings us to the largest component of the photo, you. The photographer who is possibly the stylist, too. 

Trust me, when I got my first professional lens and I saw what I could create with depth of field, I rolled my eyes when I’d hear - it’s not the camera, it’s the photographer behind it. Because at that point in my career, it was most definitely the camera working the magic. 

But as my work and skill level has grown, I now know that what makes my photos mine, are what I bring to them. The scene I see, how I position myself, how I see the colors working together, how I arrange the vegetables, how I choose to create negative space or fill the frame, how long I can wait out the elk to capture him eating grass, the sunrise on the specific day I took the photo, the surfaces and props I’ve searched for at vintage shops, the things I’ve found to use in photos during my travels. 

You get it right? Hopefully, I’m being clear. It’s you. Who you are, where you are from, what you have access to, what you’ve been through, and where you are going. 

There are other things involved, but this is the most important part of your photo.

Five Dried Garnishes I Keep for Food and Product Photography

Dried garnishes are so helpful to keep around for adding new touches to your photos. They last nearly forever so you know they’ll be there to grab when you need them. 

Here are five of my favorite dried garnishes that I always keep on hand. 

Dried Citrus Slices

I bought a simple kitchen dehydrator this year for an article assignment I had to complete. It has been so easy to make dehydrated blood orange, lemon, and lime slices. Now I keep a bag around for garnishing cocktails and for still-life shots. 

Dried Eucalyptus 

This is by far my favorite green. I pick up a bunch at Trader Joe’s whenever I’m lucky enough to find it. It stays in a vase in my studio to use in all kinds of photos. 

Dried Chile Peppers

I like using dried Birdseye chiles or others similar in size. They fit well into most styled food scenes when the goal is to emphasize that it’s a bit spicy. They also add a nice pop of color even when dried. Mixing them in a shot with fresh peppers is a fun touch, too. 

Nuts In Their Shells

Nuts still in their shells will last for a very long time. I always keep walnuts around. They are great for baking photographs and for still-life centerpieces. I will crack open a couple every now and then so the nut is in view. 

Pinecones and Leaves

Autumn is my very favorite season so it’s likely no surprise that I use these a lot. Each year I set out on a harvest walk and gather up some new leaves and pinecones for my collection. I especially love it when I can find a few leaves that still have some vibrant color like yellow. Not every element of a food or drink photo has to be edible, especially when you are trying to create a seasonal scene. Have some fun with it.

How to Brainstorm Ideas for Food and Product Photography

It’s coming up with ideas that seems to get you stuck. At least that is what a lot of people tell me. It’s an issue with nearly every creative endeavor - the creative block. 

And when you are trying to come up with new and different ways to photograph your food and products, it’s even more of a challenge. You don’t want to do what everyone else does. 

I’m the same way. I used to hit creative blocks all the time. 

Then I started practicing my method for Idea Generation. Whenever I have a subject to photograph whether it’s a food such as soup or a salad, or a product like jewelry or a candle, I ask myself four questions. 

The answers to these questions lead to ideas for how I could photograph the subject. And I keep working on my answers until I have 10 solid ideas. 

Overtime, the questions and answers become a more natural process. Ideas are almost instantaneous. I rarely get stuck after doing this for over 10 years. 

Here are those questions. 

What ingredients were used to make it?

What tools did I use to make it?

What does this subject make me think of?

How would I present this to another person or how is it served or used?

Question one and two generate ideas for garnishes to use, fresh items to add to the frame, how-to shots, hints at flavors and scents for the viewer.

Question three helps you to create a mood with lighting and colors as well as generate ideas for the type of scene.

Question four gives ideas for how to package and present the subject, what to serve it in, the environment it would be served in.

Here is how I would answer the questions for a subject such as lentil soup and then a product such as a candle. 

Lentil Soup

What ingredients were used to make it?

Lentils, broth, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, herbs

What tools did I use to make it?

Saucepan, ladle, measuring cups, spoon

What does this subject make me think of?

Comfort, health and wellness, autumn, lunch, bread for dipping, crackers

How would I present this to another person or how is it served?

Bowl, mug, thermos, jar, on a tray, with sandwiches or a salad, with crackers or bread

From answering these questions I get the 10 ideas below.

10 Ideas for Photographing Lentil Soup

• Flatlay with all the ingredients

• Soup in saucepan with a ladle nearby

• Soup in a mug with warm browns, golds, and orange colors

• Soup in a bowl with crackers on the side

• Soup in bowls on a tray with crackers or bread

• Soup in saucepan on a tray with empty bowls or mugs and spoons on the side

• Soup in a jar or thermos prepping a to-go lunch

• Soup in a mug next to a salad

• Soup in a bowl on a plate with a half sandwich beside it

• Piece of rustic bread being dipped in a bowl of soup

Scented Candle

What ingredients were used to make it?

Wax, any scents associated - vanilla bean, fresh flowers, dried flowers, cotton balls, linen material, thyme, rosemary, lavender, lemons, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves

What tools did I use to make it?

Jars, wicks, lids, labels

What does this subject make me think of?

Autumn, winter, reading by the fire, comfort, blankets, table centerpiece, celebrations, intimate dining

How would I present this to another person or how is it served?

With matches, on a plate ready to burn, on a coffee table, as a gift with a bow or in a box, in a gift basket, with a book

From answering these questions I get the 10 ideas below.

10 Ideas for Photographing a Spiced Candle

• Candle surrounded by vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks and cloves

• Candle on a wood plate with matches next to it

• Tool flatlay with jars, wax, labels and other ingredients

• Candle with dried autumn leaves around it

• Candle lit, next to an open book on a table

• Blanket draped over the side of a couch or chair with candle lit on a table next to it

• Seasonal table centerpiece with candle in the center of a board surrounded by twigs, leaves, dried flowers, etc. 

• Candle lit in the center of a dining table with a bowl of salad nearby and two place settings

• Candle in a small gift basket with matches, a book, decorative tea bags and a mug

• Candle nestled in a small box with tissue or shredded paper
  
  

Here are a few photo examples with which of the questions led to the final photo.