Still Photography....Creating a set

In this blog I found me some old boards that I used to make me a vintage looking table for my apple shoot. By doing this I allow myself to work on my porch where I can use natural light instead of artificial to bring a real look. But as I look at my finished shots, I see that artificial light can do the same thing, as I have done in the evenings at my home studio. This was my first time setting up a set outdoors. I usually work indoors, using window light, but this was something to try. In my opinion, using strobes or continuous light is the best way to work. But only when you don't have natural light,(not the beer). Controlling your own light is the way I roll. This way I can take my time and not worry about losing the proper light.

Apples and Pine Cones

In this photo, it looks like I used a flash, but the light is natural. The hard light gave it a little more texture and detail to the cones and the apples. Knowing that I have a choice I feel that artificial is the way to go when you don't have natural light available. Using reflectors and foam core to bounce light allows you to shoot with one light. In this case, I only had one light source, the sun, so to fill the shadows camera right I used my foam core. My next project is to find food and dessert to shoot. I may have to go to Wegmans. As Bryan Peterson always say; "Keep Shooting!"

Shooting stills.....Where's the work?

Finding a brand is very hard. Mostly because your clients aren't into this kind of business. To do this work you really have to find clients that are willing to pay for this type of service. Where do you find these businesses that need photos of there products. Where are the chef's that want the world to see their creation. Maybe funding is causing them to reside to using stock photos instead of paying for a shoot. Maybe it's because you don't have enough talent to create an image that will sell. My goal is to work on this niche until I master it and convince the public that a low budget shoot is right for them. When you are able to make a tomato look tasty and it's not even sliced, then you are doing something right. This tomato was shot with natural available light from camera left and a reflector on camera right. The camera settings are up to you. If you need the settings, well... Your not a photographer. (smile)