LILAC STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES for The Latest Photography Challenge.
Time for another #greysaltcollective prompt!
AS ALWAYS, let’s see what you create!
Share on the group page with the hashtag #gscshortcakes
Share on instagram with #greysaltcollective and tag me @gina_Weathersby
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Some weeks we work on specific parts of food photography, sometimes it’s a theme or a recipe, and some weeks it’s all about our own interpretations.
I try to remain mindful of the seasons when choosing recipes as inspiration for the group, as many of you are food bloggers trying to stay
in-season, or even get a bit ahead for their upcoming blog posts.
This is a way to both work on your craft while producing the imagery for your business.
It was a recipe this time around.
In my workshops I teach all about creating food photography narratives. One image, two, ten. It doesn’t matter, only that there is a story, and that the story starts with something.
A color, a shape, an ingredient, a recipe, a song, a texture, a great find at a flea market…it matters not, just that there is a something that inspires.
Last year I made up a large jar of sugared lilac that got used up so fast (and did not get photographed), that this year I did it all over again, and used it as the starting point, our something, for this prompt.
A quick pinterest search brought me to Bella’s gorgeous blog full-filled where I found and shared her LILAC SUGAR STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES With Greek yogurt whipped creme recipe. Pop on over if you’d like and make them for yourself. If you don’t have lilacs, you can always substitute an herb like thyme, lemon balm, mint, etc.
THINGS CAN CHANGE
As I conceptualized my story – which initially went in the direction of fresh, airy, light – like spring – and began collecting my items, I saw a different story developing. One with a deeper, moodier, painterly feel that was inspired by a new surface I had just brought home. Everything I placed on it played off of the deep, chalky texture so beautifully, that and I went with that story.
Tip #1 – Don’t be afraid to change directions.
Though it’s great to have one hero image, it’s more interesting to your readers to follow a visual story.
Tip #2 – Do share your recipes, but also take your reader on a visual narrative letting them feel as if they are part of the story you are telling.
Before you toss the remains of your shoot to the side, STOP. OPEN YOUR EYES. Be aware of what is happening on your surface, in your vessel, or your surface. Believe me when I tell you that there is beauty in the remains.
I did not ‘style’ either of these images. They were simply remains of my shoot, there for the taking.
Tip #3 – Do not be afraid to use moments like these weaved into your narrative. Use them as an opener, or an ending, but trickle one or two in amongst the expected images. They will add delight, texture, respite, interest and give your story depth.
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Tech Notes:
Camera + Lenses – Canon 5dMark3 . Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS Macro . Canon EF 24‑70mm f/2.8L
All images were shot in my home, by a bay window, in late afternoon, thus the direct light streaming in on one of the shots.
Otherwise, the light was soft and already filtered, needing only an occasional white bounce card opposite my windows to open up shadows, where needed.
The surface is a new one I picked up while on a trip – at one of my most favorite places – The Home Depot. Floor tile, in the clearance section!
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Let’s see what you create!
Share to the group page with the hashtag #gscshortcakes
Share to instagram and tag me @gina_Weathersby as well as #greysaltcollective
