Kwento #2: Shooting dietary delights

Portraits are the "in" thing today. From selfies to glamor shoots, they're everywhere (but here in Manila, it's mostly at NAPAW haha). Taking a break from the sea of faces (and occasional heavenly bodies, as well as cats, and cat-related memes), I took the opportunity to join a local camera store's in-house food photography workshop.

And in that short two-hour lecture, I learned how to shoot stuff like this:

I was successful in my attempt to restrain myself from eating it on set.

Click "read more" to ... well, see more!



The simple photography workshop was attended by enthusiasts and professionals alike, old and young. Space and equipment were provided by Camerahaus Plus (Main store - SM Megamall in Ortigas), with the lecture and demonstration helmed by veteran food photographer Rod Banzon.

The workshop area of Camerahaus Plus store in Megamall

Carlo Dinglasan of When in Manila (foreground) at the event

Rod Banzon starts a demo with a miniature table setup

The workshop was simple and straightforward: As an instructor, Mr. Banzon gave details in a no-nonsense way, discussing the importance of lighting, the use of elements, and how basic photography comes into play to make astonishing shots of food.

Some of the tips and tricks he revealed to the very interested audience included points on lighting, using portable flashes, ambient light, and how to make the most out of the camera you're using - whatever camera it is (for the demo, he used... well, an iPhone! Now that's a master for you).

The instructor showing how to shoot other stuff, like beverages in bottles

Hands-on learning at its finest

As an example, he shared a couple of neat things on "shooting from the top," which I tried to use in these shots:

f/5.6, 1/60s, ISO 400 at 45mm

f/5, 1/60s, ISO400 at 45mm

Next, he emphasized the importance of food, color, and the appeal of food in a photograph, as well as how to "glam-ify" it. I must admit that he does it so well I think he can do it blindfolded, and shoot with only smell and hearing a la Daredevil. It took me a while to understand the principles of what and what not to do in a food photoshoot, but the demo was simple enough that I learned straight away.

Participants getting close...

 

...closer...

Sometimes you don't know if they're really doing it for the shot or just wanna see the snack up close. Or steal a bite.

Taking the workshop one step further for the (hungry... pun intended) learners, Camerahaus gave away freebies which included.... yes! FOOD!!! and exclusive discount gift certificates for the iPhone case accessory on sale during the event. I didn't take any time with the food, I just munched it down. Too bad it wasn't the one we're taking photos of, though.

By the end of the event I believe everyone learned more or less the gist of what Food Photography is all about. I've actually done this in my old job as an assistant photographer in a now-defunct studio, but never understood what I was actually doing. Now, armed with knowledge and a bigger appetite, food photography has just become an even more awesome dish to feed my mind.

And I leave the scene with two of the best shots I got during the workshop!

Fish. Oh, dear. It never looked this good before...

Fruit tart? Elixir of life? Doesn't matter, dang appetizing!

Author's footnotes:
All images taken with a Pentax K-01 and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 XR SP Di-II LD [IF]
#PentaxPH

Rod Banzon's website: http://rodbanzon.carbonmade.com/
Camerahaus Philippines website: http://www.camerahaus.com/