Need Advice on Food Pix

[wparsonsgisnet]

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Shortly I will begin taking pictures of cakes and such for a book intended to be published at the end of the year.

 

I plan to use white, seamless paper lying on a table as the surface for the pastry. I thot I'd use 2 modeling lights into umbrallas at 1x and 2x distances.

 

These need to be almost full-size images. I thot I'd use the 75 'lux and the 50 'lux-a for this purpose. I may experiement with the Visoflex (3) that I have.

 

The images will have pastel backgrounds applied later.

 

Any thots on inexpensive lights. Are 2 enuf?

 

Many thanks, in advance,

[wda]

Are two lights enough? It depends on what sort of effect you need. You can do a lot with two lights for most subjects but food is very specialized. Not only does it have to be specially prepared with photography in mind, but the result usually has a 'larger-than life' appeal. An accent light is often used, or a snoot to limit light spread.

 

There is no substitute for trial and error using mock-ups to get the basic lighting right.

[phlogiston1]

I light food from behind and above and use a large scrim to diffuse the light. I fill with reflectors from the front. You must look at how food is shot and read the lighting... experiment! 2 lights could be enough, I use 3.

[wparsonsgisnet]

Thanks for the quick responses.

 

So far, I know that the sculpted cakes and other pastries are not supposed to be shiny. They frosting may have a gloss, but will not be shiny.

 

I think I'll start with 3 modeling lites and my Metz 54. I'll fool with and without liteboxes.

[stuny]

Bill -

 

Please show us the results.

[wparsonsgisnet]

Stu, I plan to post on this, as the project moves along.

 

I will rent equipment at the start and buy what works. Another poster reminded me that a light box might be called for.

 

I like going to photo school and try to take on a new task regularly. I'm working with the author on this project and plan to incorporate her portrait in another long-term project I am working on.

 

Thanks to all,