Photography within food magazines is crucial for the entire text to work in a cohesive manner because the photography is what captivates the readers attention as well as provides a visual support to textual elements.
Elements that make a good photo
The actual factors in creating a good image are composition, lighting, and clear subject.
SUBJECT- The focus point of the image everything surrounding is manipulated for the viewers attention of be drawn to it.
In this image for example, the focus is not the blurred out plate but rather the high definition strawberries that have a glowing light on part of them.
COMPOSITION-The arrangement of visual elements within a frame to create a compelling image for the viewer's eye.
The beginning of a well balanced composition is the decision of the types of shot a photographer will use.
Different types of shots
Extreme wide shot- taken from a far away distance from the subject, showing where it takes place and is used for location establishment. The distance can also allow for the subject to evoke a sense of loneliness or isolation
Wide shot- similar to the extreme shot but closer, has the similarity of prioritizing location, the subject is now clearly visible, can bring a better understanding to the message the photographer is trying to bring.
Medium long shot- shows usually human subjects from the knee up to show more details regarding the character rather than the location.
Medium close up shot- shows subject from shoulders up and has the attention focused on the subject while still maintaining the visibility of the surrounding area
Close-up- Shot close to subject to see the details in a more nearer aspect, often used in food magazines, it's purpose is emphasizing the subject entirely by itself.
Extreme close up- fills the entire frame of with the subject and shows as much detail as possible to create a tension between the subject and the viewer by showcasing a intimate experience that the viewer feel as if they are using other senses rather just sight when viewing said shot
Over the shoulder frames the subject to be peeking into what the subject interacts with, used to build typical interactions filled with dialogue but also can be used to show any activity with the subject
-The sizing of and placement of the subject is integral for the over composition of the image
-With brief research about the shots and their uses I wanted to put it into practice on my own
-I attempted to do a close up of me opening up a cookie box.
-The purpose of the close up is me mimicking other variations of food magazines photos I've seen throughout my research journey
-The reasoning why food is usually shot up close is to make it appealing to the viewers and make the food and content of the magazine appealing and comforting
-I wanted a clear incorporation of my hand to show a story within my image even if it as simple as opening a box of cookies
-I then attempted a mid aerial shot of the box of cookies with some on a plate and even one bitten.
-These details are made to tell a story within the image and the aerial shot almost behaves as a POV shot with a more artistic twist
-I then used a combination of close up and focus in foreground and background to express the messaging of the shot
-by placing the stack of cookies in the foreground makes it noticeable to the audience but the focus is crisp and clear on the logo and brand of the cookie
LIGHTING-controls the light source of the shot and different types and coloring of lighting can evoke various types of emotions within the viewer therefore, controlling the mood of the overall shot
Lighting can be broken up into two groups: Natural and Artificial
Artificial lighting can often be created and manipulated to fit specific situations the photographer desires
Natural lighting in order to be executed effectively their must be an understanding in regards to the angle of the sun but is dictated and restricted by the natural placement of the sun
Front lighting- When the light source is directly in front of your subject, used for portraits used for luminating the subject in the front, can be bland
Backlighting- light source placed behind the subject between the light and the camera, therefore ensuing a back lit effect. allows for the silhouette of the long shadows to be experimented with
Soft light- When the light is diffused or bouncing off the direct life, (use a curtain or diffusion panel) the effect it gives is that it gives less intense shadows and has a lower contrast between darks and lights in photos, this can achieve a gentle appearance within the image.
Hard light- Direct opposite of diffused light, it is when the light source is directly place on your subject and it results in high contrast, bright whites, and has a bold dark shadow. This is used to accentuate the textures and details in the subject (I personally this type of lighting would work best with photographing food)
Rim light- form of back lighting, the angle of light comes from behind or above the goal is to create a glowing highlight around subject, and to have a visual distinction from the subject to the background
Loop lighting- used for portraits and refers to a loop of shadow from the nose on the cheek
Broad Lighting- type of side lighting where the subject is closest to the camera is lit and the side farther away is in a shadow, its used on human subjects to broaden their facial features
Short Lighting- opposite of broad, face closet to the camera is in the shadow and farthest is in the light creating a fuller face shape
Butterfly Lighting- It's a type a shadow that is created on the subject, to place light above and in front of the subject, used in glamour shots to highlight specific facial features
Split Lighting- Hits subject at a 90 degree angle, creating the split, and used to provide drama to the image
High-key lighting- Reduces the lighting ratio in the photo with less contrast of darker tones and brighter areas, used for products in commercials
Lowkey Lighting- where the shadows is dramatizes, creates a dramatic and serious effect
Color temperatures
Warm lighting- warm color temps that have tones that range from yellow to orange, used to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels
Cool lighting- more blue light and have brighter cool tones to the eye to enhance white and light colored surfaces to make things appear modern
Links used: https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/lighting-in-photography
https://www.adobe.com/in/creativecloud/video/discover/low-key-vs-high-key-lighting.html#:~:text=High%2Dkey%20lighting%20reduces%20the,of%20the%20scene%20in%20shadow.
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