Every Little Thing: Kitchen Conservatory’s Food & Photo Class

I mentioned in my tirade from yesterday that this post was coming, and I’m happy that I hit publish on the day after said tirade. I spoke about the importance of food writing and describing food in a way that speaks to people. As it happens, I think good food photography is a natural partner for words like “pungent” and “savory” and can enhance the words you choose to use rather than overshadow them.

I took my beloved point-and-shoot to a food and photography class at Kitchen Conservatory last Saturday in order to enhance the photos I’ve been posting on this blog as well as learn basic digital photography tips before jumping into the world of the DSLR. I really do like my point-and-shoot and knew I wasn’t using it to its fullest potential, so this class was the answer.

The class was taught by two people I was lucky enough to know before last weekend: blogger and teacher Kelly of Barbaric Gulp and photographer Corey Woodruff, who took the photos for our popcorn ice cream evening.

Kelly quickly put us to work on the day’s menu: Brussels sprouts slaw, caramelized onion and butternut squash soup, chocolate tart, and pomegranate sangria.

Once the food was prepared, we starting photographing!

Here’s a few tips gleaned from Saturday’s class:

The best equipment you can use for your camera is also the cheapest: $20 tripod, homemade light box, light source (the sun! or $10 “garage light,” and a reflector (white foamcore, foil, etc).
Aperture and shutter speed affect each other with reciprocity: increasing one will decrease the other
- Aperture = size of lens opening, determining how much light enters the lens
- Shutter speed = the duration the shutter is open, allowing light to strike
- ISO = sensitivity of camera’s sensor to light
Shoot in aperture-priority mode (AV mode on Canon) and the camera will fix the other settings; aperture affects depth of field
Larger number = smaller aperture = less light
To focus closely on food, use the largest aperture (smallest number – f/3.1 on my camera) in most food shots
Don’t confuse your camera’s white balance by mixing different types of light
You very, very rarely want to use your flash (I think I’ve used mine maybe twice since owning the camera)

Here are a few more photos from the class, all with my point-and-shoot (Canon SX210 IS). If you’d like to see more, I’ve uploaded them all to my facebook page! I had a great time at the class and recommend Kitchen Conservatory classes to those thinking about trying something new!