My dear blog friends, I hope you are all well, happy, and ready for another Food Photography Challenge AKA Weekly Photo Stew. I know I’ve been a pretty sloppy blogger lately and I wish I could change that but unfortunately I cannot. My overseas move caused all kinds of delays and bureaucracy drama that’s still going on. So, please excuse me for not being the best blogger ever. : )
Even though I don’t feel like taking photos these days, I still strive to pick up my camera at least once a week and this is what I came up with this week: a couple of tightly framed shots.
Linking up to 
I’ve noticed that, not only I like to frame shots very tight, but also I am attracted to shots that are framed or cropped that way. I am assuming that would mean that I prefer that kind of photography and that brings me to following question: Have you found your style (yet)? If I had to describe my favorite style or the one I am striving to that would be tightly framed photographs with great composition. It’s not that I am aiming at those shots, my shooting simple results in tight compositions and framing. For instance, for this week, my idea was to illustrate a summer afternoon snack using berries, iced water, and, of course, espresso with a perfect bite of dark chocolate. The setting looked something like the photo below but I still ended up framing everything tight and using two photos (above) that were framed very tight.
How about you? What is your favorite photography style?
When it comes to my editing process, I used this almost magical color adjusting technique that I learned from the Photoshop Guru AKA Scott Kelby to correct and balance colors. I sharpened the first image (on the left) using this sharpening technique but when I went to sharpen the second image (on the right), I unintentionally blurred it instead of sharpened and I ended up liking the blurred version much better. It’s sort of dreamy that way. That’s why I call it Dreamy Blues.
After that, I opened the Topaz Lab plug-in in Adobe Photoshop and I used Lens Effect filter (the Reflector one) to add some golden light at the top of the first image. This is what the Topaz plug-in interface looks like. Since you would not be able to see the difference the filter makes at the top of the photo, I used it here at the bottom of the photo (and enhanced it) so you could see the difference better. The Golden Reflector (Bottom) filer adds that golden light the way a regular gold-side reflector would add to your photo. Of course, you can adjust the reflector setting to your liking.
You can download free 30-day trial Topaz Lab plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop here.
Hint: if you stay tuned @Crisp PhotoWorks you may find a way to own Topaz Lab plug-in of your choice for FREE!
Now, show me your photos!
It’s Time to Join Food Photography Challenge!
Please, feel welcome to link your food and beverages shots to Food Photography. The rules are simple:
1. Make your photograph about food or beverages.
2. Tell us about that photograph: share a photo tip, recipe, or a story behind it.
3. Submit the URL to your food photo post or a specific Flickr image, NOT your home page or album URL.
4. Please, include a link back to my blog in your post or Flickr image description. You can grab the button below or use a text link. Note: Linked photos without the backlink will be removed.
5. Visit bloggers on your left and your right and leave some comment love.
Mira Crisp
Hello! My name is Mira and I take pictures, blog, and drink espresso! As a portrait photographer I take pretty pictures in Ft. Walton Beach - Crestview - Destin, Fl. area. I blog mainly about photography and image enhancement and I am enjoying it a lot. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel very welcome to leave a comment or two.
Follow Me:
11 Comments
An interesting question. I’m still very early on in my food photography journey but I think I also like the tight shot. I think it’s a good thing in all walks of life to just go completely out of your comfort zone occasionally but whenever I do a mix of styles, I always come back to that tight shot.
Hi Mira, they do say the moving is one of the most stressful things you can do – but through in an overseas moving and I can only imagine the stress you have had. So I think we can probably let you off with the blogging thing
I hope it all settles down for you soon!
I haven’t taken any food photos for ages – I think I have to remedy that soon.
Your pictures are loves – as usual. I really liked cropped in pictures too.
I’m the same way. I like mine tight- however, I have been told too many times that my composition is all wrong when I do that. I have to learn to let the “expert” opinions roll off my back & do what I like- because that is what I am drawn to.
Gina, I have the same experience. I was told that my photos are framed too tighly but you know what – I like them that way. It may not meet certain composition standards but this is about having fun. If we all followed the same photography rules, there would be no other photograph than those that are done by the rule of thirds and those showing the entire table. Keep having fun!
When it comes to food photos, I tend to think the closer, the better. I’m a “foodie” so I LOVE to see all the details! I also like “cut off” shots, too. Not sure if that’s my style, but I notice my food photos pretty much have that look. Be back later to link up!
oooh love these shots! I think I like the wide shot best. I really like seeing all the berries and the whole cup!
Beautiful photos! I still have a lot to learn about food photography, and finding my own unique style is still a challenge. I really appreciate your posts, great tips!
Gorgeous photos, it´s not easy to find a personal style… indeed, it´s a great challenge and I am still working on it
Mira, I am so sorry about the bureaucracy stuff, and I hope it’s over soon.
These are wonderful images. Such a summery feel to each one.
Thanks Lisa, I sure hope everything will be over soon.
Glad you stopped by…
I really like your tight crops. You photos looks so fresh and lovely!
I hope that your moving troubles are resolved soon.