Using the Light OR What I Eat on Weekends

By Mira Crisp | Published September 18, 2011
One of the nicest things about weekends is the fact that I don’t cook on weekends. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I don’t eat well! For instance, if I am staying home for breakfast, I will have a nice cup of coffee with my grandma’s cookies. Thanks Grandma!

 I know, you wonder what my breakfast has to do with photography. Well, I just thought to show you how I use the light to capture indoor photos. One of the things I use a lot when the indoor light is low is the external flash. I am a Nikon user so I use Nikon speedflash but you may want to use a different flash brand even if you have a Nikon camera and that’s totally OK. Canon and Nikon equipment can be quite pricy but there are a number of other brands who produce equipment that is compatible with Canon and Nikon cameras – and it will usually save you a few bucks. I rarely use on-camera flash (actually, I hate it) but I love my external flash.
Photos above and below show the difference between shooting without external flash and with it. The first photo is a shot without external flash while the second one is the shot with a flash (with Flash Bounce Cap Diffuser). I leave the light diffusor on my flash all the time; even if I am using the on-camera flash, I will use a On-Camera Flash Diffuser. A diffusor makes a world of difference. It diffuses the light evenly so you don’t get harsh shadows on your subject. The best thing about diffusers is that they are inexpensive.
grandmascookieblog
Linking up this cookie to Creative Exchange and FTLofB

The next thing I like to use is a Collapsible Round Multi Disc Light Reflector . These are really inexpensive and you can get a 5-in-1 set for as low as $11. 5-in-1 means that you get 4 color sides, generally white, silver, gold, silver/gold (or black). The fifth element is the white disc inside that serves as a giant light diffusor and I like to use it outdoors. I recommend getting a set with a holder; that way you don’t need an assistant to hold it. I got one under $100 on Amazon. Please, check out my Amazon store for more info.

Now, what I eat for lunch on weekends? Hmm… since I don’t cook I usually have a nice salad. This salad (AKA lunch) photo was taken without a reflector. It’s OK but something is missing (the light!).

noreflectorsalad

Now, I used the golden side for this salad shot. Don’t you love that light? The natural light in my kitchen was quite low but I used the reflector to get the most out of it.

saladblog

OK, so what about a dessert? I am just showing it to you so you can see that I also don’t bake on weekends.

fruitsalad
Dinner? Hmm… That’s when hubby comes in with his grilling skills. ; )

Note: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

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.

More Posts

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookFlickr

This entry was posted in Equipment, Light, Photography Tips. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

31 Comments

  1. Posted September 18, 2011 at 11:13 pm by Ellie | Permalink

    Wow Mira, what an interesing post. That salad looks so much better with the light added. Amazing what you can do with photography isn't it. I always learn something when come to your blog :) ) Thank you.

  2. Posted September 19, 2011 at 12:32 am by Lilly | Permalink

    Thank you for the usefull information.For a foodblogger like me, I have so much to learn.

  3. Posted September 19, 2011 at 2:38 am by deb duty | Permalink

    Very good post, Mira. I don't have a speedlight yet, but I've considered it. The coffee and cookie with the flash is fabulous. For the next couple of photos where you used a reflector, did you also use flash or just the reflector? ( I know nothing about flash so sorry if this is a dumb question!)

  4. Posted September 19, 2011 at 2:47 am by Mira | Permalink

    Deb, yes. I used the flash (w/ diffusor) for both salad shots since I didn't have much light. The second one had a gold reflector on the left side (a window was on the right). However, you could see the difference reflector makes even without a flash.

  5. Posted September 19, 2011 at 2:52 am by Mira | Permalink

    Deb, actually, I am not sure did I use the flash in the first salad photo. I cannot recall did I use it or not for sure. I tend to think I did because of the shadow around the bowl, I probably bounced the flash of the white wall in front of/above the bowl. Sorry. :)

  6. Posted September 19, 2011 at 5:57 am by Chic Homeschool Mama | Permalink

    I love the details you have given. I often struggle with the on camera flash & avoid it at all cost. This becomes limiting for me occasionally because I don't have a speedlight yet- but thanks to your post – I literally just ordered the soft screen (thanks to your post)for my on camera flash so I can at least use that in the meantime. Thanks so much for the info!

  7. Posted September 19, 2011 at 8:06 am by Ajax | Permalink

    For no cooking, this sounds lovely! I'm over from FLOB, happy Sunday! I think I'll follow you and learn a bit about photography!

  8. Posted September 19, 2011 at 8:29 am by tinajo | Permalink

    This was a great post for me, I´ve been thinking about external flash for a while. :-)

    Hey – of course you can participate! Just throw me an email; my add is under the label Contact on the top of my blog. Would be fun! :-)

  9. Posted September 19, 2011 at 10:04 am by Leckeres für Mensch und Katze - Goodies for a pleasant life | Permalink

    All yummy :)

  10. Posted September 19, 2011 at 10:25 am by Kyria @ Travel Spot | Permalink

    The food looks good, the photos look great! Thanks for the tips. I have a Nikon but have NOT shelled out the money for a good flash/diffuser. YET. It's on The List.

    I found you on FTLOB. Looking forward to seeing what other tips you have!

  11. Posted September 19, 2011 at 1:29 pm by Kia | Permalink

    How interesting. I never use the flash, but will consider and external one now, considering that I don't have much light in the house in autumn/winter. Yummy photos, btw! :)

  12. Posted September 19, 2011 at 11:50 pm by Biboy Ordinario | Permalink

    WOW! So delicious! Your photos captivated me :D

    Visit my photo blog :)

    Biboy Fotograpiya
    Visit the Philippines. Filipino Photo Hobbyist.

  13. Posted September 20, 2011 at 3:33 am by Connie Smiley | Permalink

    Yum! I like your weekend breakfast. And so beautiful.

  14. Posted September 20, 2011 at 6:42 am by geanina | Permalink

    wow…I felt a craving :) )) grat work!

  15. Posted September 20, 2011 at 7:40 am by Seeing Each Day | Permalink

    Thanks for taking the time to give that information. I'm feeling rather peckish after looking through all that delicious food.

  16. Posted September 20, 2011 at 8:29 am by lisa | Permalink

    Wow Mira, that is a big difference! I generally stay away from flash of all kinds and for the reason you stated, but you have surely inspired me to get out my Speedlight, and give it a go! Thank you for posting this information here, and for kindly sharing it at The Creative Exchange.

    Have a wonderful evening!

    lisa.

  17. Posted September 20, 2011 at 8:57 am by Christian | Permalink

    Your photos are just beautiful and I'm officially starving now!

  18. Posted September 20, 2011 at 9:48 am by Jodi | Permalink

    Such lovely pictures. I love that salad, it looks so yum!

  19. Posted September 20, 2011 at 9:48 am by Jodi | Permalink

    Oh and following ya over from FTLOB :D

  20. Posted September 20, 2011 at 1:12 pm by elizabeth | Permalink

    so amazing what a little Light can do !!! And yes you have made me hungry as well

  21. Posted September 20, 2011 at 6:35 pm by geetlee | Permalink

    Yummy yummy! I've never really used the flash, looking at this shots makes me seriously reconsider.
    Thank you for inspiring :)

  22. Posted September 20, 2011 at 9:27 pm by Biboy Ordinario | Permalink

    Hey Mira :) I'm following your blog already :) Thank you for sharing your photo tutorials :) It's really helpful :D

    Hope you follow back :D

    Biboy Fotograpiya
    Visit the Philippines. Filipino Photo Hobbyist.

  23. Posted September 21, 2011 at 8:03 am by Pat | Permalink

    Great tips! Your photos look great – so does the food!

  24. Posted September 22, 2011 at 8:16 am by Anika | Permalink

    I have been wondering about those round reflector flash lights…great post, thanks. Although I must admit I really love that first image…something about that shadow on the table that makes me feel the hominess of the morning. so pretty.

  25. Posted September 23, 2011 at 4:37 pm by Rachel | Permalink

    LOVE the grilled fruit! Everything you posted looks so scrumptious!

  26. Posted September 24, 2011 at 7:37 am by Butterbean Row | Permalink

    Thanks for the lesson on lighting. Your photos are luscious! The colors are wonderfully appetizing!

  27. Posted September 28, 2011 at 10:26 am by Misty | Permalink

    I especially love the light in that first photo. Well done. Visiting from The Creative Exchange.

    If you enjoy linkups, feel free to come over and join in my Favorite Photo of the Week Contest

  28. Posted October 11, 2011 at 5:18 pm by Anonymous | Permalink

    Просто привет рекомендую Всем сайт, на нем Вы найдете громадную коллекцию фильмов, всех жанров и направлений [url=http://qi-qi.ru] tri metra nad nebom ka4estvennii prosmotr
    [/url] . Ежечасные обновления, старые, документальные, отечественные и зарубежные фильмы всех жанров. Рай для киноманов. Только лучшее, только для Вас!!!

  29. Posted November 6, 2011 at 5:08 pm by River | Permalink

    I'm an amateur when it comes to photography. I have a Sony digital with a setting where I can take photos in low light without a flash. The camera takes advantage of whatever natural (or artificial-e.g.street lights)light is available. I've taken some that I think are quite good while walking to work in the pre-dawn hour.
    http://www.river-driftingthroughlife.blogspot.com

  30. Posted January 31, 2012 at 7:35 pm by Henrietta | Permalink

    That is a huge difference with and without reflector. I really should buy a prober reflector.

    • Posted January 31, 2012 at 9:59 pm by Mira Crisp | Permalink

      Henrietta, reflectors do make a huge difference and they are pretty inexpensive. You should try it out! :)