Product photography

Corey123 · Sep 29, 2008

Now I am looking to get into product photography, but specifically food photography. I understand that this would mean (for me at least) a dslr with a decent mega pixel count, and a good macro lens. I am considering the Canon Rebel XSI, with this Canon EF-S 60mm macro lense http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371176-GREY/Canon_0284B002_EF_S_60mm_f_2_8_USM.html#reviews

I don't know much about lighting, but I would imagine I would need 2 or 3 lights, and a light box? Any help would be appreciated. I am fresh out of culinary school with little photography education, so I would really like my pictures to speak louder than my lack of schooling. The amount of stuff I need to buy isn't an issue, because I can always save up for more equipment, but I really can't be dropping a thousand dollars on a light. Thanks in advance

Double H · Sep 29, 2008

Also keep in mind a lot of food photography isn't really of "food." For instance, the rich, stark-white, creamy milk you see on cereal boxes isn't milk, it's Elmer's glue. Just because your dishes look very appetizing in your kitchen, doesn't guarantee they will look good on "film." There are a lot of tricks getting food to look appealing when photographed. There are people out there who do nothing but make food look good for photographers.

Good luck.

Village Idiot · Sep 29, 2008

You don't need a macro lens.

And what's your budget? That's the important question. You could get hot lights that might make it easier for you because you wouldn't have to learn about flashes, but then you get the disadvantages of hot lights. If you go with some cheap speed lights, you'll have to learn about flash exposures and how to set everything, but you'll have units capable of putting out more power.

maulrat · Sep 29, 2008

I'm using an XTi with a 50mm lens and I find it a bit difficult to get dishes in my shot at restaurants without sitting at the table behind me. Perhaps you might consider going with a wider lens than 60mm on a crop camera.

cnvang · Sep 29, 2008

If you want to get into food photography, there is a lot too it...The only lens you need is a tilt-shift lens which will range to about 1200. With lighting you need a lot of light. Know how to shoot with available light, strobe light, and a combination of both. You can get by with two lights, both with softboxes and relfectors. Books I recommend: "Food Photography and Styling" by John F.Carafoli (it might be difficult to find because they stop making prints. You might have to google his name and find his website and buy directly from him. That's what I did.). This book is a must get if your serious about food photography. "Digital Food photography" by Lou Manna.

joecoulsonphotography · Sep 29, 2008

cnvang said:
The only lens you need is a tilt-shift lens ...

Why is that?

Village Idiot · Sep 29, 2008

joecoulsonphotography said:
Why is that?

You don't need a TS lens.

joecoulsonphotography · Sep 29, 2008

Village Idiot said:
You don't need a TS lens.

I know, I wanted to hear why he thought so.

Good lighting is most important in product photography.

Then as Double H said, good product.

Then a good lens and camera.

In that order IMHO

50mm will do fine. A little more like an 85mm might be better for small (plates of food) products, to save on distortion and have greater flexibility with the DOF (ie not having to open all the way up to acheive shallow DOF)

Starting out I would invest in this (or simular) also:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/402602-REG/Impact_DLS_MK_Medium_Digital_Light_Sheds.html

Good luck, great money in product photography if you can land the clients.

cnvang · Sep 29, 2008

Ouch!...lol...made me feel dumb....naw...Yes you really don't need a TS, but a lot food photographers had recommended that lens to me....

joecoulsonphotography · Sep 29, 2008

Ummm, I wouldn't really recommend a $1500 lens to tilt the focus plane when you can just stop down and get pretty much the same results, TS lenses are much more widely used as landscape and architectural tools.

saltface · Sep 29, 2008

Village Idiot said:
You don't need a macro lens.

...unless you want really good shots of individual Cheerios.

Corey123 · Sep 29, 2008

I am very pleased with how quickly everyone responded

I'm definitely going to stay here a bit for all of my photography needs

I was considering that particular macro lens, because it was one of the recommendations on one of those lens buying guides. It said it was good for product photography, and particularly good for food. I'm also looking into getting a zoom lens.
I'll definitely get a book though.
Anyone have any suggestions for lightboxes?