Using What You’ve Got - Shiny Photography Surfaces

One of the biggest things that gets in the way of creating photos you love and can’t wait to share is something I call - but I don’t have (fill in the blank). 

But I don’t have that window.

But I don’t have that table.

But I don’t have that lens.

But I don’t have that kitchen.

You get the idea. 

But what DO you have? 

We must switch our thinking when we aim to create photos in a minimalist way. We all have things that are unique to us - our personalities, our values, our way of living, our location, our experiences. 

This way of thinking has gotten me past so many of those woe-is-me moments that had the potential to make me feel like I’d never create photos I loved.

And it prompts me to challenge myself to use what I have to create a photo - using what you’ve got. 

Making this a regular practice will:

• Help you focus on what you can create instead of what you can’t

• Improve your editing skills

• Help you develop your individual style

This is how it works for me. I find a surface that I’d likely never think of for a photo. It’s not pretty stone - real or faux, or a midcentury modern table. 

For example, a super shiny surface like our grill outside. 

Then I grab a prop I have around or maybe it’s a bowl I use every day. 

Next, I find a subject. In this case, some strawberries. The only three that developed off of the small potted strawberry plant I keep in memory of our pug Macy Mae. 

Take a few photos. Then have some fun with the editing. See what you can create. 

You may love them. You may think - nope, this isn’t me. But you’ve challenged yourself and figured a few things out in the process. 

I do this practice a lot. And I’ll be sharing more of those experiences and the photos that result here on the blog. 

Interested in exploring more surfaces for your photography, but don't have a lot of space? Be sure to grab this free training:

Five Ways to Photograph Bread

With over 10 years spent being a food stylist and photographer, one tends to gather a lot of photos of the same subject. It’s fun to look back at all the different ways I’ve managed to style and photograph the same type of food - a soup, cookies, and bread, for example. And I find that sharing these photos is a good way to help spark ideas in others who feel stuck.

In my recent post Idea Generation: How to Brainstorm Ideas for Food and Product Photography, I shared that coming up with new ideas seems to be one of the biggest challenge many people face. (If you feel that way, be sure to read that post.)

This challenge is never greater than when you are tasked with styling and photographing multiple photos of a single subject at one time. 

When I wrote and photographed my cookbook, Beer Bread, I was definitely feeling those creative blocks.

But it was also a lot of fun. The challenge lead to some ways of thinking that hadn’t come to me before. 

These are some of my favorite five ways to photograph bread with photos from that book. 

Inside the loaf. 

No need to cut multiple slices. Just give us a peak inside that beautiful loaf. 

Whole loaf in the pan. 

A simple idea, that is often forgotten. Show the bread inside the pan and resist the need for a lot of propping around it. Use a surface you love and let the loaf shine all on its own. 

Slices neatly stacked. 

I love how these shots show the inside while also inviting you to reach over and grab a slice. 

Slices scattered. 

Give the photo the casual feel of a snack board and scatter the slices. 

Whole loaf overhead. 

When the bread is a pretty loaf, let it be. Give the scene some color and let the loaf stand on its own. Or…

Slices folded over.

A little bonus with a sixth idea, because this can really only be done with the right loaf. For large round loaves that allow for big, long slices that tend to flop over. Keep the slices tightly intact at the bottom and let them gently unfold out of the loaf. 

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Five Dried Garnishes I Keep for Food and Product Photography

Dried garnishes are so helpful to keep around for adding new touches to your photos. They last nearly forever so you know they’ll be there to grab when you need them. 

Here are five of my favorite dried garnishes that I always keep on hand. 

Dried Citrus Slices

I bought a simple kitchen dehydrator this year for an article assignment I had to complete. It has been so easy to make dehydrated blood orange, lemon, and lime slices. Now I keep a bag around for garnishing cocktails and for still-life shots. 

Dried Eucalyptus 

This is by far my favorite green. I pick up a bunch at Trader Joe’s whenever I’m lucky enough to find it. It stays in a vase in my studio to use in all kinds of photos. 

Dried Chile Peppers

I like using dried Birdseye chiles or others similar in size. They fit well into most styled food scenes when the goal is to emphasize that it’s a bit spicy. They also add a nice pop of color even when dried. Mixing them in a shot with fresh peppers is a fun touch, too. 

Nuts In Their Shells

Nuts still in their shells will last for a very long time. I always keep walnuts around. They are great for baking photographs and for still-life centerpieces. I will crack open a couple every now and then so the nut is in view. 

Pinecones and Leaves

Autumn is my very favorite season so it’s likely no surprise that I use these a lot. Each year I set out on a harvest walk and gather up some new leaves and pinecones for my collection. I especially love it when I can find a few leaves that still have some vibrant color like yellow. Not every element of a food or drink photo has to be edible, especially when you are trying to create a seasonal scene. Have some fun with it.