Diving into food photography and how I experienced natural light food photography for the first time. I found that this project was both an exciting and challenging experience. As a photographer used to more controlled environments, I wanted to push my creative boundaries and embrace the unpredictable nature of daylight.
This shoot wasn’t just about capturing a beautiful image; it was about planning meticulously, making on-the-fly adjustments, and learning from every twist and turn along the way.
In this article, I’ll take you through the entire process—from the initial concept and lighting setup to overcoming challenges and reflecting on the final result. This is the story of how I turned a simple idea into a compelling image, and the valuable lessons I learned on this journey.
Preparation and Planning
From Inspiration to Visualization
Creating this image started with a deep dive into inspiration. I explored various platforms like Google and Pinterest, carefully analyzing images that resonated with me. Rather than copying a single idea, I combined elements from different sources, picking out details that I felt would work well together.
To bring my concept to life, I began with a simple pencil sketch, capturing the main idea I envisioned. This initial drawing served as a rough draft, allowing me to visualize the layout and key components of the shot.
I then moved into Photoshop, where I recreated the sketch digitally. This step gave me the flexibility to adjust elements and props, rearranging them until I was fully satisfied with the composition. Adding color to the digital sketch helped me get a feel for the final image, ensuring the overall mood and aesthetics were in line with my vision.
Lighting
Embracing Natural Light for a Bright Vibe
For this shoot, I wanted to embrace the beauty of natural light. My setup was simple yet effective, positioned next to a large window without any diffusion, as there was no direct sunlight to create harsh shadows. I angled my set at 45 degrees from the window, allowing the light to flow in from behind at the same angle, which provided a soft and natural glow.
However, as I started shooting, I noticed that the shadows on the opposite side were a bit too dark, which didn’t quite fit the summery, cheerful vibe I was aiming for. To balance the light and keep the scene looking bright and inviting, I used two white A3 bounce cards.
These cards worked perfectly to reflect the light back into the shadowy areas, softening the shadows and wrapping the light beautifully around the subject and props. This simple adjustment made a big difference, enhancing the overall feel of the image and making it come to life with a soft, natural glow.
Camera Settings
Right Balance for Sharp, Noise-Free Results
For this shot, I used my Nikon D300 paired with a Micro lens, set to a focal length of 105mm. To capture the scene with the right depth and focus, I chose an aperture of f/4, which helped isolate the subject while maintaining enough detail in the surrounding elements. The ISO was set at 200 to keep the image clean and free of noise.
Initially, I had the shutter speed at 1/120, but as the natural light began to dim, I faced a challenge. I wanted to maintain the integrity of the light without introducing any noise that could affect the overall quality of the image. Instead of increasing the ISO, I decided to slow down the shutter speed to 1/20.
With nothing in the scene moving, I felt confident in using this slower speed, ensuring the image stayed crisp while allowing enough light to reach the sensor. This adjustment proved effective, balancing the exposure without compromising the image’s sharpness.
Challenges Faced
Unpredictability of Natural Light
One of the biggest challenges I encountered during this shoot was dealing with the unpredictability of natural light. Unlike controlled studio lighting, natural light changes over time, and it wasn’t easy to predict how it would behave as I worked through the setup. It took a fair amount of time to arrange the scene, place stand-in props, and test how the light interacted with each element.
Once I was happy with the initial setup, it was time to swap out the stand-ins and bring in the final props and hero subject for the actual shot. But as often happens with natural light, the conditions changed, and I quickly noticed that the lighting was no longer the same. I had to think on my feet and make necessary adjustments to the set before the ice melted or any props expired.
This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and working efficiently when shooting with natural light, especially when dealing with perishable elements like ice that can alter the look of a scene in moments.
Post-Processing
Keep It Natural with Minimal Edits
My approach to post-processing is always to aim for minimal adjustments, allowing the natural beauty of the shot to shine through. For this image, I made some minor tweaks to exposure and contrast, just enough to make the subject pop and bring out the vibrant colors without over-editing.
The goal was to maintain the authenticity of the natural light and the fresh look of the scene. I was pleased with how the photo came straight out of the camera, requiring very little in terms of post-processing.
The subtle adjustments helped enhance the image without altering its original feel, staying true to the vision I had during the shoot. Overall, I consider the image a success, with the final result closely matching what I had set out to achieve.
Personal Experience
Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
Creating this image was a deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming experience. A lot of things didn’t go as planned, and it was frustrating to see the challenges unfold. But I always remind my kids that the best teacher is making mistakes and learning from them, and this shoot was a perfect example of that.
Every misstep became a learning moment, and despite the setbacks, I’m grateful for everything I learned through the process.
This experience reinforced the importance of thorough planning, but it also taught me that sometimes, the final image doesn’t look anything like what you originally envisioned—and that’s okay.
The initial plan serves as a guide, but the real magic happens when creativity takes over, adapting to the moment and crafting something beautiful from the unexpected. I will always remember the day I created this image, not just for the photo itself but for the lessons learned and the growth it inspired.
Conclusion
A Journey of Growth and Creativity
Creating this image was not just about capturing a beautiful photograph—it was about embracing the process, facing challenges head-on, and allowing creativity to flow naturally. From careful planning and experimenting with natural light to making real-time adjustments and learning from every misstep, this shoot was a journey of growth.
It reminded me that photography is as much about the experience as it is about the final image. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, every adjustment a step closer to refining one’s craft.
This experience has deepened my appreciation for the art of food photography, reinforcing the importance of patience, adaptability, and creativity. I’m excited to continue exploring, learning, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity, one image at a time.
Marius Krige
With every click of the shutter, I’ve been crafting my skills and refining my craft.
Photography is more than a profession for me, it’s a way to connect with the world and capture its beauty.