A while back I was given the idea of a food photography post from a company called Light. I was very flattered, but also a little embarrassed to tell them that I'm really not much of a photographer. I explained the challenges of taking photographs in my own kitchen, i.e. it's too dark, my space is limited, and there's even a dog underfoot. They went on to explain that photography and cooking are very similar in that there are so many factors that contribute to creating a good final product, and they were interested in hearing how food bloggers like myself adapt their individual situations to produce good photographs. Light is working on a food photography project, and I was invited to participate! Thanks to their encouragement, I created these Antipasto Skewers with some straightforward photography tips in mind. Like photography, they are simple to create, but the final product has a serious wow factor.
A wonderful snack and appetizer. Look at the brilliant color! The perfect go-to snack. Even better for the upcoming Summer BBQs. |
My kitchen walls are black. Lighting is a big challenge in my kitchen. I usually try to open curtains and let in as much natural light as possible. |
Sometimes natural light isn't enough. I've been known to sneak the lamp from my sewing table onto the kitchen counter, sans shade for an additional light source. |
What you don't see is the mess in the background.There's always a Diet Coke, a dish rag and usually ingredients for a million other things when I'm cooking. |
I try to zoom in so you don't see that is also my catch-all spot for recipes, my grocery list, and to-do list. |
As I said, my counter space is limited. Why? Well we have our food sealer, food processor, toaster, three utensil holders and two mixers out on the counter. I guess you could say we are true foodies around here. Two mixers is a bit of an extravagance, but one is for very large tasks, and the baby mixer is my favorite for everyday cooking. |
I also try to capture the food from an angle. When I stand directly over the dish for an "aerial view" I make a shadow and the food just doesn't look as pretty. |
These days the trend in food photography is to zoom in and capture the food. It's okay to show the crumbs on the plate or a half-eaten cookie. It looks so much more lifelike this way doesn't it? |
Light has the answer to every food photographer's struggle. The Light L16 has 16 lenses that work together to produce pictures that are worth a thousand words. |
And yes, there really is a dog underfoot! Here's Ghirardelli "Elli" for short, hoping a crumb gets dropped. Check out the wagging tail action shot! |
Antipasto Skewers
1 carton Ciliegine or Bocconcini (Mozzarella Balls), drained
1 package Italian salami
1 small jar Pepperoncini peppers, drained
1 small jar roasted red pepper pieces, drained
small skewers
Slice the salami into bite size chunks. It the Pepperoncini peppers are large in size, cut those into bite sized pieces as well. On each skewer place a Mozzarella ball, piece of salami, Pepperoncini pepper, and piece of roasted red pepper. Place on platter and serve.
Other skewer ingredient possibilities:
pitted olives
pickled okra
artichoke hearts
Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes Cook Time: 0
How fun!! I have been known to take food to other rooms just to use a window and not a light at all!! Us food bloggers have to get that perfect shot!! All while somebody is saying "WHEN are we going to EAT?!"
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