I Resolve to Improve my Food Photography

2013 rings in the 3rd year of If You Can Stomach It. For a long time I’ve used it as my hobby and I’m sure that’s what it will continue to be. However, I’ve had a growing discontentment with my blog for a while now and I know exactly why….my food photography stinks! I’m not denying it or pretending I’m good. I know I’m a bad photography and I know why – I’ve lacked the dedication to improve.

Well that’s going to change in 2013. I resolve to improve my ability as a photographer (or maybe to even be confident in calling myself a photographer!). I’ve already taken a first step and have upgraded my gear. For the last few years I’ve used a hand-me-down Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel with a stock lens. Over Christmas, I upgraded to a slightly used Canon EOS 40D Camera:

with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens:

and also purchased this tripod. Now I know that gear doesn’t make good photographs or a good photographer…but they sure do help motivate you to get better using good camera gear. Plus, I’ve got another reason on the way to have good gear!

The next step for me is to work on my composition, lighting and editing. For that, I need more than practice. The old saying, “Practice makes perfect” isn’t true. I once had a pastor tell me, “Practice makes permanent.” Now that is a true statement. If I practice something over and over, but am doing it wrong, all I’ve done is cemented the wrong way into my mind and body. What’s needed is someone to help teach me the right way to compose, light and edit. For that, I turn to Learn & Master Photography.

Learn & Master Photography is a DVD course designed to take you from beginner to master in 10 sessions. Now, there is homework and I must practice the techniques learned. It is a comprehensive, well-rounded course on digital photography. How do I know? Good question – I used to work for them! For about a year and a half, I did a lot of marketing for Legacy Learning Systems and part of it was launching the Learn & Master Photography course. It was a ton of fun and I know the details of the lessons, instructor, and content. Plus, there is a support forum for students to connect with one another and the instructor if there are questions or to show off your work. Here is a sample lesson from one of the sessions:

I’ve also been bruising up on my food photography tips and tricks from many other food bloggers who I would say are among the best as well as studying actual food photographs from food bloggers who take great pictures. In the end, I know that I will improve if I practice right. However, I am comforted by the fact that I follow several successful food bloggers who take pretty bad pictures!

Here is a small list I’ve compiled of food photography resources or blogs with awesome food photography:

• Pinch of Yum – Food Photography E-book
• Pioneer Woman: 10 Important Food Photography Tips
• Blogher Compilation of Food Photography Tips
• Sarcastic Cooking
• Matt Bites
• Evan Thomas – The Wannabe Chef
• Michael Ruhlman
• David Lebovitz - My Food Photography Gear & Tips

I’m always looking for more help. If you know of any great food photography resources, please let me know!