shoot from above

[carole1953]

hi
i want to shoot some subjects from above what size lens would you surrgest
be greatfull for any help

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Carole,

I think it would help enormously if knew what size of subjects you are talking about?
Thimbles, egg cups, tea cups, people?

Welcome to the CiC forums from ...

[carole1953]

sorry ! food shots pasta, cakes ect,
thanks

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Carole,

Ah, OK, now of course I have realised that I need to know other stuff too, like what camera you have (I assume a DSLR) and what lens(es) you have for it now.

How often will you need to do this?
I can imagine, if directly above a steaming plate of pasta, that the lens might get misted up.
Do you have a tripod?
How will you be lighting the food?
How are the pictures going to be used? (Printing yourself, web presentation, etc.)

Lots of questions I know, but probably necessary to avoid mis-advising you.

Tell us the story ...

Cheers,

[rpcrowe]

Food Photography can be a specialized venue. Often the best images are of inedible concoctions. As an example: quite often photographers will substitute shaving cream from a can for whipped cream. It photographs better and lasts longer. Additionally, Coca-Cola will photograph better than black coffee and those plastic ice cubes work better than the real items. The seared grill marks on steaks can be done with brown liquid shoe polish. However, these extreme means probably are only applicable to professional food photographers who shoot for pay. I cannot imagine spoiling a cut of filet mignon with shoe polish just for a picture.

Here are some sites with food photography information; good luck:

Food Photography

O’Reilly Digital Media
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/orei...od_photos.html

Silverace Photogenic Food Photography
http://www.silverace.com/photogenic/...otography.html

Food Photography book by Cindy McGill
http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_1...ink/fo1216.htm

Making Food Look Good
http://www.media-awareness.ca/englis...nderForPrint=1

Professional Photography 101
http://www.professionalphotography10...graphFood.html

Michael Ray – Food Photographer
http://www.foodportfolio.com/

[Clactonian]

Howdie neighbour, and welcome!!
You'll get some sound advice here.