Before you read this post on Food Photography Basics and wonder why on earth I am taking pictures of empty bowls and plates, reading the first two posts in the series may help.
At the end of the second post I had asked for suggestions on what you would like to see next. Thankfully, most of you opted to see the bowls I have and what I think works best for food pics when it comes to shapes, colours, and types of bowls and plates to use. (I got really lucky ‘cuz if you guys had picked shutter speed, I wouldn’t have had time to do this post today).
So, before we take a peek into my collection, I have a couple of disclaimers:
1. This is not by any means an authoritative post on anything. All I am doing is sharing what I have and how I use them in my food pics. If you found anything useful in here, I would consider this post a success.
2. I didn’t get time to edit the pics much beyond adding my watermark so bear with me and look only at the contents of the pics 😀
3. All typos are due to exhaustion and susceptibility of my left wrist for coming down with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Alright then. Onto my collection.
I thought I will share the set of bowls that have received the most attention. Each time I use these I get questions on whether I photoshopped them to match my food, where I got them, how many colours are there, etc.
This is the entire set – 6 colours. The bowls are small and slender and I got them as a wedding gift from my dad-in-law’s friend. This one of the very few wedding gifts I use regularly – and how!
Here are some examples of pictures taken using these bowls. I think I’ve used the black one the most.
Next are ramekins! I got them about three months back and have used them in every other food pic I take – almost! I love ramekins. To begin with, they are white, and white works best for food pics in my opinion. It makes the dish stand out and these are just the right size for you to take gorgeous pics. The corrugated sides are so pretty too. I am a total ramekin fan. Does it show?
I got these in Singapore at a baking supplies store in China Town. They were about S$ 1.30 a piece and I thought that was a steal. Maybe you get them cheaper in the US, I’m not sure. Here are some pictures I took using these.
My pretty red and black bowls are next. I bought these at a roadside stall during my second week in Singapore because I didn’t have anything to serve noodles in! They were really cheap (I think 50 cents each) and came with these tiny dishes that the Chinese use to serve their sauces in. I have used these in a few pictures and love the shape! A totally good buy, even though unintentional at the time.
Here are some pictures taken with the bowls: I also used the small sauce dishes in the Andhra Paruppu Podi picture.
I have only two black bowls, the ones you see below. They were a gift from TH and thoroughly overpriced. He got them at Nick Nish in Forum Mall, Bangalore for 90rs a piece. That’s robbery, right?
I am not really complaing because I have used them in quite a lot of pictures. They travelled with me to Singapore and were sensible enough not to break or crack under all my other luggage.
Black looks really good when you ‘shadow’ the picture in Picasa. I have heavily ‘shadowed’ all my pics taken in this bowl and it blends nicely into a black background, bringing the entire focus on the food.
Here are examples:
Good ‘ol steel bowl comes next. I have a few of these but used only one for the pic since the others are all in the fridge. These are bowls that I have in the kitchen for my day-to-day use but invariably find themselves in some picture or the other when I want them to feature in an authentic Indian recipe.
I am terribly under-stocked in good steel bowls and make do with these much-used, hand-me-downs in the kitchen.
Here are examples of some steel bowl goodness:
Like I mentioned before, I feel white works best for food pictures since its neutral and also bounces light well back on to the food. The other white bowls I have (apart from the ramekins) are below. Some I brought with me from India and some I got in Singapore. None of them are above S$ 3 a piece.
The white rectangular tray
Food pics taken in this:
The wide beige-white Ikea bowls (60 cents a piece)
Food pics taken in these:
These are the only plates I have apart from my everyday steel plates. I got these at Mustafa a week after we arrived in Singapore and needed some plates to serve guests (when we made friends and they came to visit!)
I think these were about S$ 2 a piece and I bought four. I am glad I went for basic white because they form a great base for ‘loose’ food and I love the pictures I took with these in them.
Food pics on white plate:
Here is the answer to my coloured backgrounds that many of you have asked about. Construction paper! I bought a pack for 4 dollars and they came in most of the common colours. These are A4 size so I always have to bend and break my back to make the entire picture fit in this size. But I still love them. The yellow and the blue ones you see in the pic are ruined because of oil marks on them. That’s the flip side, you can’t just wipe them with a wet cloth and re-use them, sadly. But you can always buy another pack 😉
I use these in almost all my pics but here are some example pics where I have received the most number of questions about what background I used and whether I photoshopped the colour in. Photoshop is good to have, but really not necessary, trust me!
I also bought some tissues recently from Ikea. These could form good backgrounds or bases for food pics. I haven’t tried them yet but I have a good feeling about them.
Blind-like coasters also make very good bases for food pics. I had a few when I was in Hyd but I brought only these two with me to Singapore. When I buy coasters, unless they come in pairs, I buy only one. That’s all you need anyway so why waste money.
Here are some pics using these coasters: Ok, now who wants to help me put away all these and clear up the mess? Oh God! I need to do this before TH comes to iron his clothes. This table doubles up as my photography area, ironing table and the study table from where I work if I need to get something done over the weekend.
There is a window to the left, my primary (and only) light source when I take pics.
I buy a bowl or a plate whenever I go shopping. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just colourful and of the right size. If you are just starting out, I would highly recommend getting some plain white bowls. I have a square white bowl on my wishlist, as well as a round wooden bowl to shoot raw ingredients in.
Once I am done cooking, I open my cupboard and look at these beauties inside. In under 2 mins, I instinctively know how the final picture should look like. I see it in my head. Starting off with a small yet good collection will give you flexibility and motivation to take it another step, buy that extra bowl and notice things in others’ food pictures that you may not have before. Its fun, isn’t it? I am glad I got on this bandwagon of food blogging when I did. Its made me a better person. Fatter, but better 🙂
That's a fantastic collection. Though U named it basic …but I call it detailed. Thank U.
Glad you like it!
i ve been following ur recipes for a long time and have been trying it. everytime it turns out really nice and appreciated.. I love cooking and started with baking cakes i ve been trying to write my blogs and urs is a big guideline for me to start with. ur ideas of photography are very impressive and well explained. i happen to have a small collection of kitchen wares and now i will surely use it as directed by u..
thanks a lott keep rocking .
Thanks Nags.I have been reading your post regularly.Being a new food blogger i was not sure what to purchase , this post was perfect for a new bie like me.Kudos to you.I am going to read the basics and intro post by you .
Nags,
this was an awesome post. I will follow these tips in my blogs, as I am not really good at clicking.
Rashmi
Its me again… what an awesome post! Just love it 🙂 Hsts off to u!
So nice post.. It is really helpful for beginner like me 🙂
Hey Nags!!..thanx for the tips..quite help…nice space..i am following you!!..do pass by my blog..i am trying to improve my photography skills..after reading this i am even more inspired to!!:)
Cheers
Another Splendid post Nags…:)
I had a query… can u actually show us some pics of u using these backgrounds n bases in ur home light box? How do u cover the back of ur light box? it will be good if u take some pics of the light box.. when ur using this Bgs n bases for better understanding… of dummies like me 😛
Hi Nags,
I am really able to put some good pictures in my blog by reading your articles.
Have a look…
http//sanjus-everydayliving.blogspot.com/.
Thank you very much.
Bye
Gayathri
Great post Nags,I was waiting for this one actually,since I always am awestruck at your pics,the presentation and the bowls/plates in which you photograph them.The chart paper background tip is the one I found most useful,I am always looking for great backgrounds for my pics and end up using my dupatta and sometimes the kitchen towel too!!Thank you for sharing!!
Great post, we all could use tips and tricks!
You do have great collection of colorful pots and pans. I love Indian style steel things which are hard to get here! 🙂
Wow really a generous attempt to break free the hidden treasures and tricks. Awesome dear. You rock nags. Veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy helpful.
Love your collection! I have those bowls from Ikea 12 of them:-) use them regularly at home. & I have to go look for those papers in Ikea.. looks really pretty.
You are super organized
Gourmet Mama, didn't get what exactly you mean my photoboard..
Love it! My collection is extremely small, but I am always adding to it. My sons already know that certain dishes are just for photos!
I find that posterboard works very well for photos, too, since you can just curve it up behind the item . . . eliminates that line where two pieces meet. You can see an example here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/3560786988/in/set-72157606128473093/
I also have a collection of handmade placemats that my mom wove, in many colors and my kitchen counter is black so it provides a perfect background for photos!
Love it! My collection is extremely small, but I am always adding to it. My sons already know that certain dishes are just for photos!
I find that posterboard works very well for photos, too, since you can just curve it up behind the item . . . eliminates that line where two pieces meet. You can see an example here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/3560786988/in/set-72157606128473093/
I also have a collection of handmade placemats that my mom wove, in many colors and my kitchen counter is black so it provides a perfect background for photos!
Gourmet Mama, didn't get what exactly you mean my photoboard..
Wow! You are superly-fast. Thanks for the comment!
(=
From,
Saiyidah
Thank you for sharing the info (= i guess you are pretty lucky because your tabletop is wooden itself. It doesn’t look so out of place when doing food photography.
Please see my photoblog. I do take food photographs but not as fantastic as yours but I will be honored if you were to just browse it.
Thanks!
Saiyidah
very nice post… I missed this post and glad I found it today… I have become an irregular blogger lately, but am busy hunting small bowls for my blog pictures… I don’t want to spend too much money on the bowls and plates as i don’t need anything for my home, but do need a few for my virtual entertaining(my blog)and i am only buying 1 0r 2 bowls… store keepers must be wondering why i am buying only 1 bowl, 1 platter, 1 dipping sauce.. 🙂
I love ramekins too and I like you first set of bowls a lot, very colorful.
I use napkins too for the picture but my pictures are not as good as your though…
Thanks again for this wonderful post… great job
Your blog is a visual delight.
I have not tried any of the recipes, though I also make the baby corn manchurian and fried rice the same way.
I am planning to try your stir fry Tofu on Sunday. I need to stock up on my vessel front. And colour is the way to go, as you have said.
hi, absolutely fantastic i took some of ur thoughts and am trying, I do not think I can do it like u, it is very interesting that u took all the trouble about telling us how to do it thanks very much….I might become a good student of urs, once i start photographing in day light, I cook only in nights…& photograph them in night…can u help me with it please…my pictures are so bland & yuk they look when i keep looking into everybody's each one of them seem to be great photographers…!!!
http://chubbyhubby.net/blog/?p=559
Thought this might be of intererst to you. Its taking place in Singapore.
Kiran – that was so thoughtful of you to pass this on. I had seen it a while back too. Giving it some thought 🙂
Jayasri – left a note in your blog 🙂
what’s ur address? i am coming to steal ur colorful bowls.
🙂 Great stuff and I love the mats!
Excellent post Nags. Its always interesting to peek into food blogs to see different dishes each one has. Thanks for taking time and showing us around your china cabinet. Also thanks for the excellent photography series who have started, very helpful and informative.
Nice collection of dishes..This post is very interesting and useful..Thank you very much!
Thats amazing collection Nags..all are pretty,cute and artistic..and the clicks add flavour.
I find dishes lil costly here..Thats such an amazing collection..the first set tops the list..:)
Hey Nag ….. thanks for sharing your tableware …. I have to buy tableware and its long overdue …… the tips in the post are really helpful ….. btw I am still waiting for the spring roll post 🙂
-Ashima
Thanks for all your lovely comments 🙂 This post took me a really long time and I was exhausted at the end of it. Glad you all liked it. That kinda makes it all worthwhile 🙂
great post!!! i just did some prop shopping this weekend..mainly white ones!! can’t wait to show them off.. 🙂
Wow excellent collection:
http://justurs.blogspot.com/2009/02/magnificent-click-contest-2009.html contest.
That a very helpful post Nags…well written…my collection too is expanding slowly…I even borrow from neighbours:)
its really beautiful… i have some of these lying around some where and never paid any attention. these stuff looks really beautiful when cleaned and clicked properly.thanks
wow nags..thats a super duper series!…kudos for writing this!
LOL on the last sentence. You know you are funny! 🙂
You are super organized
Good post…
Love your collection! I have those bowls from Ikea 12 of them:-) use them regularly at home. & I have to go look for those papers in Ikea.. looks really pretty.
This was an interesting post well written post.You shared a lot of good information and some cute bowls!
Wow really a generous attempt to break free the hidden treasures and tricks. Awesome dear. You rock nags. Veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy helpful.
Great post, we all could use tips and tricks!
You do have great collection of colorful pots and pans. I love Indian style steel things which are hard to get here! 🙂
Cool collection you have Nags! And thanx for sharing all your tips with these.
Great post Nags,I was waiting for this one actually,since I always am awestruck at your pics,the presentation and the bowls/plates in which you photograph them.The chart paper background tip is the one I found most useful,I am always looking for great backgrounds for my pics and end up using my dupatta and sometimes the kitchen towel too!!Thank you for sharing!!
Lovely collection of bowls and plates. Well written post. Thanks for sharing.
thanks for sharing all this info:-)
Ditto ….i too never feel like investing much in different cutlery or bowls(though i would love to in case i get some sponsor …lolz)And yeah white always gives better results,so i almost always use them,though my personal experience says that translucent bowls and plates dont give that rich effect than the opaque sturdy bowls.I have just one Opal set which i always use and to confess here,i am letting u know that when i need some wide presentation of food like pulav or kofta etc,where i need more surface area,i use my White opaque fruit bowl for tht(oops )
Well u r doing gr8 job ,where it comes to sharing photography secrets,will wait for many more to come
Wow Nags, you have a pretty collection – the colours are lovely and used really well in your posts. thanks for all the info – hope to start using all this info in my future posts.
Asha – I know! Pretty much same in Singapore. Steel bowls are expensive. This time I go to India, I have some specific things in mind 🙂
Those are pretty collection of serving dishes you have! I love the black one the most and red bowls too!
And yeah,its fun to click everything,but clearing everything is a bit frustrating job…
Thanks anyway for sharing those!