Food Photography Techniques for Capturing Minimalist Cooking

The rise of minimalist cooking is changing the art of food photography. The following is a look at some of the techniques adopted by photographers to capture the simplicity and the spirit of this modern cuisine. Whether it is because of the recession or a genuine desire to downsize and simplify, minimalist cooking has become extremely popular.  Everything from expensive and hard to acquire  ingredients to rarely used, specialized utensils and equipment have been pared back to the bare minimum. Less is definitely more. Many photographers have noticed this change, either consciously or intuitively and are evolving and adapting their techniques to suit. The old sumptuous saturated glistening overfilled image just doesn't seem to be a good match for this new approach to cooking and food in general.

The photographers who get this and have a feel for the subject have started to utilize a few specific techniques which serve to emphasize the subject matter but in a much more understated way and this article will lay out a few of these basic techniques. It is not intended to be a comprehensive photography primer and most of the techniques will not require expensive equipment. It needs to be stated though, that even a basic dSLR camera will be capable of much more flexibility than even the best point and shoot due to the amount of control available to the operator. This does not mean however that perfectly acceptable results cannot be achieved with the point and shoots, just that the range of possibilities is smaller.

Food Techniques

Simplicity is the Key

When composing the shot keep things very simple, plain white plates and brushed steel or plain counter tops work very well. If the image needs a bit of additional color, a sprig of a fresh herb such as sage is more than enough. Shoot on a level with or just a few degrees above the food. We are used to looking down on food and, in photography, offering a fresh perspective is always a good idea as it wakes the viewer's brain up. It also adds interesting possibilities for lighting but more about that later.

A blurred background is generally a good thing as this emphasizes the subject. This can be achieved by either using a long lens e.g. a 300ml with a wide aperture from a few feet away with a dSLR or by utilizing the macro setting on a point and shoot and getting in really close, normally within a foot of the subject. Both of these approaches have the added benefit of giving a very narrow depth of field. This means that only a small proportion of even the main subject is likely to be in focus. This concentrates the viewer's attention even more. 

The Tripod

The only piece of equipment that is essential for taking high quality food photographs, other than a camera of course, is a tripod. It may not be required for every single shot but not having one would rule out a lot of potentially good shots. The choices would be between a small  tabletop model, probably best with the smaller point and shoot camera. This would enable the tripod to be set on the same surface as the item being photographed, very useful when the camera has to be close to the food. There is a small tripod available that has flexible legs enabling it to be wrapped around objects such as  tree branches and signpost poles. This type of support would come into its own for say, picnics or barbecues. The bigger dSLR cameras tend to be too heavy for the smaller tripods  and generally require a normal sized model. The advice usually given to photographers is to buy the most expensive tripod that they can afford. I would say buy the tripod that will do the job without breaking the bank.

Whatever tripod is used always either release the camera's shutter remotely or use the timed delay function built into just about every camera now on the market. Pressing the shutter causes the camera to vibrate so doing this off camera or giving the camera time to settle down before the shutter release makes for a much sharper photograph. This leads us to the main reason for using a tripod: the photograph can be taken in natural light, i.e. flash isn't essential. As a rule of thumb good natural light is always preferable to artificial if the choice is between one or the other but often the best photographs use a combination of the two.

Lighting

While the above applies to food photography in general  there are specific lighting approaches that give a more minimalist feel. The use of a very strong  back light is one such approach. The best source is a window that occupies the entire background. This will give a very bright background with any colors reduced to pastels and objects such as trees, cars or other buildings reduced to abstract shapes. Now if this were the only light source used the food itself would be silhouetted and appear far too dark so a little fill light is needed. This is a blast of light from the camera's flash that is not as powerful as it would be if there was no ambient light but is powerful enough to illuminate the main subject. Point and shoot cameras generally have a setting that automates this process while a little more experimentation may be required with dSLRs and flashes.

A couple of quick points about lighting that applies to all photography. Direct light is harsh and produces heavy sharp shadows. I think that it is safe to say that in all minimalist food photography this is a bad thing so we need to soften the light. This applies to both natural and artificial light. With expensive off camera flashes a small diffuser that fits over the bulb is usually enough. In the case of smaller cameras with built in flashes a little ingenuity goes a long way. If the flash can be covered with a piece of semi transparent clear plastic or even a piece of greaseproof paper results can be improved dramatically. The worse light source for photography is the small built in flash units on cheaper cameras. As for natural light, direct sunlight is to be avoided which is why a North or south facing window is best. If direct sunlight is the only option then a semi transparent plastic shower curtain attached to a frame of plastic piping makes for a great diffuser.

The Computer

Of course the process does not end with pressing the shutter. Once the session is finished, or even during the session, the images are uploaded to a computer and edited. Usually the editing consists of little more than a bit of sharpening, a slight color correction or a minor crop. It is possible to use the computer for just these technical chores but, with a little imagination, the computer, can become a creative tool in it's own right. A minimalist approach to photography requires an awareness of what is essential to the image and what is incidental. It is often possible to lose information by increasing the exposure at this stage, often an increase of two thirds to a full stop can really make an image pop. Part of the reason that this is so effective is because it makes dull and off  whites bright. This effect is often used in fashion photography but works equally well with food. 

Technique and Eye

There is no great mystery regarding what makes for great minimalist food photography. The best advice, as with all types of photography, is to find images that you like which were taken by others, see which techniques were applied, then practice. Hopefully a combination of good technique and a practiced eye will produce something unique. The following techniques work well for me: diffuse natural light from behind the subject and fill flash to fully illuminate the subject; a low point of view, get close to the same level as the food; blur the background and aim for a small depth of field; on the computer, sharpen the image a little, crop and color correct if required. Above all, experiment and have fun. One day I may be practicing and writing about a technique that you have discovered.

Food Photography Techniques for Capturing Minimalist Cooking

straightforward Baby Food Recipes

Homemade baby food is the best option when it comes to feeding your baby. Baby food recipes are so easy to make and are far healthier than buying jarred baby food. Make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer. Listed are a few recipes for simple, healthy, homemade baby food.

Almost everything your baby will eat in the first 6 months of their lives will be pureed. Purees are so straightforward and very health for your baby as they are fresh and only need one or two ingredients. Fresh food for your baby can be as straightforward as mashing a ripe, peeled banana or throwing it into a blender with a bit of breast milk to give it a smooth consistency. This is far great for your baby than purchasing jarred banana baby food. Your baby deserves the best, so take 2 minutes and whip up the healthier version for them to enjoy.

Food Recipe

When your baby is ready to enjoy more textured foods there are several easy recipes to try.

Cook fruit such as pears or nectarines in boiling water. Once soft drain the fruit, put it in the blender and add rice or oat cereal to thicken the aggregate and add texture.

Babies loved mashed potatoes and there are so many things you can add to make them a bit more enchanting and nutritious for your baby. They are also a great way to disguise some foods your baby may not like on its own. Boil potatoes until fully cooked. Puree in a blender with a little bit of butter. Serve them plain or add green beans, broccoli, cooked egg yolk or even add meat such as chicken or beef. There are many things you can add to mashed potatoes that will be good for your baby and add nutritional value. Experiment with different foods to see what they like.

Another great recipe for babies is to blend plain yogurt with fruit and add a little bit of cinnamon. Cinnamon is so good for you - it's a bit strong on its own but the flavor will blend nicely with yogurt and fruit. You can mix any fruit with yogurt, anything your baby likes. This is an easy and healthy alternative to serving store bought mixed yogurts to your baby, which are filled with added sugar.

Once your baby starts to eat meat there are a few things you can try. Puree skinless, boneless chicken with avocado, cooked broccoli or sweet potatoes. Or you may want to add rice. Add ½ cup cooked chicken and ¼ cup cooked rice with 2 tablespoons of milk to a blender and puree. This is a great alternative to jarred chicken and rice baby food which likely has added salt and doesn't taste nearly as good. Make a larger batch and freeze in small sections. When ready to use again take it out of the freezer with sufficient time to thaw. Reheat and serve to your baby.

Homemade food is far great for your baby. It's nutritional, fresh and so easy to make. There are endless recipes to try when making baby food. Baby food recipes are so easy when your baby is under a year as most recipes need only a few ingredients. As your baby gets older try dishes with more collection and introduce your baby to as many healthy, nutrient packed foods as possible.

straightforward Baby Food Recipes

Let's make Cheesy Bread for Party

Ingredients

• 4 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Green onion, finely chopped
• 4 oz. mayonnaise or ranch dressing
• 3 or 4 minced garlic cloves
• 4 oz. soft butter
• A loaf Italian or French bread

Instructions

1. Mix the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese and chopped green onion (to taste) in a small mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise or ranch dressing, and stir it until the mixture is blended.
2. Place the minced garlic, Italian seasonings and butter in a separate bowl and mix it together until it's smooth and creamy. Add the garlic mixture to the cheese mixture and blend.
3. Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over each of the two halves.
4. Preheat the broiler and put the cheesy bread under the broiler for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the bread when the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown. Check the bread often so it doesn't burn.

How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara

Quick and easy, this is a delicious, rich brunch or dinner entree - and it's really just pasta with bacon and eggs!

Serves six people.

1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place a large ovenproof casserole in the oven.
2. Cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
3. Beat the eggs gently together with the cream until just combined. Set aside.
4. Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain well.
5. Immediately take the casserole out of the oven and put the pasta in it.
6. Add the butter to the casserole and toss. Pour the egg mixture into the casserole and toss again.
7. Add the pancetta, cheese, and parsley and toss well again. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings
- Pancetta is an Italian type of bacon found in many supermarkets and delis. If you can't find it, use regular American bacon instead.
- That's right, you don't "cook" the eggs; the heat of the pasta cooks them, making a silky sauce.
- Some people think it's sacrilege to have cream in carbonara - you can leave it out if you like.

Foods that wake you up in the morning [last 4]

5. Soy
It contains compounds called isoflavones, which help clear the mind (and struggle with the loss of memory, too). Drink a glass of calcium-fortified soymilk, pour it over whole grain cereal or a bet, some sliced tofu in an omelet.

6. Ice water
Little frosty glass of H2O to get your blood pumping. In cold shock force your system to protect its normal temperature, which gives your metabolism a slight increase.

7. Coffee
But, of course! Caffeine helps alertness by wetting chemical called adenosine that otherwise block the energy activation of brain chemicals. As a result, you think faster, drive better and remember more. Just know your jitter threshold - I get too wired can undermine effectiveness.

8. If all else will not work
Post a tin of ginger theme Altoids, a few Red Hots, or a package of Listerine strips next to your alarm. When the buzzer is turned off, pop one or two of them in the mouth before pushing the snooze button. It is almost impossible to sleep in that "curiously strong" flavor to wake up your mouth!

In addition, facing the day - we all must, eventually - the real benefit of switching to the "on" in the morning is that your brain starts buzzing, absorbing the information and a sense of news. And life becomes a pupil can do as RealAge 2.5 years younger.

Foods that wake you up in the morning [first 4]

There are problems in the transition from dreams to realityville? Head to the kitchen. What you eat can help you be more alert, think more, it is clear that more energy, and even more creative, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Food and mood. Assuming that you have clocked at least 7 hours of sleep, these products will get you focused and in a sense, as the morning person - even if you are absolutely wrong.

1. A spoonful of sweetness
A TAD of sugar in coffee or honey in smoothiestimulates release of acetylcholine, the brain chemical that contributes to memory. But do not overdo it or you will feel rather sleepy. Excess sweets may increase the level of serotonin in the sleep-inducing high.

2. A whole-wheat Bublik
Your brain Primo fuel glucose, the basic building block of carbohydrates. So, after fasting the night, your brain is on Red Alert for CARB to correct. But you do not need a lot - half of all wheat Bublik would increase the speed of your engine. So will a bowl of oatmeal. Pick your fave.

3. Liquid oxygen that Bublik
Salmon contains a fat known as DHA, which is 97% omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. You need to get a lot of mental decks cleared for action - part of the DHA is to carry away cellular waste products that make your brain feel sluggish.

4. Spicy V8
Hot food and amp up the blood flow, which is warming your engines. If your tomatoes are very acidic in the morning, toss in tablespoon peeled fresh ginger in hot tea or a cold smoothie on a similar rush.

How to avoid double-dating disasters

Our friends are so cheap! They itemize everything they eat — down to the penny. What do we do?

If they're the type to haggle over the bill, suggest splitting it 50/50 but offer to pick up the tip if you think your order was pricier. You'll probably wind up spending more dough than you would have if you'd itemized, but it'll spare you the headache. Or suggest cheap eats like Mexican, Indian, or burgers. Better yet, have them over to your place for a free meal. How could they argue with that?

Two couples we introduced are making plans to go out without us. How do we not take it personally?

Ouch. But look at it objectively — maybe they live close to each other, are both Red Wings fans, or work in the same industry. While your instinct may be to reinsert yourself into the pack or make a comment about it, back off. Anything you say will sound like, "Waaah, you like them better than us!" and make you look jealous. Instead, seek out new friends so you won't care as much what those four are up to.

My guy really doesn't like my best friend. Is there anything I can do to help them get along?

You love her high-pitched squeal and the way she smells her food before she eats it. Your guy isn't as much of a fan. Normally, you'd say, "Well, he'll deal," but how can he when you're double-dating with her and her guy every other weekend? While he may never get the appeal of your friend, explain how good she is to you and how supportive she is of your relationship. When you do make plans with your BFF and her guy, let him decide the agenda. That way, he can at least enjoy the activity, even if he's not digging the company.

We hang out with this couple who always plays the comparison game. How do we not get competitive?

Chances are they're just looking for an excuse to brag. When they ask you about your home value or what you're planning for your anniversary, put it back on them. Say something like, "Oh, who wants to talk mortgages ... tell me about that great kitchen remodel of yours!" It's a hot-seat ejector. But if hanging out with them always makes you feel worse, cut them off, end of story.

My guy's buddy's wife is the most boring woman on earth. Help!

Hey, not everyone can be as fab as you are! No matter how boring this woman is, she's not going anywhere (sorry). Even the dullest people have interests, so ask her what she's into. If you still can't find common ground, bring up hot celeb gossip and ask for her opinion. At least you'll have 5 to 10 minutes out of the way!

My friend's husband is a little bizarre, and my guy can't stand him. How can I make double-dates smoother?

Simple: Minimize the chitchat. When couple friends get together (especially if the two women are friends and the guys are the obligated tagalongs), the girls wind up gabbing and ignoring the guys, who are then forced to talk to each other. But men aren't like women — they're physical, action-oriented and not likely to spend hours catching up over Chardonnay. So if you want the guys to get along, put them in an environment where there's little opportunity to talk. Really, they'll be fine! Suggest a football game, bowling, a concert — all activities that'll keep them busy and distracted.