I’ve put off writing this post for some time because I still have a lot to learn about composition. But now I feel comfortable enough to talk about the basics of composition. What is that exactly? Trying to put in simple words such a huge concept: it is the placement and arrangement of your food inside the frame of your picture. In other words, it is the way the food will “come together” in the picture.
In the professional world of food photography, food styling and composition are jobs done by two different people, the food stylist and the photographer. In a past post I already talked about the art of making your food look pretty for the camera. But composition, in the other hand, is a job done mostly behind the lens.
There are several rules and guidelines that apply when composing your picture (I will talk about them in future posts), but it is worth mentioning that food photography, like in any other art, will be perceived differently by different people. This is because our experiences, cultures and backgrounds are different thus affecting the way we perceive the world. Most of us have experienced this first hand when submitting pictures to two of the most popular food porn sites on the blog-o-sphere. I’ve heard so many people wonder why one site will accept a picture while the other rejects it and vice-versa.
That is also the reason why composition is so difficult to understand and manipulate for many people (I include myself here). But like in any other aspect of food photography, it takes some time, practice and patience to get a hold of. I didn’t even know the whole meaning of the concept until I read Digital Food Photography by Lou Manna, an excellent book that covers the basic principles of food photography.
But before I go into details about the mechanics of composition, I want you to look at the first two pictures of these yummy blueberry pancakes (the flying ones) and tell me what you think about the way they are presented within the frame of the picture. Does the picture work for you? Is the subject centered? Does the placement of the pancakes draw your attention to them? Does it convey a sense of movement or stillness? In other words, I’d love to know the way you perceive the subject within the frame.
After that, and if you are game, you can come to the forum and have your pictures commented by other members. Share them with us to know what other people think about their composition. I think that before going into detailed techniques and mechanics it is a good idea to think about how the placement of the food inside the frame can draw attention to the main subject (or drive it away from it).
For now I leave you with this delicious blueberry pancakes (which I made the same way than these mango pancakes only replacing the mango with blueberries). I know mapple syrup and pancakes is a well-established marriage, but I like been disloyal by eating my pancakes with sweetened condensed milk. Trust me on this one, this is something you’ll want to do over and over again.
This last image is my entry to Click, the monthly event dedicated to food photography. This month’s theme is bi-color and although there are more than two colors, with this picture I was going for dark and light. Hopefully it fits the theme.
¡Buen provecho!
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Marta
Thanks for this post Ben! I think you take great photos and love to learn from you!
I feel the composition of the first photo is better. Only because, to my un-trained and slightly-ignorant eye, it looks like the package is flying toward you (desirable situation when you’re hungry for breakfast!) and this makes you focus on it more. The secod photo the pancake sort of faces its back to you, so it’s not as much of a commanding presence.
I loooooove condensed milk
joan nova
Instinctively, I agree with Marta…however, I really love the third shot with the milk! And, I give up…how do you make pancakes fly?
Soma
Love the first & the last picture. last one is delish.. the first one, love the concept & the art.. how did u do it? or is that a secret?
Angie's Recipes
The photos are incredible!
I like the first photo more……that makes me want more pancakes!
Thanks, Ben, for sharing the tips and tricks on photographing….I still have so much more to learn!
Angie’s Recipes
Biz
Never thought to used condensed milk on pancakes before! They look delicious!
Cynthia
That’s a good book, I have a copy and refer to it often. With the first two photographs, I like the very first one because I get to see more of the subject and I feel that the pancake is being “lifted” to be put on my plate. As a personal preference, I might have like to see fingers or a hand moving it or tongs because it gives the impression of some invisible force moving it
Now the last photograph, oh yeah, I WANT THOSE PANCAKES NOW! And served with condensed milk?! Ben I am so making some of those soon. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your posts!
Vanessa
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the photography, but you got me completely mesmerized by the condensed milk addition!!! You just buy a can at the grocery store??? uh, must try!
The Duo Dishes
You’re a good reference for newbies like us.
mochachocolatarita
The flying pancake totally caught my eye! I was wondering if you were lifting the top pancake in the first photo with an invisible wire ala flying kungfu movies speciall effects! LOL
Well done! the pictures are absolutely mouth watering.
Maria
Your photos are beyond amazing. Love them!
Teresa
You rock Ben. How in the world did you make the pancakes (the top one) look like it was flying, or falling into place? That is so cool. Food photography is a very specialized craft. I am so thrilled that you ave taught yourself to be so professional. Love your pictures chico.
Ivy
Thanks for sharing this with us Ben. You’ve accomplished so much by reading and your photos are now perfect and very professional.
Tim
I like the final pic the most (and heck yes on the condensed milk). The floating pancake pics look cool, but as photos of food they don’t grab me as much. I personally can connect more and get more excited about food in photographs when the food is behaving like food. Or rather, when I’m craving pancakes I’m seeing a mental picture of a stack with syrup dripping over them rather than levitating.
Still, how did you do it?
Ninette
Te be honest, I don’t like either flying pancake picture because there’s no context for the movement. I had a “huh?” moment. If the other pancakes were in motion, I think the concept would work better.
Other than the flying pancake, the photos are beautiful. I like the third pic the best!
Jen of a2eatwrite
These series have been really interesting, Ben. I love all your photos today. How on earth did you get the pancake flying up?
Peter G
Good tips and great advice as always! I prefer the last one as it really makes me hungry looking at it! And today I discovered something new! Condensed milk on pancakes…delish!
[eatingclub] vancouver || js
I’m looking forward to part 2 and have been loving your series on food photography. Just thought I’d say that now.
Gera @ SweetsFoods
Excellent and informative post Ben!! I struggle with the food composition and shots every time I take a picture. The blueberry pancakes look fantastic
Cheers,
Gera
Peter
Ben, these photog posts are always full of sage advice, thank you. I wonder if some of your pics get rejected? They must be nuts!
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Chris S
I like the first picture of the pancakes because the top one is lifted on the front edge so it looks like the pancakes are talking to me, saying, "Ricky Bobby! Say you love really thin pancakes or I will break your arm!" And then I just find myself eating everything in site.
Charissa
Haha, love the flying pancakes thing! My favourite photo is the last one…love action photos that make you feel like you're right there!