Makes me hungry...

"Your photographs are making me hungry."

Probably one of the best comments a food photographer can hear from a client!

The recent cook book release of Cypress has been a hit.

Chef Craig Deihl is quite talented and a breath of fresh air here in beautiful Charleston and my favorite happens to be Sashimi tuna served over Kumomoto Oysters with a dab of Pineapple-Wasabi and a Cilantro Lime glaze.

Taking great photographs of raw seafood on a bed of packed ice for presentation is no easy task! As a professional I bring in many lights, scrims, reflectors etc, to create the image above.

But you don't have to!

Here are a few great tips on taking a snapshot while in your favorite restaurant-

• Try to get a table by the window during the day and in the best lit area at night.


• Turn off that flash! (Or turn the setting to slow-sync if you know how)


• Set camera to the Macro setting if it has one.


• Increase the ISA if light is dim (400-800 or auto-ISA).


• Get in close and down low... 45 degree angles and shots straight down are boring.


• Take more than ONE! Do not be afraid to turn the plate for the best view.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if these tips help and don't be afraid to send one of your pics...

Rick