Cook, Shoot, Eat. Rice Squares with maple syrup.

[wlou]

Or where Louise learned how Maple Syrup can be a difficult model to take direction for a photo shoot. As soon as I drizzled the golden liquid on the squares it got absorbed into the rice and nut mixture, not holding still for a second. Now I know why traditionaly at the sugar shack it is pored on snow outside. It hardens nicely so you can roll a wooden spoon in it an have a pop sickle of a kind. The red berries are Cranberries. Yummy,chewy,tar and sweet.

About the picture, your comments are appreciated.

[Andrew1]

For a picture with the syrup on the outside of the square, first spray the square with lacquer or Varthane. Depending on the shot you want you will have to decide ahead of time on the finish. Semi-gloss would be the first place I'd start.

[Mike Buckley]

You're really getting consistent and good at this stuff, Louise. The direct reflection in the bowl of maple syrup is not only artistic but also reveals the shape of the surface.

For a completely different composition, consider a closeup of the maple syrup dripping from the spoon onto the square. That solves your issue of the syrup immediately disappearing into the mixture of rice and nuts. Back light the syrup and slivers (of almond or coconut?) for a really luscious effect.

[wlou]

Dripping maple syrup, what a great idea Mike, why did I not think of that?

[Mike Buckley]

why did I not think of that?

Because you didn't want sticky fingers.

[wlou]

Andrew, ROFLOL, too funny. The solution of course would be to reduce the syrup to a thicker consistency by boiling it a bit. A lot better for your health anyway.

[Mike Buckley]

reduce the syrup to a thicker consistency by boiling it a bit.

What does that do to the flavor? I'm guessing that it could be very pleasing. I don't have to guess that cleaning the pan afterward is not nearly so appealing.

[Shadowman]

Nicely composed.

[Mike Buckley]

Louise,

I tried something in preparation for when I eventually get around to photographing food and you might like the results: Select everything except the squares and the bamboo place mat. Slightly darken the selected area.

[Loose Canon]

Jeez Louise (Been waiting to say that)!

Your lighting looks great.

Your comp looks great. In all respects. The bamboo, the wood surface, the blue napkin to compliment the blue trimmed bowl, the portions, the artistically placed accouterments…

Only thing I would wonder is if the shot might use a locally selective contrast boost and another sharpening pass? And watch your specular highlights in the bowl and any specs on the surface.

But Louise?

I am officially putting you in for “Official CiC Resident Food Photographer”. You are really banging this thing.

So get ready to answer all “how to” questions!

[wlou]

Terry your comments are very inspiring and I shall continue my journey in the fun and exciting field of Food Photography. Lets see what I can shoot next? Joke aside, I have read and look at a great deal of books,magazines and videos on the subject as well as talking to you guys and everyone interested in food. It seems to me everyone likes food! The principles of lighting and camera settings are a bit different than outside shoots. As you point out, food stuff often has wet surfaces that reflect light from everywhere. The use of white cards, external flashes, gobos(anything that goes between the subject and the light source) and overall set up of the scene are all part of learning photography and will be useful in any type of shooting. Post processing is also part of it. I strive to achieve the best in camera photo, unfortunately, camera or the photographer are not "the best" yet, so post processing is required. As I have no formal training, I learn as I go. The process is fascinating. Thanks again for viewing and commenting.

Jeez Louise (Been waiting to say that)!

Your lighting looks great.

Your comp looks great. In all respects. The bamboo, the wood surface, the blue napkin to compliment the blue trimmed bowl, the portions, the artistically placed accouterments…

Only thing I would wonder is if the shot might use a locally selective contrast boost and another sharpening pass? And watch your specular highlights in the bowl and any specs on the surface.

But Louise?

I am officially putting you in for “Official CiC Resident Food Photographer”. You are really banging this thing.

So get ready to answer all “how to” questions!

[Loose Canon]

The principles of lighting and camera settings are a bit different than outside shoots. As you point out, food stuff often has wet surfaces that reflect light from everywhere. The use of white cards, external flashes, gobos(anything that goes between the subject and the light source) and overall set up of the scene are all part of learning photography and will be useful in any type of shooting. Post processing is also part of it.
The process is fascinating.

And that just about sums it up!

Well said, Louise!

[Mike Buckley]

It seems to me everyone likes food!

If I had the luxury of choosing just one thing that I could do without, it would be sleeping. I have a very good friend who would choose to do without eating. Ironically, she's a terrific cook.

[vaez]

nice image special colore

[wlou]

Thanks Terry, keep on shooting.

And that just about sums it up!

Well said, Louise!

[wlou]

Thanks Vaez, I am glad you liked the colors. I pay particular attention to it. I know some of you are used to see Rice squares a whiter colour. This one does not contain marshmallow, rather it has nut butter and maple syrup so it is more brown.