Dobos Torte After & Before
Photo Title & Link: Dobos Torte
Blog Name & Link: Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy
Equipment Used: Canon Rebel XTi with 100 mm Macro Lens; Manfrotto tripod legs with Really Right Stuff ball head; remote shutter release;
Technical Details: The shot was taken on a rainy day by a southeast facing window. I used two Lowell Ego Lights, one to the right and behind the subject and the other on the left , facing it.
Photo Editing: Using Photoshop Elements, I first adjusted the shadows and highlights. Then, I adjusted the levels to get a whitewashed effect in the background, and to brighten up the cake. After that, I sharpened the photo using the unsharp mask.
I still wasn’t happy with the composition, so I tried cropping it a few different ways to see if I could make it more interesting. This was the version I liked best.
Setup Details: I used white foamboard to cover my window seat and for the background. I set the cake in the center and put a small white milk pitcher behind it on one side and a small white bowl of raspberries behind it on the other side. For some reason, I found the berries distracting, so I cropped them out. I really liked the way the pitcher kind of fades into the background.
Props: 8-inch white plate for the cake, white milk pitcher, and white bowl filled with raspberries.
Additional Food Photography Tips: There is a lot you can do with Photoshop Elements to make your pictures pop, and it costs less than $100. Before you spend a small fortune on the full version of PS, play around with Elements. I’ve been using it for over a year and am pretty happy with it. I plan to upgrade some day, but I’d rather save my money right now to buy another great lens for my camera.
Also, I’ve really gotten fond of using Picnik, and it is free.
Just a few announcements:
- The winner, drawn by Random.org, of the Boneca Linda Camera Strap is…. Jamie from My Baking Addiction. Thank you Jamie for your participation and congratulations! You can pick out your camera strap by visiting the Boneca Linda Etsy Store here.
- All entries for the month of September will be entered to win a new copy of the book Digital Food Photography by Lou Manna. Snapshot spotlights, individual posts and Through the Lens participants are all included in each months drawing. The more you contribute, the more chances you have to win!
- Speaking of Through the Lens… we hope you’ll join us in our current Through the Lens assignment. Imagine you have been asked by a magazine to photograph a Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich. How would you approach that assignment? Check out the details on Through the Lens here. Deadline is Thursday, September 10th.
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I’ve been hesitant to buy any lights but they look like they would help me a bunch. AND they don’t look like they cost too much. Do they collapse to save space? Maybe a good anniversary gift – photography equipment is the 16th anniversary gift year right?
Amy J´s last blog ..Pumpkin pecan ice cream… fall is coming fast!
I have been thinking of making a loghtbox for myself but have gotten way too comfortable with natural light. Given that we have a 365 day sun, I have become adept at utilising natural light. But this would be absolutely perfect w when I get those mid night baking urges which have to be held off until morning, just so that I can photograph correctly.
Amazing what one can do to help a picture along its way to perfection!!
Jen @ MaplenCornbread´s last blog ..Chocolate Fudge Cake with Peanut Butter Mousse Frosting
I’ve been thinking about getting the lights too. I have a lightbox, but I find it to be confining to set up the backdrops within the little box. I’ve enjoyed shooting with natural light all summer but as it starts to get dark earlier it may be time to revisit the Lowells.
Kathy – Panini Happy´s last blog ..Last Chance! Panini Grill & Cookbook Giveaway
Yeah, I’m pretty much NOT looking forward to winter photographing. I may have to check out these lights too. Summer has been so nice. I’d love to hear feedback from those who have lights or other solutions for winter photographing.
Beautiful after photo! I love how you cropped it.
Katie @ goodLife {eats}´s last blog ..Recipe Index + Happy Weekend
For the people asking about the Lowell Ego Lights, I got one of those earlier this year and I LOVE it. I used to shoot exclusively in natural light, but then I moved to an apartment with almost no natural light so getting nice pictures became impossible. Getting the light really saved my blog as I don’t think I would have continued otherwise. Plus now I post more dinner stuff since I can take pics at night (which is when I do most of my cooking/baking anyway).
It’s extremely bright white and pretty large (it does not fold up unless you want to take it apart all the time). I get by with only one and a smaller lamp without a shade. I’ll probably wind up getting a second one at some point, though.
Anyway, the picture looks great. I agree that the cropping is really nice. I think it really helped highlight the dessert.
Emily´s last blog ..Pineapple Upside Down Cake Frozen Yogurt (no ice cream maker required!)
I was getting on to comment about the lights too! I’ve been eying those for almost a year now and I’m thinking I might get them. I’m just trying to decide if I should spring for the double set. Most people who have one and like it say they wish they had another. Hmmm…
I love the final shot in this post too- beautiful!
Sara @ Our Best Bites´s last blog ..Southwest Burgers
I really need to buy a set of those Lowell lights. All I shoot with is natural light and that is getting harder to do as the days shorten. Nice shot, Susan—it looks delectable!
Sandie (Inn Cuisine)´s last blog ..A Must Make! (Recipe: Snack Mix Bars)