magazine
2024.09.07

Feel Happy Just by Looking: Tips for Photographing Your Table | Focus #185

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cover image by はくらく

Table photos capture the joy and deliciousness of the moment. To take photos that make you happy just by looking at them, it's important to keep a few key points in mind. This time, we will introduce specific ways to take memorable table photos.

Methods for Beautiful Plating in Photos

Beauty Starts with Plating

Plating greatly affects the appearance of photos. Aim for simple and neat plating, and try to highlight the shape and color of the dishes. By adding height differences and considering symmetry, you can take visually balanced and beautiful photos. Adding accents with sauces or herbs can further enhance the photo.

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Image by ayako

Overhead Shooting Techniques

A Fresh Shot from Directly Above

Overhead shooting is ideal for table photos as it can evenly showcase the entire dish and tableware. Fix the camera directly above and capture the entire table within the frame. Using a tripod helps take stable, blur-free photos. Before shooting, arrange the overall layout and ensure no unnecessary items are in the frame.

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Image by スタジオ321

Aiming for a Professional Finish

Choosing the right lens and camera settings is crucial for taking beautiful table photos. A wide-angle lens can capture expansive photos, while a macro lens can vividly capture the details of the dishes. Set the ISO low and the aperture between F8 and F11 for clear photos with everything in focus. Also, adjust the white balance appropriately to faithfully reproduce the colors of the dishes.

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 Image by mitake

Things to Consider When Shooting Overhead

The Importance of Balance and Symmetry

In overhead shooting, balance and symmetry are very important. If the arrangement of dishes and tableware is uneven, the entire photo may look cluttered. Check the overall balance before shooting and adjust the arrangement as needed. Also, pay attention to the lighting, ensuring it is evenly distributed for a bright and beautiful photo.

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Image by nozomi

Choosing and Arranging Tableware

The Key to Stylish Tableware Selection

The choice and arrangement of tableware greatly influence the atmosphere of the photo. Selecting simple and cohesive tableware can highlight the dishes. Consider color coordination to ensure the colors of the dishes and tableware harmonize. Combining different sizes and shapes of tableware can add movement and depth to the photo. Arrange the main dish to stand out and guide the viewer's gaze.

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Image by shizuku

How was it?

Keep these points in mind and try taking wonderful photos that make you happy just by looking at them.
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