Category Archives: Howto’sInformation on how-to do certain things to create special effect in your photography
Thursday, January 21, 2010 15:19
Posted in Howto's, Photography 33 comments
 For today’s post I am gonna try and explain how you can solve some of the problems that occur when shooting in low light or at night. Especially at this time of year it seems to be impossible to shoot your dinner in daylight since, well, most people don’t eat their main meal during lunchtime...
Posted in Howto's, Photography
Tags: foodphotography, light, low light, Photography
lisaiscooking - January 21, 2010 - 16:37
Great information here! This makes me wish I had a studio, but the principles could definitely be applied at home. Thanks for the tips! [Reply] 
Pei-Lin - January 21, 2010 - 17:11
Dear Simone, Thanks a million for sharing the knowledge, especially for a photography noob like me, this is a great help!! Really! I just briefly skimmed thru. Am so gonna look at it in details this weekend. Gotta work tomorrow! =) I love your blog! So cheerful! Keep it up! [Reply] 
Taga_Luto (Pia) - January 21, 2010 - 17:52
Thank you, thank you! I truly appreciate that you’re sharing your knowledge w/ photography. I can’t wait to follow your tips. I need a trip to lowe’s asap. [Reply] 
Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. - January 21, 2010 - 18:10
Great tips. I put the link to your post on Twitter. I’ll also mention it in my next food photog post [Reply] 
Kathy from healthy-happy-life.com - January 21, 2010 - 19:06
Wow such a detailed post. I am a self-taught food photographer, so these types of posts always intrigue me. I love your experimental approach. Thanks for taking the time to post such a wide variety of photos. AWESOME! Kathy [Reply] 
Miriam/The Winter Guest - January 21, 2010 - 19:16
Mmmm, raw format… I’ve got to try again, because the thing is that my current software doesn’t open raw… [Reply] 
Sarah G - January 21, 2010 - 20:14
This is so helpful and informative. Thank you for all your effort. I can hardly wait until I am in my own home and can set up for better pictures. [Reply] 
Asha@FSK - January 21, 2010 - 20:29
Fantastic post!!! Thanks so much for all this information. I don’t yet have an SLR, just a basic point & shoot (canon A590)..It takes sad pix in low light, so I have been forced to change my cooking routine..lol.. Am gonna see if it’ll allow me to change the white balance as you suggest.. That will make me (more imp, the hub,lol) so much happier!!! [Reply] 
Neel | Learn Food Photography - January 21, 2010 - 20:39
Wonderful information. There is so much to explore on the subject of lighting and you have covered some wonderful basics/not so basics too I found several things helpful Just few things that I observed. Thank you for sharing this with us. [Reply] 
Monica - January 21, 2010 - 20:40
Having just started a food blog, and need all the help I can get in improving my food pictures and now that it goes dark early in the afternoon I needed a solution to bring the “fake” daylight in. I been reading in how to make light boxes and using lights and here you come along with these great tips! I’m so excited to try them out and see the results, which I’m SURE will be 1000 times better than what I’m doing now. Thank you! [Reply] 
Trissa - January 21, 2010 - 21:46
As usual, your detailed instructions/lessons are fantastic – please continue to give us more tips. I wish I had read this before I did my post! LOL! [Reply] 
Valérie - January 21, 2010 - 22:26
This all such great advice! It’s so wonderful of you to take the time to teach the rest of us! Thank you! [Reply] 
Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul - January 21, 2010 - 23:43
Simone these are great tips…I’m not really familiar with artificial lighting. This has been a great help. [Reply] 
Hannah - January 22, 2010 - 20:53
Awesome post, I love seeing the direct, side-by-side comparisons! This is very helpful information, as it’s such a pain to have your photography limited by the whims of the weather and time of day. [Reply] 
Kate at Serendipity - January 23, 2010 - 21:22
Simone, thank you for this post. I’ve been playing around with my flash and this is EXACTLY what I need right now. I’ve bookmarked this… I’m not sure what you do with the graycard after you shoot the photo. How does it help you with your white balance? I sometimes use a piece of white card in a corner I can crop out, and use that as my white. Is this the same idea? Where do you get the graycard? [Reply] 
shirley@kokken69 - January 25, 2010 - 11:44
Hello, I have often popped by your site for your generous instructions on photography. Today’s article is especially useful. The part about white balance is really informative for me. I shall try it out next time… [Reply] 
deana@lostpastremembered - January 25, 2010 - 15:55
How very kind you are to share your knowledge.. it was really well done and I can’t wait to use your ideas. Great to have found your blog…of course, the photos are great! [Reply] 
Memoria - January 27, 2010 - 08:20
Did you show the studio flash? Is that the external flash for the camera? Thanks for the very informative tutorial. [Reply] 
shaz - January 27, 2010 - 09:35
Thanks so much for sharing all this information. It’s so frustrating taking night photos (using a compact!), but I am definitely going to invest in some lights now. Cheers [Reply] 
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best - January 27, 2010 - 17:12
I learned so much in from post on lighting and the grey card. While I am still a novice, and have much to catch up on before I get to shooting raw, I am looking forward to revisiting this post when I am ready. Thank you so much for writing such a detailed post on this subject! [Reply] 
RB - January 27, 2010 - 17:17
cherie - January 27, 2010 - 20:44
Thanks for this info. We’re looking forward to more on the subject, please keep’em coming! [Reply] 
Diane@2stews - January 29, 2010 - 12:46
Thank you, thank you for taking the time to post this for us. When even the daylight in winter is like night, this is so helpful. Thanks again for sharing the light! Diane [Reply] 
Lisa - January 29, 2010 - 15:51
Simone. this is so invaluable to me, you have no idea. I have two Lowel Ego lights and two Lowel Ego light bulbs in lamps, yet I still have problems getting a nice, daylight bright photo in proper color. It’s so dark in my place, due to the lack of windows, so that no doubt plays a role. RAW actually scares me..but everyone has told me learning it would improve my super low light photos greatly. Thanks so much for posting this!! Bookmarked, [Reply] 
Mathea - January 29, 2010 - 21:05
The side-by-side photos were extremely helpful to me! I have to take most of my photos at night! [Reply] 
Alyssa - January 30, 2010 - 02:32
I was just wondering what camera and lens you are working with? I love how close you are getting. Would it happen to be a 100 mm macro? Thanks again for your posts they are so so helpful for those just learning! [Reply]  Simone (junglefrog) Reply: He Alyssa! Very well spotted. Those are indeed made with a 100mm 2.8 macro lens. The camera I use is a Canon 5D Mark II. [Reply] 
Cristina - January 30, 2010 - 08:48
Thanks for all your tips, Junglefrog !!! I started my blog two months ago, and I’m having trouble taking pics in the non existant light in paris at this moment !!!! I read your advice very carefully, although for someone almost photo illiterate as me….well, many questions remain. [Reply]
Thursday, January 7, 2010 16:01
Posted in Howto's, Photography 47 comments
 I get questions on a regular basis on the specifics of how I take my photos and how I light the scene.. Today is a very cold day and not really suitable to go outdoors, so I figured I entertain myself (and hopefully you) by taking a couple of photos and showing you the difference...
Posted in Howto's, Photography
Tags: foodphotography, Photography
47 comments 
© RJ - January 7, 2010 - 18:17
My only question would be: what if I just own a small digital snapshot camera (autofocus, autoflash, auto-you-name-it) and my meals being prepared – and therefore: photographed – long after sunset? Most pics of my plates look like something the cat… well, you know! [Reply] 
Olga - January 7, 2010 - 18:21
Despite being totally confused, your sandwich looks absolutely gorgeous! I am starting my photo class on Saturday: can’t wait! (hopefully I will not be super overwhelmed with all the new terms) [Reply] 
Jara - January 7, 2010 - 21:04
It’s always nice to read about tips on photography as I’m still very much a beginner, I was wondering what kinds of reflectors you would suggest. Any more tips when useing a P&S? do you do any editing afterwards with your photos to adjust composition further? [Reply] 
Joan Nova - January 7, 2010 - 22:15
Thanks for your generosity in trying to explain this issue. I deal with it every single time I put my camera on. I think I ‘see the light’. [Reply] 
lo - January 7, 2010 - 22:28
Great tips, Simone! Now it might take me a while to digest all that… but one day I’ll figure it all out! [Reply]
Miriam/The Winter Guest - January 7, 2010 - 22:56
A brilliant post, I mean it! I knew about most of the things you talk about, but I found the last part about using the settings from automatic mode in manual especially helpful. Funnily enough, I hadn’t noticed why the light in a series of photos of the same subject changed dramatically sometimes… great tips! And I have to get rid of my fondness for short field depths… [Reply] 
pigpigscorner - January 7, 2010 - 23:07
Great tips! There’s so much to a dslr, I’m still learning. [Reply]
Sarah G - January 7, 2010 - 23:15
Thank you, Simone. I am on a learning curve. I have a DSLR and definitely want to buy a tripod for starts. I was also thinking I should buy a lens for close-ups. I have a 28-135mm zoom right now. My problem is that I don’t always have time to cook during the daylight hours. I am thinking about buying (can’t remember the name) a couple of diffused lighting lamps and a box. I look forward to more tips! [Reply] Simone (junglefrog) Reply: You probably mean the Lowel Egolights which are – or so I hear – fabulous! I am planning on buying those myself. Taking shots in the dark remains to be a challenge if you don’t have proper light… [Reply] 
Velva - January 8, 2010 - 01:41
Your photography advice/tips is wonderful for all of us food bloggers. Thank you!!! [Reply] 
anncoo - January 8, 2010 - 02:22
Thanks for the tips Simone. I’m only using the compact camera, is it always good to take a close-up shot? [Reply] Simone (junglefrog) Reply: Well, you don’t always have to take a closeup shot. It depends on how you want it to look really. I am a fan of closeup shots, so I would always do it, but ultimately that is a personal preference I would say! [Reply] 
Soma - January 8, 2010 - 03:02
I might have to read this a zillion times before I get to understand it, but what i have realized is i need equipments.. lights, reflectors etc. Depending on mother nature and praying that it is not cloudy or raining when a recipe is planned is not good enough:-D Thanks Simone. Bookmarked. [Reply] 
Karly - January 8, 2010 - 04:37
You’ve just convinced me to buy a reflector. I’ve always wondered if they really made much of a difference, but you can definitely see it in your photo! Great photography tutorial! [Reply] Simone (junglefrog) Reply: I just added some more info on the reflectors; really no need to buy anything (well maybe a little bit of carton or foamboard but nothing expensive!) [Reply] 
Nutmeg Nanny - January 8, 2010 - 05:27
I really need to take a photography class. Great tips! [Reply]
Trissa - January 8, 2010 - 10:47
Heehee…. I wonder who that bloggie is that emailed you? She sounds like someone that would bother a doctor in a party to ask about a medical condition!… oops… was it me? Hehe! Thanks for the tips Simone. One question – what do you change to manual? The lens or the camera body? Sorry I had to ask! [Reply]
Kate at Serendipity - January 8, 2010 - 11:12
Simone, this is a wonderful summary of all the components that you have to juggle to get the light right. I’ve bookmarked it! Thanks for such a clear explanation! [Reply] 
nina - January 8, 2010 - 17:12
Hello dear Simone, I haven’t been around for a while!!! Glad to see you are keeping busy!!! I struggle to get back in to work mode!!! Thanks for all the helpful hints!!!! [Reply]
Valérie - January 8, 2010 - 17:44
Simone, this is golden, thank you so much for all these tips! And perfect timing too, as I’m gradutating from compact to SLR, and your advice on focus will definitely come in handy! But I wanted to ask: do you always use natural light for your pictures? You always have such gorgeous colours, I assumed you used some or other photography lights… What about nighttime pictures? [Reply] 
Maki - January 8, 2010 - 17:49
Fabulous post Simone. Very well done Happy New Year! Hope you had a great holiday season. I haven’t gotten around to commenting enough. Shame on me. [Reply] 
Koko - January 8, 2010 - 17:57
I need all the help I can get when it comes to photography, so I love your little tutorials. They are so helpful. I basically stole my brother’s nice camera and snap away mindlessly and hope something works out! Hopefully I can take a course or two in the future. [Reply] 
suzielarose - January 8, 2010 - 18:29
That’s real torture to see all those tempting sandwiches!!! Thanks for the great advice. [Reply] 
Michelle - January 8, 2010 - 19:59
Wow. Thanks for all the tips. I’m still using a point and shoot and it’ll be a while yet before I can upgrade, but I appreciate all the info. [Reply] 
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen - January 8, 2010 - 21:57
What an awesome tutorial! I love the sandwich too – looks delicious! [Reply]
Hannah - January 9, 2010 - 15:24
Fantastic tutorial! The differences made by such small tweaks is truly striking, I love seeing the comparison. [Reply] 
Eric and Melissa - January 9, 2010 - 17:05
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I’ve been struggling so much to make my photos look better. Your tips will certainly be helpful! [Reply] 
deeba - January 10, 2010 - 04:41
Hey Simone, did you hear my silent NY resolution to oversome my photographic laziness & learn more. I love your ‘packed with info’ post, and the tutorials are great. Today is a dready dark rainy day…will try & experiment! Thanks a ton!! Have a great 2010! [Reply] 
Jamie - January 11, 2010 - 15:51
I have so far to go in understanding and controlling my camera and my shots but you just took me one step farther along – very clear and very helpful! Where can I sign up for Junglefrog Classes? Great post, Simone, thanks! [Reply] 
E.Lee - January 11, 2010 - 19:28
Thanks for this! I’m in the market for a new SLR (I only have my old kodak point and shoot, and it’s on its last leg. [Reply] 
Sue - January 12, 2010 - 01:19
Thank you so much for taking the time to detail these photographic tips! This is very helpful! You’re a dream! [Reply] 
tasteofbeirut - January 12, 2010 - 02:50
Thanks so much for the tutorial! I would love to improve my pics and I have no idea how so this helps a lot! [Reply] 
bake in paris - January 12, 2010 - 13:00
This post is priceless for all of us…. thanks for sharing! The lunch shot is beautiful, as always! Sawadee from Bangkok, [Reply] 
Irene Low - January 12, 2010 - 16:16
I was reading some blogs on food photography and somehow I ended in your awesome blog. I was attracted by all the sharp photos you have. Wat a good camera you have! Will visit your blog more often and learn more from your photography skills. Great blog indeed. : ) [Reply] 
Angela@spinachtiger - January 13, 2010 - 20:31
Great easy to understand tips. Thanks a lot. I went to a camera show on Sunday and now I have my eye on two cameras and a new lens. [Reply] 
Katya - January 18, 2010 - 22:57
This has by far been one of the most clear and helpful explanations so far. Unfortunately, the way my schedule works out, I’m forced to shoot in the dark more often than in natural lighting. [Reply] 
Cookin' Canuck - January 19, 2010 - 06:06
This is such a helpful post! I just upgraded to an SLR camera, have some success when playing around, but had many questions (most of which you answered here). Thank you! [Reply] 
Lindsey Toth @Healthy Blog Snack - January 19, 2010 - 12:19
Great post! I’m just beginning to dabble in food photography and this is just a great layman’s explanation of the resolution of all of the problems I have been having! I can’t wait to take a pic of my dinner now! Thank you! [Reply]  A lot of people ask me what kind of camera they should be buying to take good foodphotos. While that might sound like a simple question, it is not! Ofcourse I can all tell you to buy the most expensive digital SLR but I am sure that is not the answer you’re looking for..I am...
Posted in Howto's, Photography
Tags: foodphotography, which camera to buy
16 comments
Peter G - December 12, 2009 - 21:21
Well said Simone! Are you enjoying your 5D Mk11? A lot of owners seem to be happy with it. [Reply] 
hungry dog - December 13, 2009 - 03:06
Very interesting and helpful–thank you for taking the time to post such a thoughtful assessment! [Reply]
Olga - December 13, 2009 - 06:29
WHAT??? It totally wipes out that background? OMG, that’s exactly what I need!!! [Reply]
Kate at Serendipity - December 13, 2009 - 09:05
Simone, this is a wonderful post–I love the comparisons. Will you do another post where you get more technical? I’m having fun with my new SLR, exploring all its potential. [Reply]
Asha@FSK - December 13, 2009 - 15:42
Very nicely done comparison, Simone. Especially like that you bring out the functional differences without becoming very technical! btw, I use a point & shoot now and looking to go in for a SLR mainly because of the blur effect and the light effects [Reply]
Joan Nova - December 13, 2009 - 15:55
I’ve been suffering with this question. I use a compact but keeping think I want an SLR though I didn’t really know why. Your comparison was really helpful. I still don’t now if I have the patience for an SLR (or desire to lug it around) but at least I understand the differences between the two. Thanks. [Reply]
Trissa - December 13, 2009 - 21:51
Thanks Simone – after much debate I got the SLR – wish I had read this article before hand but it is still very useful! [Reply]
Nutmeg Nanny - December 14, 2009 - 02:18
Great post. I just recently bought a Canon Digital SLR. I love the way the pictures come out. I’m still learning how to use all the functions but I think I’m getting better [Reply]
Koko - December 14, 2009 - 02:20
As someone who has an SLR as well as a point n shoot, but really has no idea as to what I am doing, and just want to take nice food pictures, I found this really helpful! Thanks so much for the post! [Reply] 
The Cookbook Apprentice - December 14, 2009 - 03:05
Thanks so much for this very informative post! I have a Canon Powershot and have been pining for an SLR for quite some time. I know some other bloggers have recommended the Canon EOS Rebel. What are your thoughts on that one? [Reply]
Valérie - December 14, 2009 - 04:36
A very informative post, Simone, thank you! Laurent and I have been discussing getting a new camera together, and he, who knows a lot more about photography than I do, also thinks an SLR would be a good choice. I’m especially interested in getting shallower DOF – it’s always such a drag having to be careful of hiding the mess in my apartment! [Reply]
Angela@spinachtiger - December 14, 2009 - 08:01
I need two new cameras. I want to take great pictures. Thanks for the post. [Reply]
nina - December 14, 2009 - 08:02
I use a Nikon D70 and just love the camera….I need to upgrade, but am so in love with this “old” model that I am hesitant to change!!! [Reply] 
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite - December 14, 2009 - 12:51
Thanks for posting this! I was just given my first DSLR on Friday (a demo model Nikon D40 – a solid starter DSLR according to my much better than me so much so that he has sold some of his photography husband!) and even though I have not read the manual (!) I have already noticed a lot of difference, especially in depth of field. I am so excited to play! [Reply] 
Shree - December 15, 2009 - 20:00
Thank you so much for your post on food photography. I’m quite lost and take miserable photos compared to the beautiful ones on ur site as well as FoodGawker etc. I always thought it was the photographer who has an ‘eye’ for light etc. takes a good photo, never did I realize how much the camera affects pics as well. [Reply]
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 09:56
Posted in Howto's, Photography, Shoot a cake 1 comment
 Once you have figured out how to improve on your lighting skills there is another element that will have a major impact on how your final photo looks and that is the composition and the angle in which you take your photo. In all photography and especially in foodphotography the angle is of great importance...
Posted in Howto's, Photography, Shoot a cake
Tags: angle, composition, foodphotography, howto, Photography, tips, tricks
1 comment
Monday, March 2, 2009 09:53
Posted in Howto's, Photography, Shoot a cake 2 comments
 What is cheaper and more readily available then good, old daylight? And it’s a lovely light for foodphotography, so if you’re on a tight budget or just want to start simple, choose daylight!! Now one of the first ‘mistakes’ I see happen a lot is that many people start using flash as soon as the...
Posted in Howto's, Photography, Shoot a cake
Tags: daylight, foodphotography, howto, Photography, tips, tricks
2 comments 
Doreen Sia - September 29, 2009 - 12:54
deana@lostpastremembered - January 2, 2010 - 19:36
Thanks for the note on the ev button.. so much to learn on the new nikon… couldn’t figure why my pics were so dark… had to shoot macro so things would be automatic… yeah!!! [Reply] |
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