photo post by Donna
After finishing a quick lunch with Carri Thurman and Michael the other day, we had this cutting board with the remnants of a fine light lunch. What inspired me to photograph the board was Carri's lilac jelly—so clear and glistening in the sun. Inside by a window that gets sun most of the day, I took a photo about 2pm. Very nice—but maybe I should wait until the sun isn't so hot and high in the sky. I left the board and didn't get back to it until about 5:30. Shoot (no pun intended) I had waited too long. The light had lost it's warmth. I wanted to do Carri's jelly justice so I got out my power pack and lights. I had the earliest photo as a reference and wanted it to look natural—not like a studio shot. To recreate the sunlight, I used a spot grid to back light and then fill lit in front with a soft box on the left. The strobe light at half power was an an 100th of a sec exposure @ f22. No natural light at all. This photo does have a manipulated look to it—but one inspired by natural light. Below are the two earlier no artificial light attempts.
I am immediately transported back to your porch...amazing, Donna, really amazing!
Love that photo! It has such a great range of tonalities and warmth, almost like a classic painting.
Donna,
About a year ago I started using Alzo flourescent lamps. They're rated at 5500K and beat everything else I've tried.
Natural or not, the final lighting on the jelly is beautiful - lots of play.
Wonderful stuff, teach. This kind of side by side with the associated details is just wonderful to learn from. Thanks again.
This may be my favorite photo that I've seen of yours. Really inspirational.
A lovely photo showing the light in the jelly. I have problems with lighting such things as jellies and drinks. Your post has been very informative. Thanks.