It seems simple enough, and in a way it is. We’ve seen several lovely examples of images captured by non-professionals. If you have a decent camera and a light source, you can snap a picture of your dinner and upload it to your blog in minutes. Easy peasy. The obvious difference between food photography and professional food photography is that one is undertaken by a professional. It’s a single difference that dramatically impacts the results, and it’s one that Doug Davis of D2 Studios understands well. Why do you need a professional food photographer in Dallas, TX?

The Photography Equivalent of Fast Food

Still life photography and food photography require similar skills, specifically lighting, perspective, and composition. A casual photographer isn’t likely to understand the intricacies of good lighting, choosing instead to capture images in natural light—whatever is available. Even though it’s possible that that particular spot on your dining room table is bathed in perfect light, more often than not this isn’t the case. Doug points out that customized lighting can convey different moods, eras, and themes. Think about

Still Life Photography and Food Photography

Think about the skills needed for effective lifestyle photography. Lighting, perspective, and composition are integral in both types of photography. A casual photographer isn’t likely to understand the intricacies of good lighting, choosing instead to snap images in natural light—it’s what’s available, right? Even though it’s possible that that particular spot on your dining room table is perfectly lit, more often than not this is not the case. The same applies to backgrounds and textures. Davis, who has worked with several big-name foodies, understands how to convey an atmosphere or even an era.

Portrait Photography and Food Photography

Even when the dish is the star of the show, the chef deserves his due credit. Ideally, your photographer should have experience photographing people in a variety of settings. Most kitchens are harshly lit by fluorescent bulbs—not exactly conducive to a flattering portrait. Choose a photographer who is willing to experiment with settings and poses that clearly convey an appropriate message about the chef, restaurateur, and waitstaff. It’s okay to step outside of the kitchen.

Architectural and Event Photography Skills

The look and feel of a restaurant or bar is arguably one of the most important parts of the dining and drinking experience. Your photographer must have the ability to capture the most interesting and distinctive angles and architectural details, and may need to do so in low lighting, colored lighting, indoors, or outdoors. Event photography poses unique challenges, too. How do you distill a living, breathing experience into an image? Davis understands the best practices for capturing objects and people in motion. This comes in handy when working with restaurants or bars that feature live entertainment, dancing, and special events. You can’t just interrupt patrons and invite them to pose for a quick shot.

Need a food photographer in Dallas, TX? To learn more about commercial photography services, or to request an appointment with owner Doug Davis, contact D-Squared Studios at 214.746.6336.