Monday, October 19, 2009

Photography and Late Lunches


(Click on the thumbnail for a slightly bigger version)
 
I’m putting the blame for my late Sunday lunch square on Monte Stevens. I almost named this post "Put the Blame on Monte". Posts of his, such as this one, got me thinking recently that I don’t spend much time making pictures of homely things. His intriguing photos of simple, everyday objects kept nagging at me, reminding me that I needed to experiment. After all, the world of photography is not all horses, trees, paths, fences, grasses, clouds, and such. I rarely take photos inside and with winter coming, I would be wise to think more about indoor photography.

I had been outside, yesterday, working with the macro lens and it was already past my lunch time, but I could not stop thinking about those photos on Monte's site. Yes, my stomach was complaining at the thought of further delays, but it was the appetite for food up against the appetite for just one more photograph. 

Ultimately, lunch was postponed again as I gathered a few things on the kitchen counter and set to work. I was having a good time, but I ended up not taking very many pictures in this session, after all. Okay, I confess that I couldn’t resist snacking on the set dressing. When there were only three baby carrots left, I surrendered, put down the camera, and consumed all the props.

There were lessons learned and some of them not so obvious. Clearly, if I am to produce any interesting photographs of this sort, I have to experiment more. But, next time I need to work with inedible props. Or, eat before I pick up the camera.

10 comments:

  1. The familiar all to often becomes the invisible.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's probably better for you to prepare two plates! One for you. One for the camera! Or, perhaps you'll have to, as you suggested, stick with inedible objects! Maybe you could invest in some plastic props! :-) They're not nearly as tasty!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aha--Monte gets the blame, at last :) Lol, he has done a fine job of taking homey pictures and I, too, was inspired to do the same by his blog. I haven't posted any, because I am not sure I like what I have taken...but yours came out nicely. So nicely, that I am going to go make dinner!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ray K - What a lovely way to phrase that important thought.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Paul - You have an excellent point about plastic props. I have also been eyeing some metal objects. I don't think I am cut out to be a food photographer. The two plates may just lead to over-eating.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mary Ann - I'll hope you'll get brave and post some of your photos. It took some courage to post mine, since it clearly is not in a league with the inspiration photos from Monte. Now, that you mention it, however, it is good for making us think of food.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I too, like Ray's comment, expresses it quite well.

    Now, I must admit to falling prey to the lure of the subjects themselves. I passed over the carrots and went straight for the glass of milk and Orio cookies immediately following the photo session.

    I'm assuming "blame" is to be taken in a positive way. :-) Thanks, Anita.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Monte - Indeed, the blame is more of a thank you. I suspect that when winter weather hits here, I will be thanking you a great deal more for your reminder that there is always something I can photograph.

    I always find it difficult to slow down for carrots, if there is chocolate in sight.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anita, I've stopped to leave a comment on this post several times but every time I begin to do so I end up going to grab something to eat...Thanks a lot! ~wink~

    ReplyDelete
  10. Earl - Uh, oh. I may be in trouble. Well, rest assured I don't think there is much more food photography in my future. Too much temptation for me, too.

    ReplyDelete

You can leave your comments here. Because all comments are held pending review, yours will not immediately appear on the site. I eagerly read all of them and sincerely appreciate your taking the time to record your impressions and views. Thanks for visiting.
Anita