Key 10. CONTRASTS
In this post we will be talking about the importance of working with contrasts.
Contrasts are in my world thrilling. The tension between; colours, shapes and lines, glossy and matte finishes, soft and hard materials and patterned and non-patterned surfaces create both harmony and attraction.
Different materials are expressing different emotions and character. For example wood is mostly experienced as soft as are cloth, wrinkled paper, napkins and ingredients. Antique tools with patina feel softer than glossy cutlery. Ceramics often feels more soft that shiny porcelain.
The lines in this photo create a nice contrast between the circular shapes in the plate and in the cup.
Lets see some more examples from a case I’m working on right now – the assignment is recipe photos for a health magazine. The prop styling I am choosing is from the PR Agency Tres PR.
When you work with prop styling combined with food it’s very important to find out how the food will look. If it is as in this example a pie with lots of garnish it could be good idea to combine the food with a less cluttered tablecloth.
And the opposite – if the food – or as in this example – the cookies and the plate is calm in its expression you could combine the object with a patterned cloth instead.
In this photo I am creating a calmer atmosphere by using a white napkin on top of the patterned tablecloth. The matte whipped cream is creating a good calm contrast against the cluttered glossy passion fruit and coconut pancakes. The colours are contrasting too – something we will talk more about later on.
In this photo a napkin wrapped around the bread creates a softer feeling than if it would have been placed directly on the plate.
Conclusion:
– Find out what the food will look like before looking at prop styling or the other way – be inspired by the prop styling and adjust the food to the styling.
– To create attractive contrasts; combine different material, shapes and colours both in the food and the prop styling.
I’m looking forward to seeing your photos at Instagram #foodphotoassignment
Best of luck!
Se the program about CONTRASTS at YouTube
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