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Fall is here. With the new season comes a variety of new foods. Let’s take a look at the Butternut Squash. I love squash roasted with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Delicious. With squash season comes a problem though; shorter days. This means less time to shoot with natural light. Don’t worry, there is a solution though.
Technically, the first day of fall was September 23rd. Not until today did it feel like fall to me. I am not sure what it was that made today the day when fall finally hit me. I love fall! It is without a doubt my favorite season! I welcome the break from mid ninety degree temperatures and love wearing long sleeves, light jackets, and sweaters. Most importantly it is college football tailgating season! I love drinking pumpkin flavored drinks, and well eating anything pumpkin flavored ! With the change of seasons come not only changes in what you eat, but more importantly your color palette!  October 11, 2011 - 3:11 pm
Neat! Thanks for making this tutorial for clueless people like me. I never even thought about this. All your pictures are beautiful, by the way. I live very far away from Charlotte and can’t attend the workshop. That stinks because I’d love to know how to shoot at night. Or with this horrible and almost constant super intense greyness that starts in October and stays until May. To those who can make it, have fun!  March 5, 2012 - 9:14 am
Another great post! I love how you show the same subject with the background changed, It really brings into focus, sorry for the pun, what difference the background can make, I love the burlap, going to have to go out and find some!
As you have probably noticed, football season is in full swing! I am spending mine traveling to a new tailgating spot every weekend, but between those tailgates, I am still taking pictures of my food. I am sure that you have noticed the days are getting shorter and fall weather is here. This might be great for tailgating and spending time outdoors, but it can be awful for your food photography.  October 4, 2011 - 4:33 pm
Great looking brownies and wonderful tutorial! This is very similar to how I set up with my speedlight, works quite nicely at night  October 4, 2011 - 5:12 pm
Amazing looking Brownie and an equally amazing tutorial. Thanks Taylor  October 4, 2011 - 5:23 pm
You are a life saver! Not for the brownie recipe (although it looks scrumptious), but for the tutorial on night lighting, something I struggle with. I look forward to the next installment.  October 5, 2011 - 12:19 am
SO interesting about shooting at night, if I don’t have a diffuser panel can I use a white sheet? What would work as a good alternative?  October 6, 2011 - 3:40 am
[...] Recipe? Well, the original recipe was too large for just three of us to finish in a reasonable amount of time, so I made one-third of the original proportions. In some places, it was a bit difficult to scale down appropriately, so I fit in proportions that “made sense” and just crossed my fingers. My adjusted recipe follows, but the original recipe can be found here. [...]  October 6, 2011 - 10:28 am
Always love your tailgating trips, and the helpful tutorials on photography. Thanks! October 18, 2011 - 11:07 am
[...] Food Writer’s Blog I follow, Taylor Takes a Taste , was showing a tutorial on the use of Tungsten Lighting and he just happened to include his [...]  October 25, 2011 - 5:27 pm
Hey Taylor – I just purchased the Lowel Tota Pak lighting kit, and would like to buy a diffuser panel and light bounce as well. Do you have any suggestions for specific brands? I love your posts on photography techniques and tips… I really want to improve my food photos, and you have definitely been helping =).
If there is one lens that I love the most, it might be my 100mm Macro lens. If you are into food photography or aspiring to learn more about food photography this is considered to be the best lens for capturing food.  September 27, 2011 - 4:41 pm
Thank you for introducing me to the 100mm last summer. It is one of my favorites! (Although, I don’t have IS, and you are right… it is a little challenging at times.) Great post and pics as always!  September 27, 2011 - 5:08 pm
gorgeous photos!! thanks for all the awesome tips September 27, 2011 - 5:24 pm
This post was very helpful to me taylor. I was thinking of buying a 100mm lens for a long time now. But i was contemplating about buying the L series one or not. Now I know which one to go for. Thanks a lot  September 28, 2011 - 10:37 am
Great post – now off to see if the Nikon offers something similar! Love the pics.  October 2, 2011 - 8:47 pm
I now really want this lens. Got an extra one you feel like giving away? ; ) This has been on my wish list for a while and your shots have helped sell me on it.  February 16, 2012 - 10:15 pm
Great post! I am thinking about this lens, but have a photog friend who says I could probably use a 60mm macro and get the nice shots I want for my food blog (mostly I just want the up close details and tightly cropped shots). Have you used a 60mm macro? I’d love to hear your thoughts!  October 22, 2012 - 6:45 am
I am debating between the macro 100mm f/2.8 USM IS L and the 50mm f/1.4 since ages. I am in Asia trying to buy one and I couldn’t decide.
Thank you to the countless number of you who have sent emails and left comments asking what lenses I shoot with. Well today, I am going to tell you. I am going to start off with the lens I feel has the most value for the money. The Canon 50mm f1.4 September 21, 2011 - 12:09 pm
This was a wonderful post Taylor. I use 50mm f1.8 and I find it very useful. I loved all the Shots posted in this post  September 21, 2011 - 12:10 pm
You really have a knack for making this stuff sound easy. It’s a lot better than reading the camera manual and wanting to pull your hair out. I am glad you have decided to do this – it’s VERY helpful. (But I do miss the cupcake shots…!)  September 21, 2011 - 2:41 pm
I bought the 50mm 1.8 because I couldn’t justify the price difference. It’s my run around town lens and it’s pretty nice.  September 21, 2011 - 5:59 pm
Very helpful post! I really appreciate how you describe the f-stops you use most often and what you are trying to achieve when you use them. As an amature photographer, this is something I continuously struggle with.  September 21, 2011 - 8:12 pm
Great explanation of this lens. It’s definitely the next one I am looking to buy! Then, a new camera body…still working with the rebel xti! ISO 800 is my max…so sad.  September 21, 2011 - 9:07 pm
Thanks for posting this. I’m in the market for a new camera and lens (I still shoot with a P&S). Sometimes I wonder what are the differences between lenses and how can they be used. This post is very informative.  September 22, 2011 - 8:26 am
Thanks for sharing! I’m new to food photography and need all the help I can get! I can’t wait for your post on the macro lens  September 26, 2011 - 5:54 pm
What a lovely review. Thanks for that! I saved up and bought this a few months ago and my photographic adventures just leapt and spread their wings. I love it! so so much. Love especially experimenting with dark moody food photography. Now I just need something that isn’t quite so macro which I can use for both food and travel without constantly changing lenses.  September 27, 2011 - 11:25 am
I’ve been wanting a new lens for a while and have been eyeing the 50 mm ones! Either the f/1.4 or more affordable f/1.8–But this makes me want to hold out and save for the more expensive one! Thanks so much for going over this! September 27, 2011 - 3:17 pm
[...] I am out tailgating, the 50mm is my go to lens, but the 100mm stays close to my side. To give you an idea of what you can do with this lens, Here [...]  December 1, 2011 - 9:31 pm
Ha! I have this lens and never use it. You have inspired me to experiment.  December 7, 2011 - 12:09 pm
Lori, Its a great lens! I hope you enjoy experimenting with it!
When I think of cake doughnuts, I think of breakfast and coffee. It might not be healthy, but a good cup of coffee and a classic cake doughnut is a pretty great way to start your day.  September 19, 2011 - 9:52 am
I love it! I have shot on a few of my cocktail dresses with great results. I needed a black background and didn’t really have anything else, but I have lots of little black dresses and they did the trick. I think this totally justifies all clothes shopping September 19, 2011 - 10:54 am
That was a very interesting as well as very informative post. The most interesting background that I have ever used was an inverted wooden drawer.  September 19, 2011 - 2:24 pm
WOW!! Great idea of using what is available rather than spending extra!! First time on ur blog..loved it. Subscribed!  September 19, 2011 - 5:03 pm
I have occasionally shot on top of our dog’s kennel. It is the perfect height and distance from the window  September 19, 2011 - 9:29 pm
Hahahaha, i’ve used an ironing board before, but not for the print just for the higher table surface  September 19, 2011 - 9:40 pm
I’ve been practicing with this concept and have learned so much just from this brief post. I never would have guessed your ironing board  September 21, 2011 - 12:01 pm
Fabric scraps, wrapping paper, fluffy towels. Newspaper is fun too.  October 1, 2011 - 4:35 pm
I also used a ironing board few times, but mine doesn’t have so nice pattern  November 23, 2012 - 3:36 am
Hi! September 15, 2011 - 2:59 am
Great tutorial as always taylor enjoyed reading it  September 15, 2011 - 8:40 am
Hi Taylor,  September 15, 2011 - 2:01 pm
This has been on my wish list for awhile. The remote, not the doughnuts. Though they do look yummy! Thanks for the post. September 15, 2011 - 7:42 pm
Pam, Glad you have enjoyed them! It isn’t a power drill on the floor, its a heat gun. That explanation is for another post. The white table is just a 6ft folding table I found out Walmart. It is sitting on top of ikea coffee tables. Saw horses work great! I sometimes use them as well. Thanks for the comment.  September 19, 2011 - 6:39 am
Your photography is amazing! September 19, 2011 - 8:58 am
Thanks Emily! September 19, 2011 - 9:35 pm
I have so wished I had a third hand on many occasions. it’s so difficult trying to pour/shake etc and snap photos at the same time. Have a remote for my Nikon, just need to synch it.  September 22, 2011 - 12:52 pm
I love how you show your lighting set up. Amazing to see what’s behind the scenes. I have round diffusers/reflectors that I just acquired. What’s the best way to use them (prop them up, assuming you have no assistant on scene to hold them up for you). Bookmarking this blog–just started trying to learn to be a better photographer, so much to know.
There are times where you don’t always want your subject to be the main dish. Sometimes, ingredients are the star of your images. Let us take a closer look using mustard as an example.  September 8, 2011 - 12:09 am
My favorite thing about this post: that I’m pretty sure you’re using a bottle of vodka to hold up your bounce surface! September 8, 2011 - 10:11 am
Ha Ha it was a bottle of vodka, its filled with water now  September 8, 2011 - 10:34 am
Isn’t it funny how beautiful a simple condiment can be? My favorite to shoot are spices. I love the different colors and textures! September 8, 2011 - 11:45 am
Wonderful post!!! Enjoyed reading it September 8, 2011 - 2:41 pm
Hi Taylor! I’m new to your blog, love it. I was wondering if you minded sharing what kind of lens you used for these photos. Thanks! September 8, 2011 - 4:11 pm
Mustard is my favorite condiment. I could it by the spoon!  September 8, 2011 - 4:21 pm
Thanks for the post…I am trying to improve my photography skills!  September 8, 2011 - 5:49 pm
Nice photos =) What do you use for the fill card? Is it something you bought or made? My favorite ingredient to shoot would have to be… Vegetables… Or fruits… Do I have to pick just one?? =P  September 8, 2011 - 9:51 pm
Very interesting post. Can I use a plain white board instead of a fill card? Where do we get such fill cards?  October 31, 2011 - 11:47 am
love the pics. it’s a great way to look at something so simple differently! thanks!
What isn’t to love about new potatoes? The easiest and arguably tastiest way to enjoy them is roasting! August 31, 2011 - 8:52 pm
awesome tips! I am definitely going to plan better so my baking/cooking occurs in the daytime. The window light makes a world of difference!  August 31, 2011 - 11:03 pm
Love your food blog. I saw that you had an article in Publix Grape magazine. Nice work!  August 31, 2011 - 11:21 pm
Taylor, these potatoes are a go to recipe around our house. Sometimes we throw in chunky slices of onion for caramelized flavor. Great photography tips by the way. I just started taking photos myself so it’s still quite new to me and I’m eager to learn all that I can. Thanks for the post.  September 1, 2011 - 12:22 am
great tips for scrimming the light, beautiful shot and beautiful styling. And a simple recipe, which are always the best.  September 1, 2011 - 8:20 am
These potatoes look awesome and I love your photography tips in your posts! I have really picked up some great tips so thank you.  September 1, 2011 - 8:44 am
Great tips Taylor – thanks!  September 1, 2011 - 8:50 am
great quick tutorial…would you come to my house? I take the worlds worst photos….I have bookmarked you and am coming back for more lessons….thanks! September 1, 2011 - 1:21 pm
Ok Taylor, you had me the photos but I was completely derailed and now love, want have to have that backyard fireplace. Did you have it made? Make it? How big is it? It’s GORGEOUS!!!! Could I really get away with having one of those in Florida?  September 2, 2011 - 8:46 am
I cannot thank you enough for your informative posts. I’ve learnt so much over the past month or so since I came across your blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This one in particular is of a great help to me and I always seem to be struggling to find enough light to take photos in our dark house. I’ve often wondered how to take better photo’s outside! Did you buy that diffusion panel or make it yourself? What’s the material used in it? A canvas or something thinner? Would love to try make something like that myself.  September 19, 2011 - 10:23 pm
Am a newbee in food photography and your site has been my anchor. Am slowly improving thanks to you. Thank you so much dear – just love your pictures and its nearly 5.am. here in the UAE and your site is open everyday, first thing in the morning, so that I may get photo-educated. Thanks a million day..great service to aspiring food bloggers like me.  August 25, 2011 - 11:55 am
Love it Taylor!! Can’t wait to see all you have in store. And I’m excited to follow along your tailgating adventures this football season  August 25, 2011 - 2:14 pm
wow that cake is awesome, and I want those pimento sandwiches… um, Go MIZZOU!  August 26, 2011 - 5:42 am
Yay! So excited for you. Marrying my two favorite addictions – football + food. Can’t wait to check out the new site. (War Eagle! … had to add that… you know, the season is almost here!)  August 26, 2011 - 9:29 am
Not that I’m surprised… but wow. Awesome pics. August 29, 2011 - 6:22 pm
I am definitely excited for college football too!! And very excited for you Tailgate section. Those waffles look BOMB! This will be my first fall out of college, and I’m bummed I live 500 miles away from our stadium.
Happy National Potato Day! With last week being National Julienne Fries Day, there have been a lot of potato celebrations recently. Fries are probably my favorite form of potatoes, so I thought I would celebrate with my second favorite. Tator Tots. More importantly with Totchos.  August 19, 2011 - 5:49 pm
OMG totchos?! I have never heard of this, but now I must shove some in my face! Gimme! Happy Friday  August 19, 2011 - 7:03 pm
hi, I would love to know the procedure of this recipe…this looks awesome and new to me…I would love to introduce this to my friends…I hope you post or send me email how to do it. thanks btw your photos are incredible, it stunning =) August 19, 2011 - 11:37 pm
Come to mama!  August 19, 2011 - 11:53 pm
Like the horizontal final shot as well, your photography is gorgeous and i am enjoying your thought process and styling tips to understand all that went into getting the perfect tachos picture that makes us want to devour them all! thanks  August 20, 2011 - 1:54 pm
Am so hungry looking at your photos. The potatoes look great. Love your photos, you’ve got talent for photography.  August 20, 2011 - 6:46 pm
Look at that inviting creamy potatoes. I would love to know how it’s prepared.  August 22, 2011 - 4:26 pm
Totchos! I love that name. Since I love heat I would have to add pickled jalapenos and then have some sour cream on the side. Or maybe some sweet chili sauce-a sauce that is so under-used! The Dinner Belle for Kimberlybelle.com  August 25, 2011 - 3:20 pm
You are currently my very favorite blog, I love your explanation of how you set up a shoot and why you make the decisions that you do. Your final product always looks appetizing and unique, not the “same” as alot of what I see. Keep up the great work and PLEASE try and plan a workshop out west sometime!
2 weeks to go! Almost there! Yes only 2 weeks until college football and college football tailgating season begins!  August 19, 2011 - 7:50 pm
Hi, we are heading into tailgate season and fall foods on our site. If you like to put a link to your site on our FB page, please do so! Alessa @ Carolina HeartStrings  August 23, 2011 - 4:53 pm
I can’t wait for your tailgate tour! I enjoyed it so much last year. I told my husband that when he retires, I want to go on a tailgate tour vacation. Needless to say, he got really excited:) Wish I could I could be at that last game. My dad is a Clemson alumnus and my husband’s cousin is the asst. sports info director for the Gamecocks. The family is torn, but I say GO TIGERS! Do you think you might make it to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign? ILL-INI! |
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i guess the strangest thing i’ve used besides aprons and skirt liners would be one of my husband’s work shirts that i had burnt a hole in (with the iron) who cares if i got crumbs and stains on it now right! 
We’ll party in front of the TV, though, haha.
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Ann P. - I LOVE your blog! I’m learning so many things about photography and trying my best to put it all to use, even though I only have a little point-and-shoot. (If you know anything about how to best utilize the features of a Canon powershot SX210, please lmk!)
Yolanda - Hello. This is my first time visiting your blog and I love, love, love it! I can’t stop reading! I am taking a photography course and learned a few things about lighting, but reading your blog has taught me so many tricks. I am so happy I found your blog.
Thanks a bunch!