I am soooo guilty of just shooting pretty pictures. Maybe I should tape a "intent and purpose" sticker on all my cameras. Thanks again for all the great videos!
The shallow depth of field stuff is so apparent when you look at high end ad campaigns, billboards, magazines etc. Shallow DOF is something a lot of beginner photographers exploit so that their images immediately differ from snapshots or cheap kit lenses. At a higher level you stop down and put more effort in what's in front of the camera.
Just a quick note. I'm not a food photographer, (editorial stock, - business portrait before that), but I really enjoy your videos. And, quite a bit of what you talk about translates well into many other genres of photography.
That was great, Scott! So much of this comes to us eventually as we mature as photographers, but that process is often long and rocky. Having these great tips along the way really helps. Plus beginners often either obsess about everything (thus overthink every step) or are unaware of what's important (thus getting results they're unhappy with). That said, taking "pretty" shots are what often draws us into photography and gets us excited about it - I think it's important to not kill that enthusiasm. But once we acknowledge that yeah, we can snap a pretty image, we should really work on understanding and honing our "purpose & intent" skills. Thanks for these videos!
This is so helpful! Thank you for being clear in what your tips are and what you're trying to explain. As a beginner, I don't always understand the basics and being a food blogger, I have to take photos, so this is so extremely helpful. Thanks again!
Well said, it can be as deep as you like or as shallow. A professional photographer thinks about the color of light, the time of day you're trying to emulate among dozens of other factors.
Thanks for making another great video, Scott! I couldn't agree more! Love that you mentioned how important is to work on the intentional level - be it the direction of the light or the importance of the intent behind taking a pretty picture! Awesome!
Thank you. The main point of taking a photo with intent is really coming through. If possible kindly do a video showing how to take a normal shot and then how to adjust it to show the intent (taking it to the next level with mood etc.)
Good tips. Another one. If you want to be perfectly perpendicular to a surface use a mirror. I always have on hand because i use them a lot for lighting. Fix the mirror onnthe surface and make sure the center of yout lens reproduces exactly on the center of your image. Your camera will be precisely perpendicular to the mirror.
I agree. I find myself stopping down to f5.6 to f8 a lot because most of the food was not sharp enough. I also use a dof calculator to help me figure out the usable dof of a shot so I can pre-plan it.
The direction of light tip, wow. Never thought about it before and now will be something I strive to never forget. Also, that last mistake: so true. Just today I was working for a client that wanted "pretty pictures" and was so dismissive of any hints to intent in the photo. After a bit, I just gave up, I mean, how many ways are there to photograph honey in an afternoon on a low budget?
Hi Scott, I hope you won’t be offended if I mention something that surprised me in this video. You say that “it is rare nowadays that I’ll go down to f/2.8 or below” when what you mean is that you rarely go up to f/2.8 or above. The reason I pick up on it is that this misunderstanding is spreading like wildfire through the internet, even to some camera manufacturers’ websites. The thing is that f/2 is in not less than f/16 any more than 1/2 inch is less than 1/16 inch. Both are fractions, and something divided by 2 is more than something divided by 16. In the case of apertures, the fractions are of the focal length which is what “f” stands for, of course. Maybe the confusion arises because we’re not used to using fractions any more, or maybe people don’t realise that the oblique or the colon in f/2 or f:2 stand for division. It may just be semantics, but if it spreads confusion about an important camera control, I don't think it's unimportant.
wow, this is the first time I ever heard about considering the direction of light (as in there's a difference if your light source is photo left vs right). Does the same thing apply with other styles of photography, ex. portrait?
Are there any concerns with magnets on torpedo levels? I keep a torpedo on me for the occasional bit of grip and lighting I have to set up that needs to be level, but it's got some pretty strong magnets on it. As an aside, I'm amused, along my own journey, the difference between what I concerned myself with and found desirable as a hobbiest as opposed to shooting professionally. In many ways I've naturally found myself experiencing complete reversals.
It has all kinda changed. Once upon a time, the thumb wasn't the mobile digit on your hand, it is now the most used digit on a persons hand after the advent of cell phones and playstation controllers. We used to read left to right, but far more than that, especially after mobile viewing, we read top to bottom. All chefs know we eat with our eyes first, so the pretty premium is still very much a major factor. The advancement of cell phones has been so rapid, but the one thing the cell phone camera have never done well is shallow depth and bokeh. Without fail, when shooting food (I agree F4-8) is a very common range to use, yet I will still get F1.4-2 for variety, and those images still remain highly popular. There is also the instagram effect. Flat lays have their place, but the move by restaurants to change plating to better suit flat lay is unmistakable. They know a lot of diners will be holding their phone flat above their food for an image, so they give them what they want. There is certainly is the photographer knowing what is best, but people in general don't always want what is best. The interesting part of all of this is that I am a chef, who picked up photography. I still cook, but these days I also write and shoot a segment for a southern hemisphere magazine. We all know what is best..but we all know that what people want is often different to best practice. You have to plate and shoot for the viewers end goal is..the worst thing that happen to me these days is not the plating being a bit off...the image being a bit mediocre...the worst thing is that the viewer turns the page without giving the page a second thought. I thinks the ultimate truth to commercial food work..it can tick as many "pro" boxes as possible..but if the viewer walks by and does give it a second look, its a fail. What they stop to look at is forever changing. You either are aware of trends and classic work, or your not. I have seen many front lit, bare flash images that are stunning...but I also know the viewer will flick right on by those images without pause, even though they are magnificent shots that seemingly break all the rules, yet still work...but their not what the viewer wants.
Thanks. haha that might need a video in itself. I suppose it is having more to it than just being pretty. Some substance or underlying meaning. Or simply to show something in a different light than what people may expect.
A bit late here but intention and purpose is achieved with conceptualization, conceptualization is achieved by thinking outside the box, inventing, taking risks, seeking inspiration outside the comfort zone such as applying artistic concepts from other disciplines to photography (Watch Scott's video talking about books that are not photography). Intent and purpose conveys a message and elicits an emotion.
TIL, I need more lights. I live up in the arctic circle though, so triple or quadruple shipping charges to get stuff to me and it means I'm not getting any lights. Any tips for someone who can't get good lights?
Well, that's mainly because they're talking about 2 different types of photography. Food, architecture and such types of photography are more technical where you need straight lines, straight horizons etc. Portrait photography doesn't really need you to have the camera dead flat. You can point high, low, tilted and it will give a different feeling. One is not better than the other because it is two different things. Same with a youtube.
Sure, lighting from one direction or another was really useful, but shooting with intent is something I will be writing in capital letters on all of my note boards!
I’m confused about the level bit. I get the basic concept and I think it’s great, but where do I put the actual level tool and what am I doing “by eye”?
George and Christian have rephrased it better than I originally did. Thanks, guys! It’s great to see constructive comments on here. 1:57 “I will pop this on the lens hood this way and this way, if I’m shooting a flat lay” Pop it on where? Like I said, I get the concept (parallel planes and all that.) I guess I’m just not understanding how you balance a level on a lens hood. Or am I supposed to hold the level to the front of the lens? It’s not that big of a deal. I’ll figure it out. Anyway, love your videos. Great content and consistency. Cheers for responding in the comments, too. Much appreciated.
I'm sorry. I have to agree. Who in their right mind brings a level to their shoot? Don't most camera's from the past 10 years have built in levels anyway? Also, lighting from the right produces "Halloween images"? This is some of the worst photog content I've seen, and I typically like your content.
Still Waking I take a level with me and use the studio ones in every shoot. The cameras levels are not very accurate and won’t tell you if the subject is level to the sensor, just that your sensor is level. A level camera with an unlevel table or floor doesn’t fix the issue.
If you want to see more of this or just lot of videos of my kitten, head to my instagram page instagram.com/scottchoucino/
I am soooo guilty of just shooting pretty pictures. Maybe I should tape a "intent and purpose" sticker on all my cameras. Thanks again for all the great videos!
Judy Wright we are all guilty of this
I'm not a food photographer but I watch your videos because all of the stuff you talk about can be applied to most other pro work. Great stuff!
Thanks, yeah I think its all pretty much the same thing, you just apply it to what you enjoy :)
@@TinHouseStudioUK The persistence of physics is tough to shake
Spot on:-) Also - can you please make another video(s) about the "intent" and purpose" in the images?
Thanks, and yes for sure!
The shallow depth of field stuff is so apparent when you look at high end ad campaigns, billboards, magazines etc. Shallow DOF is something a lot of beginner photographers exploit so that their images immediately differ from snapshots or cheap kit lenses. At a higher level you stop down and put more effort in what's in front of the camera.
Yeah I’d fully agree with this
Just a quick note. I'm not a food photographer, (editorial stock, - business portrait before that), but I really enjoy your videos. And, quite a bit of what you talk about translates well into many other genres of photography.
Thats good to know that it transfers well :)
That was great, Scott! So much of this comes to us eventually as we mature as photographers, but that process is often long and rocky. Having these great tips along the way really helps. Plus beginners often either obsess about everything (thus overthink every step) or are unaware of what's important (thus getting results they're unhappy with).
That said, taking "pretty" shots are what often draws us into photography and gets us excited about it - I think it's important to not kill that enthusiasm. But once we acknowledge that yeah, we can snap a pretty image, we should really work on understanding and honing our "purpose & intent" skills.
Thanks for these videos!
This is so helpful!
Thank you for being clear in what your tips are and what you're trying to explain. As a beginner, I don't always understand the basics and being a food blogger, I have to take photos, so this is so extremely helpful.
Thanks again!
Well said, it can be as deep as you like or as shallow. A professional photographer thinks about the color of light, the time of day you're trying to emulate among dozens of other factors.
tcphoto very true
Thanks for making another great video, Scott! I couldn't agree more! Love that you mentioned how important is to work on the intentional level - be it the direction of the light or the importance of the intent behind taking a pretty picture! Awesome!
Thanks Andrea :D
Thank you. The main point of taking a photo with intent is really coming through. If possible kindly do a video showing how to take a normal shot and then how to adjust it to show the intent (taking it to the next level with mood etc.)
Good tips. Another one. If you want to be perfectly perpendicular to a surface use a mirror. I always have on hand because i use them a lot for lighting. Fix the mirror onnthe surface and make sure the center of yout lens reproduces exactly on the center of your image. Your camera will be precisely perpendicular to the mirror.
Hallelujah! All four excellent (and most refreshing) tips, Scott. But #4 is pure GOLD - g-save us all from merely "pretty" pics!
TravelnLass thanks 😊
you've answered the main question that i can never find the answer to from any video (light direction)
This was a great set of tips. Not picking on anyone or involving personal tastes...just straight facts. Great job
Gavin Thompson thanks Gavin
I agree. I find myself stopping down to f5.6 to f8 a lot because most of the food was not sharp enough. I also use a dof calculator to help me figure out the usable dof of a shot so I can pre-plan it.
HfoSlayer yeah I often use a dof website to do this
Very useful tips! Thank you!
Thanks
The direction of light tip, wow. Never thought about it before and now will be something I strive to never forget. Also, that last mistake: so true. Just today I was working for a client that wanted "pretty pictures" and was so dismissive of any hints to intent in the photo. After a bit, I just gave up, I mean, how many ways are there to photograph honey in an afternoon on a low budget?
haha, yeah budget limitations can be crippling
Hi Scott, I hope you won’t be offended if I mention something that surprised me in this video. You say that “it is rare nowadays that I’ll go down to f/2.8 or below” when what you mean is that you rarely go up to f/2.8 or above. The reason I pick up on it is that this misunderstanding is spreading like wildfire through the internet, even to some camera manufacturers’ websites.
The thing is that f/2 is in not less than f/16 any more than 1/2 inch is less than 1/16 inch. Both are fractions, and something divided by 2 is more than something divided by 16. In the case of apertures, the fractions are of the focal length which is what “f” stands for, of course. Maybe the confusion arises because we’re not used to using fractions any more, or maybe people don’t realise that the oblique or the colon in f/2 or f:2 stand for division.
It may just be semantics, but if it spreads confusion about an important camera control, I don't think it's unimportant.
Thanks enjoyed that got a food shoot this week will be using your tips, keep up the good work 👍
wow, this is the first time I ever heard about considering the direction of light (as in there's a difference if your light source is photo left vs right). Does the same thing apply with other styles of photography, ex. portrait?
glad that was of use to you :D and yes it works for other genres too, although many of them throw other spanners into the works
Are there any concerns with magnets on torpedo levels? I keep a torpedo on me for the occasional bit of grip and lighting I have to set up that needs to be level, but it's got some pretty strong magnets on it.
As an aside, I'm amused, along my own journey, the difference between what I concerned myself with and found desirable as a hobbiest as opposed to shooting professionally. In many ways I've naturally found myself experiencing complete reversals.
Yea I wouldn't stick the torpedo or any leveler with a mag on it, directly on your camera. Do it from the lens filter.
Adam Tests I’d avoid magnets that are strong near a memory card for sure, don’t know about the camera tho
It has all kinda changed. Once upon a time, the thumb wasn't the mobile digit on your hand, it is now the most used digit on a persons hand after the advent of cell phones and playstation controllers. We used to read left to right, but far more than that, especially after mobile viewing, we read top to bottom. All chefs know we eat with our eyes first, so the pretty premium is still very much a major factor. The advancement of cell phones has been so rapid, but the one thing the cell phone camera have never done well is shallow depth and bokeh. Without fail, when shooting food (I agree F4-8) is a very common range to use, yet I will still get F1.4-2 for variety, and those images still remain highly popular. There is also the instagram effect. Flat lays have their place, but the move by restaurants to change plating to better suit flat lay is unmistakable. They know a lot of diners will be holding their phone flat above their food for an image, so they give them what they want. There is certainly is the photographer knowing what is best, but people in general don't always want what is best. The interesting part of all of this is that I am a chef, who picked up photography. I still cook, but these days I also write and shoot a segment for a southern hemisphere magazine. We all know what is best..but we all know that what people want is often different to best practice. You have to plate and shoot for the viewers end goal is..the worst thing that happen to me these days is not the plating being a bit off...the image being a bit mediocre...the worst thing is that the viewer turns the page without giving the page a second thought. I thinks the ultimate truth to commercial food work..it can tick as many "pro" boxes as possible..but if the viewer walks by and does give it a second look, its a fail. What they stop to look at is forever changing. You either are aware of trends and classic work, or your not. I have seen many front lit, bare flash images that are stunning...but I also know the viewer will flick right on by those images without pause, even though they are magnificent shots that seemingly break all the rules, yet still work...but their not what the viewer wants.
f16.. are you sacrificing sharpness for a increased overall sharpness?
yes deffo lose absolute max sharpness
Hey Love your videos! Just like to understand, what you mean by intent and purpose to a picture? Can you show some light on it? Thanks!
Thanks. haha that might need a video in itself. I suppose it is having more to it than just being pretty. Some substance or underlying meaning. Or simply to show something in a different light than what people may expect.
A bit late here but intention and purpose is achieved with conceptualization, conceptualization is achieved by thinking outside the box, inventing, taking risks, seeking inspiration outside the comfort zone such as applying artistic concepts from other disciplines to photography (Watch Scott's video talking about books that are not photography). Intent and purpose conveys a message and elicits an emotion.
TIL, I need more lights.
I live up in the arctic circle though, so triple or quadruple shipping charges to get stuff to me and it means I'm not getting any lights. Any tips for someone who can't get good lights?
this guy is the best on youtube who talks about spirit levels you wont find this on Tony and Chelsea
Well, that's mainly because they're talking about 2 different types of photography. Food, architecture and such types of photography are more technical where you need straight lines, straight horizons etc. Portrait photography doesn't really need you to have the camera dead flat. You can point high, low, tilted and it will give a different feeling.
One is not better than the other because it is two different things. Same with a youtube.
Kevin Richards thanks for the kind words. No way I could keep up with their volume or variety of content tho
@@hfoslayer6195 they are rubbish portrait photographers have you seen their shots
Sure, lighting from one direction or another was really useful, but shooting with intent is something I will be writing in capital letters on all of my note boards!
I’m confused about the level bit. I get the basic concept and I think it’s great, but where do I put the actual level tool and what am I doing “by eye”?
Steve Marsden not sure I fully understand the question. Where possible I’d do it all with a tool. Human eyes are easily fooled
@@TinHouseStudioUK on what surface to place the level tool, where to put it to stand alone to see the level...
George and Christian have rephrased it better than I originally did. Thanks, guys! It’s great to see constructive comments on here.
1:57 “I will pop this on the lens hood this way and this way, if I’m shooting a flat lay”
Pop it on where?
Like I said, I get the concept (parallel planes and all that.) I guess I’m just not understanding how you balance a level on a lens hood. Or am I supposed to hold the level to the front of the lens? It’s not that big of a deal. I’ll figure it out.
Anyway, love your videos. Great content and consistency. Cheers for responding in the comments, too. Much appreciated.
Steve Marsden ah I get it now. Yeah I just kinda hold it and look. Adjust the tripod grated head with one and and hold the spirit level with the other
Choucino Photography Perfect. Thanks for taking the time to clear that up. Keep up the fantastic work!
What kind of garbage was that?
The best kind
I'm sorry. I have to agree. Who in their right mind brings a level to their shoot? Don't most camera's from the past 10 years have built in levels anyway? Also, lighting from the right produces "Halloween images"? This is some of the worst photog content I've seen, and I typically like your content.
Still Waking I take a level with me and use the studio ones in every shoot. The cameras levels are not very accurate and won’t tell you if the subject is level to the sensor, just that your sensor is level. A level camera with an unlevel table or floor doesn’t fix the issue.
@@TinHouseStudioUK Solution looking for a problem.