Which should otherwise be titled “No, it’s okay, don’t cry…”.
Many of you probably feel my pain - the number of food bloggers is increasing exponentially, and so are the number of mouth-watering pictures. However, other than country, skill, cuisine and writing talent, there is another line which, if you are a food blogger who takes photos, you are on one side or the other of.
Cameras.
As far as I’m aware, we’re all shooting with digital cameras (well, other than Matt’s recent foray into the world of film), and in the world of cameras, there is a sharp divide between the world of dSLRs (digital Single Lens Reflex) and your standard point and shoot. Not only is there quite a sharp difference in price (with the cheapest dSLRs starting from around AUD$800 for just the camera body, with lenses being extra), but there is a great difference in control, functionality, and quality. It’s very easy to see the difference in quality between a photo taken by a point-and-shoot and a dSLR, and you just won’t be able to achieve dSLR camera results with a point-and-shoot.
But, that’s not to say all is lost.
There are some basic points about photography that can be applied in order to bring up the quality of your photos from a point-and-shoot camera.
Let me clarify something - by NO means am I trying to make myself out as some kind of camera or photography expert. I’m still very much a beginner who is just trying to figure out how to make the best of what she’s working with. Neither am I a food styling guru - c’mon, that much should be evident by looking at my blog (patience. I am lacking in patience). If you want food styling tips, best go to those who know, such as Matt from Matt*Bites, Bea from La Tartine Gourmande, Aun from Chubby Hubby, and Lara from Still Life With.
My mind is saturated with study, and I need a different project that I can use to take a break from study every now and then, so I’m thinking this might be it! A number of posts to take you through what I’ve been learning about the basic ins-and-outs of digital point-and-shoot photography, as well as possibly some pp (post-production, aka photoshop) tips.
So, before I commit myself to writing this out, let me just ask whether anyone would be interested in reading such a guide! Obviously this will be of no benefit to old hands who know their way around a camera, but this is for those who are unsure/still learning what all those switches, buttons and dials on their camera do.
Interested? Questions? Anything in particular you want me to cover?
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Comments
I’m all for it, too! Even though I use a pretty high-end point and shoot (Canon PowerShot S3 IS), it’s still glaringly obvious that I’m not in the world of dSLR’s… Yet. (though I think I’ve managed a few good shots here and there)
Count me in too! I’m new to food blogging, new to photography in general and bought my own digital camera (point and shoot) within the last two months. Would love to benefit from your research and experience. Thanks!
Yes, I’d love to see this guide! I’ll keep an eye out for it, and if you email me when you run the guide, I’ll mention in on the Grinder blog on CHOW.com.
I am a point and shoot girl - I would love some tips!! Maybe one day I will be able to afford a DSLR, but for the time being, I need to learn to work with my camera!
I have a Canon dSLR but I only ever use to point and shoot. Only started blogging in March too so I’d be very interested. My husband is a great photographer but just like they say about ski-ing and driving never get your partner to teach you…
I’d be interested! My photographer is leaving next summer so it’s either quit my blog, post yucky pictures, or learn.
Hi I am a food blogger and would love to learn tips and tricks, also in the process of buying a new camera, any tips /buying guide would be great
I started a food blog about 3 weeks ago. Since my first entry, I have baked 2 cakes, 2-3 different kinds of breads, and 2 kinds of empanadas, just to name a few kitchen excursions. Yep, I’ve been busy. So, where are the entries? Well, MY CAMERA sucks! Not ONE good picture! NOT ONE! 
You say you gonna write about cameras? Honey, blog away - I’m all ears!
I got great pictures from my point and shoot(even won DMBLGIT edibility 3 times using that camera). I do have a SLR now but got great use out of the other one.
sounds good - I usually use the point and shoot, b/c it’s a lot easier to carry around than the DSLR - LOL! I bought a mini tripod a few months ago, and found it’s made a huge difference when shooting under low light conditions (which IS when we’re usually eating/shooting, right?) the tripod is quite handbag friendly, even coat pocket friendly.. and it makes a huge difference - being able to shoot non-shake-y pics without flash. 
I would love this. I’m interested in beginning photography as a hobby but with keen interest. I’d also be interested to know any recommended entry level dSLRs.
Yes Please! I think you can probably tell that I’m a point-and-shoot kinda gal with little or no patience who could do with all the tips she could get.
I would certainly be interested in reading if you do decide to write such an article. My phood photos are sadly lacking. How does one get the best photos from a point-and-shoot when trying to capture real food 
I’m always happy to learn more. I have both a point and shoot and a SLR and they both have their uses. The point and shoot is great for restaurants.
I, for one, would read with much interest, Ellie! I don’t have the commitment for anything more than a point-and-shoot camera and a 2-minute pose before eating, and would appreciate any tips you have at this slack-arsed level.
In particular, if you’ve got anything to say about white balance I’m all ears, … or, um, eyes.