Taking pictures of food ques..(I know how to post)

Big'un

Howdy gang,
I know how to post pics(finally). I have a 5.1 megapixel digital camera. If I use the flash, then the pics seem washed out. [p][p]If I don't use the flash, then adjusting the light on software just doesnt do the food justice. [p]
[p]
[p]Am I going to have to spring for an expensive camera? Or does some one have an idea or adjustment I can make, that I'm hopefully overlooking? Thanks to all.
Big'un

mad max beyond eggdome

Big'un,
do you have a macro feature on your camera? . ..i use it a lot to frame in the picture without using the zoom ... then try to take pics either with the flash or under some really good light (either indoors or natural outdoors:[p]

Fidel

Big'un,[p]Our camera is not an expensive model, but it has a "cuisine" setting that does something with the timing of the flash. The pics are bright without the washout you experience.[p]If your camera has this setting give it a try.[p]Also, use your optical zoom (not digital) and get a bit farther away from the subject of the photo. That should help with some of the washout and focus issues.

Big'un

Fidel,
Thanks, I'll try that!

Unknown

Big'un,
in low light, you need a tripod or a steady surface you can put the camera on, then use the timer, so there's no chance of camera shake by your hand holding it. any shutter speed slower than 1/30 and even a little camera shake will show up as blurriness.

Unknown

Big'un,[p]5.1 megapixel is more than sufficient...[p]the number of pixels does NOT mean the quality of pictures. It is the size of finished print.[p]To get magazine quality pictures you need to take/save and print the pictures at something at or above 350 dpi.[p]For displaying on any web page/forum/or your own screen 72 dpi to 80 dip is all you need. The screens will not reproduce any better quality than the 72/80 dpi.[p]To figure out the size a picture will display on screen divide the width or height dpi by 72 (for printing divide the dpi width by 350).[p]You can get some higher results with picture software, however, it is best not to software enhance.[p]Now for your pictures. You are moving the camera when the picture is actually taken. You can see this in the second picture down. 2 images of your meat. Use a soft touch when making that final click and brace the camera in your hands.[p]The first picture is pretty good, the problem is the depth of field (the piece of meat on the left (second piece back) looks in focus. The front and back piece are too far apart to get into focus.[p]The bottom picture is most likely too close. [p]Macro is a great option just run some tests. If your camera doesn't have a macro don't worry about it just move back a little more.[p]The most important tip... If your pictures keep looking fuzzy/out of focus, start resting your camera on the back of a chair or stack some books.[p]You need to learn to hold the camera steady.[p]Save your money buying another camera, yours is fine. Use the money you save for more egg stuff...[p]by the way good looking eats!!![p]good eggin, kent[p]Optical zoom is better.

Big'un

kent,
Thanks. A lot to think about. I'll try some of your suggestions. When the food smells that good and you can't eat until you take a picture of it(forum rule #6, I think.)...is it any wonder that I'm moving the camera..heck, my whole body is quivering by that point.LOL. I appreciate your insight.
Big'un

Big'un

Rick's Tropical Delight,
Thanks, You are the master!

Unknown

Big'un,[p]I tried to take the pictures but there is nothing left to take pictures of.[p]Good eatin, kent

tigerpaw

<p />Big'un,
You can adjust you exposure down (say -.7 to -1.3) typically and It'll save the 'wash out' effect. If your camera can't do that, you can always take a piece of Press and seal plastic wrap and put over the flash. This will help diffuse the light and more evenly disperse it. Just keep playing with it. Once you hit the combination, you'll be posting those Food magazine type shots.[p]Here's a plated pic from Thursday night's cook of Garlic Cilantro Chicken. Practice with a plate that has a lot of white in it to learn how to control the brightness of the exposure.[p]Enjoy!

Big'un

tigerpaw,
Thanks for the great tips..I'll practice on a white plate(now I have to do the dishes.LOL). What are in the dumplings on the plate. It looks great!

tigerpaw

<p />Big'un,[p]They are perogies. These happen to have cheese and potatoes in them. They come a variety of ways.[p]Here's the recipe for the ones that want it.[p]1 chicken
6 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3/4 cup good quailty EVOO
6 Japs or I used 3 large Habs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup bbq sauce (pick your favorite)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish ( I didn't do this)[p]
combine garlic, cilantro, olive oil, japs(habs), salt, black pepper.[p]
Take 1/3 and marante the chicken (you can quarter, I spatched it)[p]Maranate overnight.[p]Preheat grill at 350, cook indirect for an hour.[p]While cooking, put the other 2/3s marante in pan with the cup of bbq sauce and reduce to a thick sauce.[p]After an hour, baste the chicken with the reduction and cook (30 minutes or so) or until your thermopen reads done temps.[p]Let it sit for about 15 minutes and tear into it!![p]This picture is what they looked like off the grill.[p]

Big'un

tigerpaw,
Thanks for the pic and recipe. Good eatin's going on at your house too!
Big'un

TRex

tigerpaw,[p]That's perfect exposure. Well done.[p]TRex