A post by freelance commercial and editorial photographer, food stylist & writer – Andrew Scrivani – one of the course presenters at next week’s Creative Live Photo Week.
In this insightful article, Andrew Scrivani, a highly experienced freelance commercial and editorial photographer, food stylist, and writer, takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of food photography. With a passion for storytelling, Scrivani shares his expertise in creating captivating food photos that not only showcase the deliciousness of the food itself but also convey a deeper narrative and concept. As one of the course presenters at Creative Live Photo Week, Scrivani provides a glimpse into his artistic process and offers valuable tips for aspiring food photographers.
Introduction
Scrivani begins by emphasizing the importance of art direction in food photography. He explains that, typically, the art direction in this field is straightforward, focusing on factors like color palette, season, and the desired theme. He shares that these discussions are essential when capturing food photos that tell a specific story, whether it’s about a recipe, an ingredient, an event, or a particular chef’s style. By establishing the context and visual elements, Scrivani sets the stage for the rest of the article.
Food Photography Composition
Scrivani believes that food photography comprises two concurrent compositions: the food itself and the frame surrounding it. He underscores the significance of carefully considering not only the food’s appearance, origin, and preparation but also the props, setting, and scene. These elements work harmoniously to tell the intended story. Scrivani’s emphasis on the balance between the food and its surroundings allows for a comprehensive approach to food photography.
Going Beyond Traditional Elements
While Scrivani acknowledges that most food photography revolves around traditional elements, he shares his experiences with pushing the boundaries of creativity. He elaborates on a particular project where he was tasked with illustrating the intersection between food and beauty. Instead of focusing solely on food stories, Scrivani embarked on an abstract concept that aimed to capture how certain foods can be considered essential tools for enhancing beauty.
Process and Inspiration
Collaborating with an art director, Scrivani describes their brainstorming sessions as they sought to transform the abstract concept into tangible images. Armed with a pad and pencil, they jotted down ideas, sketches, and notes. The challenge was to find unique and visually compelling ways to incorporate beauty items and various foods like pomegranates, raw fish, makeup brushes, coconut water, edamame, and more. Scrivani shares these flashes of inspiration and ‘aha’ moments, demonstrating the creative process and the importance of teamwork in developing concepts for food photography.
Challenges and Solutions
Throughout the project, Scrivani encountered challenges, one of which was finding a way to incorporate coconut water into the theme. As coconut water lacks strong color and texture, it posed a unique dilemma. To maintain consistency with the other images and references to “tools,” they decided to use a piece of hot-rolled steel as the table surface, evoking an industrial feel. Scrivani explains the decision to omit an actual tool and avoid clichéd shots of coconuts with straws, demonstrating the problem-solving aspect of creative food photography.
Final Result
After experimentation and exploration, Scrivani unveils the final composition that perfectly captures the essence of the abstract concept. He describes photographing a freshly cracked coconut shell, using the shards as design elements in an overhead shot. The resulting image portrays a dramatic and striking composition that effectively conveys the central message: these foods, when included in one’s beauty routine, can be powerful partners in achieving both outer and inner beauty.
Overall Message
Scrivani concludes by summarizing the core message of his article: every visual detail in food photography should contribute to the story. Whether the aim is to tell an obvious narrative or engage the viewer’s imagination, the photographs should be able to convey the intended message without relying on accompanying text. Scrivani’s emphasis on the visual power of storytelling underscores the immense significance of carefully composing and crafting each image thoughtfully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Andrew Scrivani, with his vast experience as a freelance commercial and editorial photographer, food stylist, and writer, enlightens us on the intricacies of food photography. His ability to marry the art of storytelling with exquisite visuals sets him apart in this field. Aspiring food photographers and enthusiasts can glean valuable insights from his expertise and creative process. For further inspiration and food photography tips, readers are encouraged to visit his blog and explore his upcoming creativeLIVE course during Photo Week, where Scrivani’s expertise can be further delved into. With his work featured in esteemed publications and international advertising campaigns, Scrivani’s contribution to the realm of food photography is truly noteworthy.
The article is compiled and compiled by tipcamera.com
