Food

Tips & Tricks to click that perfect food shot

Published

7 years ago

March 9, 2017

FWDmedia

Food just does not sit pretty without some meddling hands. Here are some FWD ways to make it way beyond licking good, but clicking as well.

Words by Atheena Wilson Photographs from FWD Media

Bring on the Bling

Many times in a food shoot, you’ll be lugging around so many props solely hoping it would make the photograph look prettier. Sometimes you may go overboard, so every time you place an element, just ask, what was that for? In the wedding themed shoot for FWD Vivah, we ended up photographing the desserts by Cakes my Passion. There were umpteen props but selecting the final ones was important.

Usually, I like sticking to three elements and not more than that. Thus, I stuck to a good serving plate, some fresh flowers and the ‘I Do’ cake topper.

Place your props aptly around your food without taking the attention off the food. The flowers were circularly arranged around the cupcake and it also enhanced the golden rim of the plate.

The ‘I Do’ cupcake topper did not have to be evident, but even though it was a blur, you can see a hint of it.

The quality of your props always matters; always select something that has good texture. The lilac cloth was a running material but it had a papyrus-like texture which uplifted the photograph.

Complete with the Incomplete

The food ingredients explosion one is the most sumptuous trend these days, which we were excited to do with Cassava, Kochi Marriott Hotel in our Nostalgia special. When you want to show the readers the ingredients that make up the final dish, though it’s supposed to look natural, the composition has to be well planned out. Here are a few things to look out for: the number of ingredients, the proportions of the plates or boards the materials are going to be presented on and the forms in which the ingredients are going to be presented.

When taking a top angle of a long shot, the tripod may not be able to execute it, so do connect it simultaneously to the laptop while photographing your shot. This way you can see if all of the elements have been focused accurately, you may have to take multiple shots and superimpose later. Also, be ready for a fall when the photographer is dangling at odd heights!

Proportions are always crucial, for example, the coconut shavings, chillis and scallops were all placed in circular objects but of different sizes.

You don’t have to show all of them, always take the most important one; over here, the three most crucial spices were highlighted.

The Clean Shot One or In the Mood for Food

Sometimes, the one thing that’s overlooked in food shoots is the creation of mood. Personally, one of my favourites was the cool as cucumber shot at Cafe Carpentine from the Travel and Food special. To evoke that coolness, it all lay in the stunning use of negative space. But remember, too much or too little of it could lead to a poor frame. Look out for: how well does the foreground compliment and also give emphasis the food or beverage? Is the texture subtle? How does one create depth without it looking like it was pitted against some paper?

Use natural light and preferably do it near a glass window, so that the light can be filtered.

Placing the board diagonally creates a quick perspective, so your eyes can move around the photograph.

An apt amount of headspace to create the minimalistic mood and also give sole attention to the drink.

The addition of the complementary coloured board and doily was to show the different shades tones of white that naturally brings out depth to the picture.

Food for Thought

Sometimes shots look terrific because of the table setting, the plates and the cutlery and that sometimes may take away the attention. Food on its own has its beauty but photographing it on its own is sometimes a challenge. Usually, the close-up shots bring out it tantalising side, and mid- and long shots are slightly trickier. From all shots of the pasta at Roma, Holiday Inn for our Anniversary special, the top angle shot is one of my favourites, till now.

Ensure that food is not overcooked, the trick is that the shot may take 15 minutes, thus never over cook the food.

Though the background is not too evident, it makes for the greatest importance. It should always compliment the food’s colour tones too.

The photo would have looked very dull if the spoon wasn’t focused, thus the type of lens used also matters.

Look out for a stand out composition. In this photograph, symmetry was used to stand out, and even better, it was both horizontal and vertical which made the photo simple, but well thought out.

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Food

Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

Published

1 month ago

March 23, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult.

Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats.

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes.

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain.

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones.

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function.

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process.

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

Food

The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

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May 23, 2022

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A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well.

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

Food

Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season

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2 years ago

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Vishu and Easter festivities are around the corner. Along with dressing up and gathering around for some fun family time, you would definitely want to indulge in these simple but festive special treats.

Lilly’s Pattisserie

What if we told you could have Payasam cakes? Yes. You heard that right. The Lilly’s Patisserie, Thrissur is offering Payasam cakes on it its Vishu Special menu as a distinct highlight. Try out their Palada and Pazham Pradhaman cakes which are available in two sizes.They have also got you covered for Easter with a range of Hot Cross Buns from traditional to chocolate and candy berry flavours. You can also spice up your Easter treats with their artisanally crafted Easter Eggs.

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Pandhal Cake Shop

The Pandhal Cake Shop, Kochi is shelling out some amazing Easter Egg Surprises this Holy Season. Their marzipan-based eggs come in varied sizes and colours vibrant enough to cheer the grimmest of the lot. Also, check out their Easter Egg Baskets that are sure to surprise you!

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Lebanese Grill

No Easter is complete without some spicy meat-based main course to savour. This Kottayam-based Arabian restaurant is all about gifting your loved ones with some flavourful rice for the festive season. This Easter they are introducing the Mutton Cask Biriyani. The cask comes along with pappad, pickle and raita. These are only available on a pre-order basis. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now.