As our vegetables ripen and our kitchen comes alive with culinary possibilities, I find myself contemplating which photographs to enter for the prestigious Pink Lady Food Photographer of The Year competition. Food photography has always captivated me, particularly its darker and more dramatic elements. I revel in the interplay of light and shadows, as exemplified by the recent capture of freshly picked gooseberries, causing my fingertips to sting. Placed in a rustic wooden bowl and bathed in soft natural window light, the use of a dark green velvet piano chair provides a striking background.
Throughout my career as a photographer and food photographer, I have gravitated towards the darker side of this craft. While some may favour vibrant and bright images, I am irresistibly drawn to the drama brought out by cleverly manipulated light and shadows. This preference is particularly evident when photographing freshly harvested vegetables like gooseberries.
In this particular image, I sought to highlight the innate beauty of the gooseberries, plucked by tender fingers. Opting for a weathered wooden bowl perfectly suited the rustic charm of these fruits. Utilizing natural window light, I evoked a gentle, warm glow that accentuated the subtle curves and textures of the gooseberries.
To enhance depth and intensify shadows, I positioned the wooden bowl against a backdrop of our dark green velvet piano chair. This choice served to accentuate the vivid greens of the gooseberries against a rich and moody background. By contrasting the brightness of the subject with the surrounding darkness, I aimed to create a visually captivating experience for viewers.
While lighting and shadows undoubtedly play vital roles in my style of dark food photography, composition is equally crucial. The placement of the gooseberries in the rustic bowl was carefully considered, offering a sense of balance and harmony. The slightly scattered arrangement adds effortless beauty, emphasizing the organic nature of the scene.
As mother nature's abundance unfolds in our garden, I find myself immersed in the captivating world of food photography. The Pink Lady Food Photographer of The Year competition offers a platform for expressing my affinity for dark and dramatic imagery. Through skillful integration of lighting, shadows, composition, and subject selection, my aim is to create compelling photographs that evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression.
By delving into the darker side of food photography, I hope to inspire others to embrace unconventional approaches and unleash their creativity in artistic pursuits. With each snap of the shutter, I remain steadfast in my commitment to push boundaries, uncover hidden beauty, and evoke powerful emotions through the lens.
