When my interest in photography became more of an obsession and I wanted to push myself to learn and get better, I asked a talented artist for advice. My friend is an expert in watercolor painting but I wanted to know outside of going back to school, what kind of resources could I look for to learn more about the art behind photography rather than the technical shooting aspects.
Her stellar advice: Find other artists I respect and join their community.
Not long after that conversation I was lucky enough to meet the ladies of The Inspired Plate. Our group of extremely talented photographers has been gathering together once a month for a food photography challenge and I have learned more out of my interactions with them than I ever could have on my own. They have pushed me to try things with my food photography that I would never have bothered with otherwise.
Case in point: September’s Texture challenge. I’ve seen textures in photography but assumed it would be too time consuming to even try. I’ve been relatively pleased with my clean and crisp photos and felt texture would just muck up the food. I was shocked to discover how much fun I had with this challenge!
I decided to play with photos I’ve already shared on the blog before. I wanted to see if I could improve upon them with texture:
For me, the peach jam treatment is an absolute winner! I love how the addition of the texture softened up the hue of the peach jam to be more peachy and a little less red. I love the country time feel to the photo with the linen background and the extremely subtle stitching to the right.
While textures may not work on every food image, I feel like I have a totally new tool in my arsenal now! Here are 2 more examples of photos with added texture:
The linen effect is by far my favorite but I’ve only begun to play. If you’ve never tried adding texture to your photos (food or otherwise) and are interested in the how-to’s, I followed this tutorial shared by Jessica Drossin. The only step I skipped was her lightening of the girl’s face with the dodge tool. Otherwise I used her steps exactly.
Now, if you’d like to meet the woman who totally convinced me that textures absolutely can enhance food photos please click through and see Caroline Manrique | Chicago |Food photographer and blogger. Caroline’s portfolio is breathtaking, I could stare at it all day. I can’t wait to see her submission to this challenge for myself!
Learn your own light
Jennifer
Very nice Tiffany! I think you picked the perfect texture for your peaches too 🙂
Laurie
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this challenge Tiffany! Your use of textures in these photo’s are perfect! I love your Fall theme.. it is so appropriate for the subtlety of overlays that you used here!
Tammy Bilodeau
Nicely done Tiffany. Love the jams, but I really adore the wagon and the pumpkins, such great use of textures here. 🙂
Sarah
That jam looks amazing! I want to eat it on toast with salty butter. You did great with the textures, I love the simplicity of the apple photo as well.
Allison Jacobs
Love how the texture enhanced your jam photo! It is so great to read how much you loved this challenge–isn’t it fun to learn new editing tricks? I totally love your friend’s advice too–I have heard something similar and I agree 100%!
Kat
Tiffany, your jam looks spectacular. I definitely think the textures add to the country, down home feel. Beautiful colors as well.
Caroline
Oh my goodness…love what you did here! The texture adds such warmth. And I want so of that jam…yum!!!
Stacey
Beautiful examples Tiffany! The jam image was elevated to a whole new level and I love the texture on the background bowl. I’m glad you dove in and f=made friends with the use of textures – fun, isn’t it?
Kay Pickens
Nice job on the textures, Tiffany! I really think the subtle use of textures can enhance the mood of the photo.
Chris Meritt
Gorgeous photos and perfect processing!!