Issues → January/February 2007 → Feature Stories →
Coming in from the Cold: Comfort Food and Family in Vermont
(page 2 of 5)
The Kids Stay in the Picture: Photographing Children and Food
When it comes to photographing children and food, Heath suggests:
- Let your spouse take the shots. "Lisa takes much better photos of our children. She has more patience and she spends more time with them on most days. She'll follow them around all day and snap, snap, snap until she gets what she wants -- rather than trying to get them to do something. That never works. That's when you get the cheesy, dramatic smiles. If you have a digital camera, take as many shots as your memory card will hold, then delete what you don't want. It's a great way to spend time with your children."
- Again referring to the advantages of digital photography, Heath points out that you can look at what you just shot in seconds, giving you time to adjust the light or angle.
- Food has so much detail and texture, so get close: "You gotta get right in there." If you are serious about food photography, invest in a lens that allows for more up-close detail.
- Use natural light whenever possible. If you are not outside, move the plate or bowl next to an open window.
- "Be ready and work quickly. If the food you're shooting is hot, it will start to wilt and sauces will separate. If the food is frozen, it will start to melt. And things change color -- lamb often turns gray. In the studio or on location, we set up a shot with a stand-in plate -- then, when we have our lighting right, we swap it with the real plate and snap as fast as possible. But there's no reason for that at home or if you are in a restaurant."
- Take as many shots as you can -- one usually comes out.
Rich Gourmet Hot Chocolate
Beverages Recipes
Yield: 4 servings
- 1/2 pound bittersweet chocolate (pick one that's at least 70 percent cacao), chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 2-1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Garnish: marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream
In a double boiler over low heat, combine chocolate and water. Raise heat to medium and whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Add sugar and whisk to dissolve.
In a microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, warm cream. Slowly whisk cream into chocolate mixture, continuing to whisk until smooth. Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.
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