A vintage jelly jar evokes a feeling of simple comfort: put anything in it and it becomes "homemade". Use them for small desserts, yogurt, or as juice glasses. The lower ones are good options as a small scale bowl. Silver baby spoons make excellent condiment spoons...just the right length!
Jars with pressed glass designs add sparkle, and break up the tone of whatever goes inside.
Old Pyrex custard cups are great to have on hand, too.
And yes, you can still use a jar as a jar! Scrutinize your own pantry for ones to keep when empty. If you have something with great graphics or colors on the label it may be just the touch of color you need. I found the one above at a charity shop, and loved the aging in the paper label, and the faded design. It echoes the tones of the cinnamon crisps in the shot below, where it once again held apple jelly.
On Camera with photographer Annemarie Zelasko: Vintage Jar
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Hi Paula,
ReplyDeleteGood ideas with little jars! I like making individual desserts in martini/wine glasses or any nice looking glass cup but then taking the photo becomes challenging. Somehow, I always get a spot on the rim shining , over exposing the picture. I am not even using flash.
Do you have any tips? Should I go with darker backgrounds?
Well, let me start by saying that I by no means consider myself a photographer. I have many years of photo styling experience, but have always considered my calling as being the person behind the person behind the camera! It has been like learning to drive, you ride in cars all your young life but it sure is different when you are at the wheel ! Now that I am finding I need to take my own photos more often, I have a new appreciation for the talent it takes to create really well lit images.
ReplyDeleteWhat I can tell you is that the pros I work with analyze the way light hits the food, and manipulate the light and shadows with tiny flags to cut down and diffuse hot spots, and small reflectors of various intensity to bounce where they want more light. You need to find out where that hot light on the edge of the glass is coming from so you can adjust. If you are using available room light, perhaps it is an overhead light fixture?
I shoot my simple prop shots in natural daylight, diffused through a window and sheer fabric to soften the light further.
I have links to some excellent sites that address questions such as yours, from people much more qualified than I to answer technical questions. Take a look under Food Photography Tips and Info, lots of great stuff there!
Thanks Paula! It is normally an overhead light. When I do take it under natural light, I do not use anything to filter the light, like sheers... That might be too powerful as well.
ReplyDeleteI just have to set it up when I have free time and play with it. It is all about practice!!
You have good links, I will definitely read them.
Perfect timing- was just having jar envy over Aran's miniature milk bottles for pots de creme. I need to get to scouting.
ReplyDelete