I have been obsessed with become passionate about photography lately in case you haven’t noticed. I decided to create a Photography Page to keep all my photography posts organized and for easier search-ability in case anyone wants to read over my various photography posts.
Some recent posts…
My food styling and photography workshop last weekend helped to fuel my new passion.
Earlier in the week I made Lightbounces which was the best 60 second and $3 dollar DIY project I’ve ever done.
A couple weeks back I was in hot pursuit of linens and pretty backdrops for my photos. I found some vintage scarves I’ve been loving.
Cute dishes that I can find on the cheap are always on my brain, too.
And I’ve reviewed books Here and Here on Food Styling and Photography
But one thing I realized after my Food Styling &Photography Workshop was that I needed a tripod.
There is no way to get these types of shots, for me at least, without using one.
My hands are just not steady enough to hold my very heavy camera + big lens steady enough with the appropriate camera settings I need to use to get uber crisp and clear shots like these without a tripod.
I had posted previously that I was contemplating getting a tripod but was on the fence. But I realized that getting one would improve the quality of my photos, so I decided to order this tripod from CSN Stores. I had some money as a store credit so I applied that plus used my own funds, and was able to get this previously pricey tripod (that was already marked way down) for a very reasonable sum.
It has what’s called a pistol grip head, meaning rather than using separate knobs to tip, tilt, and adjust the tripod’s head, I can just squeeze the trigger, and move the entire head in one fell swoop. Such a time saver and major convenience factor added not having to deal with multiple dials and knobs.
Just screw the big DSLR camera in and get ready to shoot. I can tell you just from having it a few days, I love it! The pistol grip head makes this tripod way easier to use, less things to fiddle with and less wasted time trying to screw two sets of “controls” and tilts in place.
I plan to use the tripod for what I call “Photo Shoot Worthy Food”. Meaning, for food I plan to shoot that I developed the recipe from scratch, took pictures of all the stages of the process, and plan to post the pictures to Foodgawker, Tastespotting, or Serious Eats. I don’t intend to break out the tripod to shoot a picture of salad.
No Bake Vanilla Cake Batter Chocolate Truffles
No Bake Nutter Butter Special K Bars
And when I’m done with the tripod, it packs up neatly in this carrying bag. I put it in the closet to keep my living space clutter free because I hate clutter and visual disarray.
From my last post featuring Soup, Salad, Dips, and Savory Recipes I’ve seen lately, I’m glad you enjoyed the post and recipe compilation! It was fun hearing what you’ve been making or seen lately that has you inspired.
Questions
1. Best thing you’ve eaten or done so far this weekend?
I had a glorious day with Skylar in the 82F degree sunny weather. We spent lots of time outside, played, laughed and had a wonderful time.
2. Do you have a tripod? If so, do you like it or use it often? If not, do you want one?
Lots of you answered in the comments section here, but feel free to chime in again.
3. Tell me something fun that’s going on in your world!
I am going back outside to enjoy the day
And then I’m going to pick up a few ingredients at the store for a recipe I’m working on…
Enjoy your weekend!
So… my boyfriend (Kevin) loves photography. He has light boxes, soft boxes, 2 DSLR’s, lenses, umbrellas, tripods… and I took it ALL. mwahaha. I’m so happy he had all of this already, and that he wasn’t too territorial about it all. Except… the day he got home and noticed that I’d left one of the DSLRs without a lense or cap on it for a couple of weeks. I guess moisture builds up and the only way to fix it is to send it to Canon… hehe oops!
that camera works beautifully!! i need to invest in a good camera/tripod. as of now, all my pics are from my phone. hahha :)
Gorgeous gorgeous pics Averie!!!
The tripod is definitely a great idea.
While I got my car serviced today, I drank a complimentary cappuccino called a “panda bear” with shots of dark and white chocolate in it. Delicious!
A tripod is next on my investment list for photography! It is definitely necessary for AMAZING pictures!
CUTE AND CHEAP?! Loveeeee this dishes <3
Averie, these photos are beautiful. Best of luck with the photo submissions — I hear it’s a hard process, but from what I see I think they’d have to be blind not to accept them! :)
the ones I showed have all been accepted on the food sites already :) but yes they are SUPER picky and sometimes I have no idea why I am getting turned down..it’s such a learning curve!
You take such amazing pictures!
thanks
A photography page is a great idea! I have been trying to get my photos to look better lately and your tips are really helpful! The photography class you took looks amazing!
Those are some GREAT photographs!
I’ve got a pretty crappy little tripod, but I use it for almost every photo I take. I looked on CSN for tripods back when I had $$ to spend and didn’t see any! I’ve been holding off on getting a new one, because I want a really good one for photography and outdoor birding. That will require a super sturdy one to use with a super zoom spotting scope. Gotta have the good stuff for my students, you know!
I’ve never seen the trigger thing, but I can imagine that is a HUGE time and annoyance saver.
Well they do have them, but the searches took awhile for the right ones to come up in the searches.
vt25Lj YMMD with that aswner! TX
1. Best thing you’ve eaten or done so far this weekend?
It has been raining non-stop here! It is cold, overcast, and plain old miserable. I didn’t want to feel like a hermit so I made myself go to the grocery store to pick up some goodies. I saved a ton on sales and with coupons so that makes me quite happy. Right now I am at home, in my sweatpants watching netflix, waiting for dinner to finish cooking.
2. Do you have a tripod? If so, do you like it or use it often? If not, do you want one?
No. But I’m not a big photographer.
3. Tell me something fun that’s going on in your world!
I’m going to be a bridesmaid in my brother’s wedding!
Avery, these pictures look amazing!! I’m talking magazine-worthy. :)
-Yasi
triumphantyasi.blogspot.com
you are too kind, thank you!
I now realize I spelled your name wrong. I’m sorry! :)
Averie, you have such a talent, and this posts shines with your skills! Congrats on the investment! As I’m sure you know, it’s always worth it to invest in passion. :)
Well, there’s a snowstorm in Wisconsin, so I’m a little jealous of your weather. ;)
Thank you, Heather! For this comment and every single awesome comment you leave me…truly, day brighteners. Thanks :)
These pictures look SO good. You’re a natural! I need to borrow my dad’s tripod :)
Aww, thanks girl!! :)
No fair. I live in PA and it’s been POURING almost the whole day. I made cinnamon buns today. It’s a rainy day activity I suppose.