Artificial Lighting Series, PART 1: What Artificial Light is the Best for Food Photography?

[@besosdenyc]

It’s 4 years later and your content is still brilliant and relevant! Thank you for breaking down what seems like an overwhelming subject into an easily digestible format. Love your content!❤🔥👏🏽

[@pinargunay9098]

While almost nothing comes free these days, your videos are like a fortune. Thank you for your time and effort for putting all these information together and sharing free here. It is a great pleasure to watch your videos with your big smile and your enthusiasm inspires me a lot. Today I got your recommendation 50 mm lens, cant wait for tomorrow to try, until I gather together my artificial light set. All the best from İstanbul, Turkey ❤️

[@PansyKwong]

Thanks!

[@robinnolan3561]

I've watched a lot of vids on artificial light... This by far was the most informative and simplest to understand. The way you broke it down between the type of photography you're trying to achieve verses what type of light and it's characteristics that help you achieve it, was incredibly useful to me. You're the best, Joanie!

[@TheBiteShot]

Thank you, Robin!! Much love to you! How are the eyes?

[@robinnolan3561]

And sending that love right back at you! Still waiting on my glasses (should be in next week), so not back to shooting yet . But I'm riding the happy train, because ultimately my eyes are in perfect health. So bring on those glasses, and let's do this thing! And besides, my camera is getting pretty lonely. lol

[@yleniamargareci5927]

Joanie you are my artificial light during a LOT of dark days lately! You have just been sent on the internet (well and on the earth first) from the universe! I like you so much. Your way of communicating, so simple and effective and the way you make it so visually basic (that for visual people like me it's just a blessing). Your beautiful (more without make-up) always smiley face and your positive vibes that you are able to send along with every video, every time. You are so funny and you really seem a great, highly skilled strong person, mum, and wife. God bless you for all the knowledge you are sharing with us, for us and for the courage you give just telling us to try. You are just an inspiration for me and I am sure for a lot of other beginners food photographers out here. Thank you.

[@ashleyyyy25]

I’m rewatching this bc I’m at this point where I’ve finally really found my creative niche and guess what?! It’s LIGHTING! I had no idea for the longest time how to articulate and how to get the photos I wanted until I figured it out! Thanks for the help!

[@juliekers]

You are amazing! I am going to shoot my own cookbook next week, I’ll be the creative director, cook and photographer and your videos reaaaally help me! Thank you so much

[@benharris3949]

You straight up crushed it. This is the best video on flash I've seen. So down to earth and relatable, big props.

[@namakpodcasts]

I would like to start by saying a BIG BIG Thank You!! You and your videos are like real saviour. For the beginners like me you are the best guide in the field of food photography!! would start saving up from now on for your course!! All the best and love from INDIA :)

[@szbert]

You're cool and fun, and your videos have more USEFUL information in them than some 15-hour classes on creative live that bore me to tears. THANK YOU

[@Indianabones007]

Great advice, just when I needed it! Can’t believe people give this a thumbs down, crazy

[@tracyaein2548]

Hello👋 I'm absolutely beginner.Which video should I learn first? Thanks for your advice😊

[@wallywallycafe]

Joanie, you're the best!!! Thanks for all your advice and help. We love you!!!

[@anne-sophielacharme8608]

Hello, first of all bravo for your videos which help me a lot. I would like to do a food shoot in a restaurant. I use my 5D mark V canon in natural light condition. I would like to equip myself with one or two softboxes, what equipment do you recommend? What type of bulbs? or power in W? Thank you very much for your help, have a nice day

[@robertcarolinar]

I was just thinking about this the other day because I shot some icecream with natural light (I don't own any artificial lights) and I was not happy with some of the results. This video came from heaven because I wanted to have a general idea of what should I look in artificial lights if I'm just getting started, so thank you so much!! 🍦❤️

[@PansyKwong]

I appreciate the practicality of your information. I can apply it to my photography easily.

[@arifnh_]

I've been looking for this breakdown between lighting types. Thank you a million times. 😍😍😍

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

You can still use continuous light for wide depth of field even at at f16, just use a longer shutter. I shoot commercially for major band name companies and never needed to use flash for still product or food photography. I can wait for a 3 second shutter.

[@krisha1307]

Hi Joanie, I am from Mumbai, India. I have been following your chanel for couple of months now. I do not have the budget for a continuous or high power studio strobe. Thanks to your videos & background set up images in Instagram. I kind of figured my starting point with a Speedlight & Softbox. Thank you !

[@kombizz]

It is a nice informative video for artificial lighting. I like the most was the way Joanie was explaining specially with her hands, and her glamour head movement. For sure her explanation was much better many men photographers in this field.

[@mariebreidenbach6710]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm only just picking up photography more as a hobby and it's always dark when I get back from my regular work. You helped me a lot finding a solution to that problem. :-)

[@ChetanKarmik]

Brilliant. I am so happy I looked up your video (and then subscribed)!! Addicted. Love the way you keep it simple.

[@donmotiondesign]

Hello , my name is Bruno and i'm a photographer from brazil, and i love so much your videosa and larnning a lot of with you. Please never stop to produce videos to your channel . Tku very much, and kisses from Brazil.

[@kevinbraganza1]

The best food photographer. Just love your videos! 🙌🏼

[@cococakeland]

Wow. Thank you so much for this incredibly valuable and informative video! I've shot only natural light for a decade and have always felt so overwhelmed trying to figure out artificial light. But this video was really encouraging! Many many thanks!

[@noshtastic2728]

So helpful Joanie, love seeing all the light comparisons!

[@TheBiteShot]

I love a good side-by-side.

[@SreelakshmiPrabhakar]

Thanks for this awesome video. It is worth the wait of two weeks.

[@imanisserie681]

I just want to say thank you so much for taking the time to explain these different lighting techniques. Really creat content 😊 !

[@yousef474]

Really hard work you’re doing here. Learned a lot from you. Thank you.

[@oasisoftaste3988]

I am just trying to improve my food photography. This is great channel :)

[@jase8550]

I appreciate that you provide your information for free, and I believe that is the best method of education especially for those who cannot afford it. However, for people like me who are grateful and am able to pay you back for your time and effort in these videos, how can I do so?

[@PeterStawicki]

Wow, your voice is incredible!!

[@JennCrafts]

Thanks for all the information. I’m hoping to use natural light but want artificial for back up. I have an altura flash kit AP-C1001 from amazon. I’m trying to take flat lay images with my canon 60d 50mm lens in manual mode. Would this flash help me achieve a beautiful flat lay? And do I need a soft box diffuser for that flash? Thanks!

[@tobioladeji6289]

Hi Joanie, please is there a link to the kind of table you shoot your food on?

[@TheBiteShot]

Unfortunately I bought that one years ago on sale so I'm not sure where you'd find it now.

[@maniatikoleal]

Joanie I love your videos, your voice is so smooth, like silk, the way you explain everything so gently and just the right information without confusing. Much love.

[@eternaloddo5866]

So thankful for you Joanie!

[@lcdchannel88]

For a wide depth of field, have you tried focus stacking? This technique can be done using window light and with a f-stop of f5.6-f7 etc. thus reducing refraction if using a lens over f11. I use focus stacking with over half of my food shots and it is easy to do...

[@TheBiteShot]

It's on my long list of things to do :)

[@kwtkwt4969]

I wish in your next vedios more shooting..and less talking..

[@leanneneill3666]

I have watched many of your videos and find them so helpful! Thank you. I was wondering, if I buy a speedlight, can I use a diffuser from a 5in1 reflector kit to modify the light, or would I be better off getting a softbox? I guess its really a price point difference and I am wondering how big a difference I would see, especially if I bought a 48" reflector/diffuser.

[@tex1622]

Hey Joanie! If I enroll in your artificial lighting course today, can I complete it in my own time? For instance, if I enrolled today, could I hypothetically begin the course in 6 months time or longer?

[@TheBiteShot]

Yep! Lifetime access to watch at your own pace.

[@tex1622]

@@TheBiteShot Wonderful, thanks Joanie! :)

[@barborahusakova360]

This is super helpful! Thank you or the informations.

[@Bishnu_Deb]

As usual great video from Joanie.

[@sanupnorth]

Awesome content as usual Joanie! I recently bought an LED panel to experiment with product photography at home since the lighting is horrible most of the time. Can't wait for you next vid! Have a great day :)

[@dorinha5825]

Joanie, how do I set up my white balance with artificial light?

[@pradipkotecha4058]

Beautifully put together...Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me.

[@laurencegrant2882]

Love your videos :) I'm using two Godox SLB60w on two 32" octoboxs on stands. Does it for me. Go anywhere, portable and powerful. Also have Godox LC500 for front 'fill in'. I do work for Deliveroo and Uber and they love the results.

[@thejeffgeronimo]

I always love how you share your expertise!

[@LaVonDesigns]

Great overview and introductory info. Thanks Joanie!

[@carrollindsay432]

You are who I was looking for Food Photography is what I want to do so I will be back.

[@VilenceVisual]

thankyou for Sharing!!! this video is very2 helpful

[@rural.revivals]

Halsey, is that you?! Great video, this was super helpful!

[@bokehrd6844]

hello i like your videos, i need know where your buy your led light windows and how must, please it is great

[@Mrevilbobguy]

Joanie, do you not have your Westcott Flex anymore? Does the Godox do everything you need now, or why did you get rid of the Westcott?

[@jdcspixelworld]

Hello ma'am.... i am novice in the field of photography. I don't have any speedlight or studio light kit. But i do have lightbox. Can that be used for food photography?

[@TheBiteShot]

I haven't used a lightbox, but from what I've seen they do have limited range of capturing items and the lights aren't super bright so you're limited in camera settings.

[@jdcspixelworld]

@@TheBiteShot thanks ... i tried one yesterday. Now i am really regretting why i purchased it😭😭.... for product photography also its helping if can be a good editor... elso of now use.... will have to try another option 🙂🙂

[@neurontechno]

to everyone that says natural light is the only way to shoot food, I dare them to take a job at a restaurant with 20+ dishes, on a cloudy day or a place that hasnt got any natural light source. its just not gonna happen. As a food photographer to be honest in most cases I use a single (or 2) speedlights, foldable godox 80X80 softboxes (i love them, they put portability on another level) or a diffuser to get that white window curtain look, i shoot in many weird places, kitchens, restaurants, pantry basements, not very photograper friendly places in most cases so portability and control is very important, the only thing I miss is modeling light. On the plus side, Im able to shoot handheld at low iso, i dont get mixed white balance and cri issues from the lights of the environment I work. for me 90% of the cases is flash.

[@richardoughton]

Great video as always thank you, when using flash would you favour softbox or umbrella? Ive always used natural light but moving forward looking to have a kit i can take with me on a job? Many thanks Richard Jon

[@sincerelysandi]

@The Bite Shot Thank you very much for a well explained video. I have a Sony flash to use off camera, would I need a receiver and transmitter, or just one of these? Thank you.

[@TheBiteShot]

You'll just need a transmitter on your camera that mounts in the hot shoe to communicate with the flash. If you're not sure which part, definitely touch base with a camera retailer like B&H or Adorama and they'll be able to steer you to the right part.

[@sincerelysandi]

@@TheBiteShot Thank you so much for your response. I will get help from B and H.

[@acidsnow5915]

an insightful video as usual! thanks for sharing this with us, really enjoyed watching this

[@harshitapuri167]

I've been waiting for this so desperately

[@TheBiteShot]

I hope it's helpful! Part 2 coming next week

[@harshitapuri167]

@@TheBiteShot yay 😍

[@InOverOurHeads]

Thank you for a great learning experience!

[@fiorellaviru4562]

Excellent! Thanks for make it much easier to understand. Greetings from Perú!

[@andyE1955]

Two questions, is the CRI listed on the package and can these bulbs be purchases at a local hardware store such as Home Depot? Thank you, keep the videos coming!

[@OrlanMrN]

Great video! Can you please let me know the exact model of the Westcott Led flex mat? Thanks!

[@debbiefraser9824]

So first of all i love your videos! I am wondering how many lights i need for making a video mostly. Can i get away with one good continuous light or would i need more than one.

[@BiscuitsAndBurlap]

Thanks for this. Great video, as always. I have a Yongnuo Light Wand (I think that's what it's called) but can't find any help in how to get the most out of it. Any suggestions? Otherwise, I'm just shooting with natural light so far. You tempt me to order a speed light, but oh... the $$$$

[@toubutey]

Hi Joanie, thank you for the amazing content! I sell pottery and other kitchen products and your videos are helping me take better photos for my social media accounts and website. I currently have a single Godox SL60W which I setup with a 120cm octagonal softbox side lighting my subject with a white reflector on the other side. My backdrop is 1 meter wide, and I place my softbox and reflector right by its edges. I have been struggling with light fall-off across my scene, my backdrop and background get significantly darker from one side of the frame to the other. I think the fall-off makes my image look a little “fake”. I’m trying to go for the indirect/window lit look and from what I can observe these types of images tend to be evenly lit across the scene (in the direction of the light source). Setting up my light to a 45-degree angle somewhat helps but I think I lose a bit of the window lit look with the shorter shadows. I imagine this kind of issue if hard to describe without seeing the actual photos, but any tip or comment might go a long way.

[@TheRickurb]

I don’t know if it’s a regional or generational thing, but I Use the term deep depth of field, rather than wide depth of field

[@mfdacm]

I love it, just like all your videos

[@TheBiteShot]

You bet! It's on the to-do list

[@niniadiany1]

thank you for your information. By the way, i want to ask you, what's the different between umbrella and softbox?

[@TheBiteShot]

The softbox contains the light more on the back and helps direct it in a more focused manner. But, ultimately, you can achieve similar results so I always say to start with what you have or what's most affordable within your budget.

[@douglas.barbosa]

Hey, your videos are really inspiring me. Just one question...how do you like the light quality of the Yongnuo flashlights? I bought one, but have not used it yet. Thanks!

[@TheBiteShot]

I have a few and they shoot great. Some folks report that they don't last as long as other flashes, but for the price, I say you can't beat them.

[@DaliaElshafiephotography]

I have canon eos 4000D Lenss 18_55 Lenss 50mm f 1.8 I love your photos what do u think is it good 👍 i learn from you alot i am from Egypt 🇪🇬

[@azorahai6834]

What the suitable mood for healthy food photography? The light one or the dark moody shooting? and I'm sorry for my poor English language 🌷

[@michelateixeira4452]

Hi Joanie. First of all thank you so much for sharing this amazing tips with us. You are the best!! Second, I'm a newbie with artificial lights and I'm just about to purchase the Yongnuo YN560 IV but something is holding me. I'm using wireless shutter release (Pixel Pro TX) because my hands shake a lot. So I have a few doubts. Do I need to purchase a flash trigger for this model of speed light? It needs to be different from the shutter release that I already have? I'll be able to use both at the same time? After I saw your video about artificial light, which by the way I was just desperate for see and make my purchase. I went online to to find answer to these questions but I didn't have success. I really appreciate some help. Lots of love directly from Vancouver - BC .

[@TheBiteShot]

Great question! So, generally I recommend getting the Yongnuo 560IV with the 603C-ii Yonguo trigger set, which then doubles as a shutter release (the triggers come in sets of 2, video all about setting it up here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXapg4eEpraFhs0) But, there's a chance that your Pixel Pro TX will be able to trigger the flash...but I'm not familiar with it and can't confirm that, but if you hop on bhphotovideo.com and head to their live chat during business hours and ask a product specialist if your Pixel Pro TX is compatible with the Yongnuo 560IV, then you'll know for sure. Make sense? Hope that helps :)

[@michelateixeira4452]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me. Hope you take some time and visits us in Vancity one of these days.

[@Francesca48]

Greta video. Learnt loads. Just wondered where th el8nks are that we’re menri9ned..I can't see them below?

[@Francesca48]

Sorry about typos. I have also found out how to access the links now!!

[@TheBiteShot]

Hooray!

[@cookingtherapywithari8484]

Hi Joanie! Just getting into food photography and your explanation of things is so simple and easy to understand so thank you so much. I was looking into the lowel ego light however it says it is now discontinued. Bummer! Any suggestions ?

[@TheBiteShot]

I think starting with an inexpensive speedlight and trigger for off camera flash is the way to go..best bang for your buck. I ha e specific recommendations here: thebiteshot.com/flash-photography-gear

[@cookingtherapywithari8484]

The Bite Shot thanks so much I’ll definitely look into it!

[@xTehAeRo]

Can't wait for the advanced guide 😊

[@SilvinaZi]

As always great video!!!! By the way, who brought you the alfajores? :)

[@TheBiteShot]

They actually have them at my local Whole Foods bakery! I love alfajores

[@SilvinaZi]

@@TheBiteShot amazing! Hugs from Argentina! I love your channel 🤗

[@jamesj4998]

Which speedlight kit did you use with the a6000? I dont think YONGNUO are compatible with Sony

[@TheBiteShot]

It’s a Neewer speedlight. I have it linked on my flash gear page: thebiteshot.com/flash-photography-gear

[@stuart_anderson]

I really like the Godox TT600s speedlights with the x1t trigger. I have three of them and they perform great with the a6000! Godox NEW TT600S GN60 2.4G Camera Flashgun Speedlite for Sony MI Hot Shoe Camera +X1T-S 2.4G Wireless Flash Trigger Transmitter for Sony DSLR Cameras with MI Shoe (X1T-S) www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHSFEE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_K3ePBbABGWCZH

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

GREAT video with so many good tips. Love it!!

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

Love this video! I have one question, where have you bought the marble looking backdrop?

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

ooooh and joanie, GOTCHA the cookies are from whole foods, hahaha!

[@jasonblake5576]

Great video, it would be great seeing how you handle lighting in a restaurant set-up.

[@TheBiteShot]

Just published a behind the scenes of a recent restaurant shoot a few weeks ago. Each shoot and restaurant is different but hope it helps :)

[@vivalila123]

So incredibly helpful, thank you!!

[@TimRansome]

Do you use your strobe in manual mode or TTL?

[@TheBiteShot]

Manual mode 👍

[@amasia48]

Joanie the link to the link no longer works...

[@danifrim]

Ok, yeah, the video was helpful and all that but I-m more impressed with the singing at the begining 😂😂. You shoul start a singing channel too

[@mavishageman6602]

Thank you for the time it takes for this video. Confirmed my first real light choice 👍

[@TheBiteShot]

Exciting! What did you decide on? Woot!

[@mavishageman6602]

The Bite Shot Continuous light for flexibility and for me right now less learning curve as I transition into food/still-life genre all the while being Arizona transplants in the middle of establishing a ranch. Your videos have came to my rescue during my much loved chaos’s lol.

[@meroslave]

very nice and useful video, many thanks

[@richardpcrowe]

Excellent video...

[@assaf_story]

you are charming and so hopeful! thank you!

[@Constantin-78]

Thanks 😊

[@JennaJohnsonRecipeDiaries]

Great info. Can you do a video on how to set up for artificial lighting?

[@TheBiteShot]

That's next week in Part II

[@JennaJohnsonRecipeDiaries]

Sweet, I'll be looking forward to that video!

[@shikinsaerah]

Tqvm for sharing ur knowledge. I just bought new led light for food photography at night. Always don't have enough time to do at day time but yet, still don't know how to adjust it. He he :)

[@lightroomblog]

My last job wasn't food, but it was a commercial location shoot. I did bring the bad boys, my Elinchrom ELC500 Pro HD's. If the AD600pro was out when I bought them, I probably would've gone down the route of just using Godox. Anyway... I didn't even break them out. I used the Godox AD200. Didn't even stress it. And to boot, at the end of the month, the round head is due out here, so I get a modelling bulb with the flash. I reckon I could do 90% (just like you mention) of my work with three of them. Time to rethink my lights again I fear. Also you can do tonne of stuff with just the basic Godox TT350 (and the Li-Ion battery version, the V350). Tiny flashes, and great for shallow DOF work.

Now I want some Alfajores 💛

[@evansvisualmedia]

Love this!!! Quick question, in your list of gear recommendations your mention the Yongnuo Speedlight 560IV and the Yongnuo Trigger, which links to the manual trigger, but wouldn't I need the Yongnuo YN560-TX?

[@thaisrutman8994]

@thebiteshot

[@joaquindrago155]

Alfajores!!

[@ptavera]

Because of you Joanie, i am starting my food photography on a serious level! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up your awesome channel! Happy Days!!!

[@b991228]

Many cameras will display a warning that a flickering light source is present.

[@jamesj4998]

So much great information! Thanks

[@Lemmalulu]

I was so waiting for this video, thank you for all the effort you make ❤️❤️

[@travisvaughn6531]

Amen to that lemma💞