Improving Composition for Food Photography - Part 1

[@bobefitz]

When you flipped the image it did seem out of balance to me...very interesting.

[@TriniCookingwithNatasha]

I really appreciate this channel. You have been a big help with me growing and you can see it in my old vs new pics. Keep up the great work and for the advice.

[@NOTANOTHERCOOKINGSHOW]

I never thought about negative space being its own element. love that. Also love the candles! I try to have them in my videos in the winter

[@TheBiteShot]

So so cozy :)

[@12078098]

You are an excellent teacher!👍

[@TheBiteShot]

Thank you!!

[@ZenoRyu0807_]

Totally agree I have been watching food photography lessons for past 2-3 weeks and always keep coming back here. I even bought a marble backdrop you recommended!

[@dannyvillanueva7223]

Great video, and I appreciate the effort... ONE BIG THING I WANT TO MENTION, I love that you give credit to who you've learned the tips from and not impose that it was your original thought. You always do give credit to those you've learned/take a liking to, but good to see in your most current video. Thank you

[@TheBiteShot]

Nothing new under the sun, right? 🤗 cheers, friend!

[@robertad242]

Agree with you Danny! Honestly, I also love giving credit!!!

[@markmurphy5486]

100% This is one of the few channels that even mentions studying a book??!! ...information learned from pages has more longevity imho.

[@aboabeeer9920]

I read from right to left and it actually felt balanced to me when you put the weight on the right side, and I noticed now when I see an image that my eyes start checking the right side first Thank you for sharing it 🌷

[@chauhuynh910]

wow thats so interesting. :D

[@GaryScott-pdx]

I was bothered more by the direction of the cup handle. I normally see the picture from my POV. The cup handle would require reaching awkwardly to grasp it.

[@bikecommuter24]

Nice I like the change up not everything needs to be rule of thirds and all those other “rules”

[@TheBiteShot]

For sure!!!

[@ToinesKitchen]

Love your videos.... I don’t do food photography for a living, but used tips and tricks from your videos to shoot the thumbnails of my recipe videos!

[@avocadotv1660]

i'm here just to tell how i love hard-boiled eggs

[@antichef]

Just discovered your channel! I’m always trying to teach myself new and better ways of displaying food throughout my videos and photos. This is the best. I’m starting with this video and working my way though. Awesome stuff!

[@honchanori9307]

How pretty !!! why are you so pretty ?? I think you are prettier than your food photography.

[@wtonthemove6861]

Just starting out in trying Food Photography... this was an excellent, informative video... thank you very much... well done.

[@lauramoog6490]

my left eye was feeling strange when the big plate of boiled eggs was on the left. When you flipped it I felt amazing HAHAHA

[@GirlWantsANap]

AMAZING topic and video Joanne. It’s such a great idea to take the tips and try them out. We all learn so much. Home run. 💖

[@LivingSpiritism]

Fantastic! I've been making KZbin videos for nearly 3 years, and recently some friends have been requesting my help with still photography, and I don't have much experience with that. I know basically how to set exposure and capture a decent image, but my thought was that if I want to get better at still photography perhaps the most important thing I should practice is composition. So I've been researching this topic for the last couple months. I'm very glad that you're talking about it now. Thanks so much!

[@usernamehandle]

I honestly can't believe what I'm watching: a straight to the point, informative, BS free lecture about actual technique. This is extremely valuable and so so rare in the era of nonstop gear review, endless filler, and re-explaining the same basic principles over and over and over in popular photog YT, and I love it. Thank you.... Jesus christ, my brain can actually enjoy content. Do you know how many times I've clicked on a video that looks like it's saying something informative just to have some dude bro's whole point be "use a larger, more diffuse light source and buy Squarespace"

[@TheBiteShot]

I am so glad that you enjoyed the video! Thanks so much for this awesome comment. Seriously made my day

[@usernamehandle]

@@TheBiteShot I’m glad! About to blaze through the rest of your content!

[@Khandiephotography]

I don't even shoot food and yet I love watching your videos. So much info x

[@drewrobertson6286]

Wow, I think if I used that iris flower plate as my dinner plate I’m sure I would loose 10pounds in a week! Loved the video.

[@kerskind]

See, this is why you wrote a book: "there's not a lot of food" :)

[@creativevisiongaming]

Great advice, but I think if feeling balanced is subjective based on your culture then maybe nothing is really actually fully balanced because then the only people that would agree with you are people with the same upbringing. Where as something thats really balanced should be objective, in my opinion. Like the reading right to left and left to right example. Who am I to tell someone that reads right to left, that my composition is balanced but there's isn't, if there's is just the flipped version of mine.

[@pauliesKitchen]

Hi, Interesting piece on balancing photos. I read left to right but I'm left-handed, I that the image with the weight to the right is more balanced. When I do anything, let's say chopping I work out from the right over to the left. Hopefully I've not confused this more

[@SofiItaly]

Thank you so much for your videos. In my opinion food photography is much more closer to painting, than photography itself. The control we have over an image and especially the time we have to compose an image. It would be great, if you do videos on composition, but from a painter/photographer point of view. Thank you!

[@ssz752]

I follow your egg composition .....i love the simple egg composition....it was very nice and simple...You are really a great photographer...i love your channel ❤❤❤ lots of love...keep it up

[@michaelvaewhongs2579]

So balance is not just important for Star Wars Force?, LOL. Seriously, thank you for your very approachable teaching style and making harder topics easily understood by beginners & novices. And balance is important in so many other skills/topics in life.

[@EluRodrigues]

thanks!!!!!for share! you are fabulous! For me, im left-handed, and when Im composed a picture I usually think in the right like the site with more weight. I understand thanks to you why my pictures are not read with interest for most people **** sorry for my English*****

[@rampage2gene]

This might sound a little odd but this is the only channel that I've found that is useful for photography composition..I'm using these tutorials for interior photography. weird...i know :D

[@AtulKrPatel]

Thanks! Joanie💕love from 🇮🇳 U are so helping nature...🙂

[@liveoutloud2020]

Ur gorgeous lady❤❤❤ i didnt hear a word at first few minutes... Then i went back to hear it... I was busy observing you😂

[@thomasschlieben5945]

Fascinating, I grew up in the Middle East and just casually read Arabic mags and comics but that flip improved things for me, almost a physical sensation of "easing" in my head. Time to eat eggs.

[@maryamsamadi4714]

My native language is Farsi which is read from right to left. The image with heavy weight on the right seemed well balanced to me. These composition and layout tips are so good!

[@Fidi987]

Interesting point of view! I had never thought about different apporaches to food photos due to different cultures! That being said, I believe that people with different exposure and ideas about food photo evaluate them in different ways. I once showed food photos of one of my favorite photograhers to my mother who said "Too much color, too much chaos, why are there crumbs on the table, why is the tablecloth creased?!" She had never viewed the same pictures as me and had a totally different approach to them and idea of what might constitute a "beautiful foood photo".

thanks for state the obvious. Americans usually think the world spin around their navel.

[@cookingwithglen152]

Another good one Joanie! Thank you 😊 for the great work you do!

[@welovefoods]

Every time I’m watching one of your videos I Know that I’m going to learn something New. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@sugarcoder]

You offered such great tips! I definitely subscribed to your channel. :D

[@seersaabaza2388]

Love the video it was very helpful.. thank you. May I ask about the Camera stand? the brand and if you recommend it for headshots?

[@missnour989]

I'm Egyptian and ee read arabic from tge right (but we are mostly bilingual) And shifting the photo to the right felt completely unbalanced.

[@diagoharry6567]

It's a human psychology not to spend more time in learning whatever be the subject (incl this photography) but your videos glues ppl to watch till end coz u express it with smile and easy way although few topics are hard to execute. Commenting not specific to this video but specific to the channel.👍

[@HanaShoib]

I dunno, I'm bilingual. That's wierd I don't find either one heavier

[@lufilmmaker]

Seriously, I never miss a video and only now I've noticed that you've composed this shot with horizontal lines and you being the main vertical subject in the whole scene! AMAZING! My eyes are completely hooked.

[@drea_p]

I’ve always wondered why I like to frame more interesting things to the left!! 🤯 thank you!!

[@holaemili]

Which cookbook do you recomend as a visual guidance? I want to make a project with my mom, and want to have some inspiration. Thanks!

[@sugarcoder]

This video is jam packed with tips! Thank you for making this video. :)

[@ricardocabral213]

Entertaining and In Depth, Excelent Content, don't know about satyin out o troube though....

[@xeniaioa]

The egg plate being on the right is more appealing because it where the eye eventually stops. Working in graphic design and advertising for years, putting the most important element on the right was a sure way to insure that things will be noticed... Just because we read left to right it doesn't mean that the eye rests there. The left of the page is usually where the book seam is and that's never a place where you want to put your most important focal point. So, top right is always better for visual interest because bottom right actually requires a head movement (I know... the lazier the better)

[@LauraRachelCannon]

I very much like the personality and style of presenting as well as the content. Really welcoming.

[@shahangk7678]

Thanks for the great video! The interesting thing is that I read from right to left since my Mother language is Persian but when you flipped the image it also seemed imbalanced to me. I don't know if it is because I am used to reading in english or not :))

[@BokehBard]

The flipped photo felt more balanced to me XD For me, the left side starts the build up to the subject. It's like the comic thought bubbles.

[@cookingwithcheffred8705]

Great points, you make things so understandably, I enjoyed the lesson and going to work on composition!👨‍🍳

[@foodfascination3570]

So very informative and yes it all made sense what you talked thanks heaps appreciated Happy Easter

[@maggiefleet5128]

Thank you for this channel. I just wanted to learn a few tips to share my recipes on Facebook, and I've learned so much in just a few lessons. You present the info in a clear, descriptive & fun way. Thank you.

[@petitbakeryco.454]

Thank you so much for starting this channel! Love your work, your voice, and the high quality content. :-)

[@raismohamedlyes8336]

I read from right to left and it feels unbalanced for me when you put the weight on the right side, double language problem i think Haha, thanks for all those videos

[@lookslikerenata]

Great video, I just love the way you explained those composition theories 👌

[@b991228]

How about the idea that Euros like us because we have a tendency to move from left to right we often find it best to put an object on the right that will stop and hold our vision so that we don’t visually scan right across a negative space and move off the frame.

[@reemnagi8175]

I read from right to left but when you flipped the image it didn't seem right to me either Maybe that rule works more for some elements in the picture than another or maybe coz it's the same picture and it's flipped that maybe when the plates are placed from right to left and are put in the same composition and the photo is taken it might give more balanced picture I don't know i am just thinking 😊

[@hammads9045]

This is amazing. I've been doing photography for some years now, and though I know this by intuition, I loved hearing weights explained openly. I think it was great you sat down, set those nice flickering candles in the back, drew out your ideas and showed examples. Spot on, Joanie :)

[@TheBiteShot]

Thanks for stopping by the studio 🤗

[@zsoltnoszko5802]

Great video, with a lot of usfull information!!! Thx :)

[@shanescott3168]

Great video. I appreciate the content and that you showed your setup this time. I also appreciate that you were using your older crop sensor camera and a kit lens this time. I can't afford full frame yet so I am getting the most out of my T7i and 77D. I recently bought a used Canon 60mm macro lens and cannot wait to see what it can do with food and product photography.

[@SashaDeKasha]

I agree... as I read left to right - that second image felt weird. Also the one with the whole eggs at the top of the image, it felt like they are about to roll down 😂

[@sarahamdy6919]

The right side feels so balanced than the left side 😬 and I write from the right to the left (Arabic)

[@tasnimmasuma6476]

It's wierd because I read both ways on a daily basis so they both seem similar. However the left looks better. Is it because its the way I read which is more dominant?

[@3abhaysingh]

most imp for food photographers , but still they need brain to apply = with aesthetics

[@Fidi987]

I find it very difficult to go by rules first. I usually consume/ watch and copy a lot before I get creative (no matter in what) and then I compare my copy or work with the work of the professional I copied and try to find out what's different, what is the underlying appeal in their work and what is thus lacking in mine. In the end, this leads to (mostly) unique creative work due to all the other masterpieces I have seen, analized, copied, taken as inspiration. For me, it would be very hard to create an interesting pic out of two boiled eggs and a plate within the next 30 mins. I would be much better at it if I had some time to look at different egg picutes, gather ideas, write out possible combinations of backdrops/ tableware/ ways to place the eggs and then when composing the picture play a little with different napkins/ seasonings/ eggcups/ moods etc. Also, if I am free to choose my subject (which I am as a hobby photographer), sometimes the idea for a photo arises solely from wanting to use a certain prop, so that "eggs" would only be the secod thought, the first one: what might go well with this prop?

[@SreelakshmiPrabhakar]

Liked the new introduction. Great tips about composition. Look forward to part 2.

[@welovefoods]

Every time I’m watching one of your videos I Know that I’m going to learn something New. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@KnifeCamera]

Fab..😎✌ Regards Knifeandcamera team

[@MsShahbana]

I learnt a lot from this video, thank you!!!! Cannot wait to shoot those eggs today.

[@belalelgendy3712]

Very nice b-rolls shoots at the outro, I love it. Thanks for the great tips.

[@simplyrowen]

Does anyone know which flash bracket this is? Thx

[@hnasser121]

I read from right to left and yup it’s true the egg’s plate in the left was more balanced for me

[@harleywhite3352]

I'm a fan of your channel, I'm from Saudi Arabia

[@homemadebylili]

I read in both ways (french and arabic) so i like both images

[@reema9752]

i read from the right to left, and weight on right side feels way more balanced 🤣

[@philnagle8932]

So much repetition. Awful video.

[@FedericoPaul]

I loved the video and the format! I was craving to dig deeper into these topics 🙌

[@TheBiteShot]

Awesome! More fun ahead! And happy new year to you 🤗

[@winyu687]

this video really helps. thank u so much. ^^

[@WhatsUpHero]

Your videos are really helpful. Thanks

[@stacysbits]

I read from left to right too and what you just said makes complete sense😁 Thank you for starting this series...can't wait for part 2

[@Irauben]

Love the book club idea and how you use the basic, so very very helpful thanks!

[@liloandstitch1991]

You are such an awesome teacher! I am absolutely horrible at taking pictures and currently trying to learn to take pictures to start my own little thing starting next year. And photography is what is stopping me. so thank you! Do you think you can start like paid lessons for individuals who would want to learn more?

[@TheBiteShot]

Yep! I offer several courses depending on the skills you’re looking to learn. My Beginner Bootcamp is brand new and might be a good fit for you thebiteshot.mykajabi.com/

[@inakiizetavidaller3287]

Great video, thanks so much!

[@juliabright6267]

Thank you for all tips. You are great!

[@spirituallylovingme-11]

Can you tell me what's the name of that equipment that is attached to the camera

[@PimornSenakat]

Really great video! Thank you

[@ajunhomebaker]

Thats absolutely very very informative, really like this kind of video, im still learning for my food photography also. Thank you very much for this complete explanation 🥰

[@nathalieassis745]

I love your videoss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Evarc777]

i am left handed, yes I think its feels more balanced on the other side.

[@ladedawodu8257]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@barcangel22]

please next time increase the volume in every videos :(

[@LoLo-654]

The tea on the right make more sense .. and I read from right to left

[@rretherrotull]

and why is the books in the kitchen? composition?

[@audiecruz6390]

thank you mrs.simon this helps a lot.

[@OmiSido]

Another great video 👍 I’m learning so much from you. Thanks!

[@robertad242]

Watching this while having breakfast 🥞💖 relaxing and learning 😜

[@ThisisFit]

Loved the tip about reading direction! I'm an American living in South Korea and me and Korean friends both read left to right and we all tend to with more leftward weight in our instgram photos.

[@cheftudavidphu]

This is awesome! Thank you. 🙂

[@prajaktagodse4051]

I LOVE YOU! I have been searching for simple lessons on basics of composition. And here you are like angel listening to all our wishes 🥰 Thank you for such amazing content!!! Love from India!!

[@rr2107]

Great video, as always! 11:05 - Is this a softbox that is normally used with continuous light? I've always seen flashes used with another type of softbox (without a "hole", with the flash turned backwards against back of the the umbrella). There seems to be a special piece of equipment to attach the flash to this type of softbox?

[@wheezetube607]

Love this video, so much new info. Thanks for coming up with this series.

[@TheBiteShot]

You bet!!

[@skylerfirestone851]

Omg I did not realize LTR vs RTL made such a huge difference. I would have never guessed! Thanks for sharing this.

[@medmasterclass]

Haven't seen many truly cerebral youtube channels. Your's definitely is one. You put a lot of effort to explain stuff. My compliments. Well done. Keep going. All the best.