Light is everything; it's the magical element every photographer chases. I only shoot in natural light as I love its purity and ethereal feeling. I shy away from artificial anything even though artificial lighting does have its place for certain food photography. Although in Maui, I certainly have plenty of sunshine (thankfully), so I shoot most of my work outside under the trees or a makeshift blanket on my front step. I feel so fortunate to have plenty of beautiful spots around my cottage outside to play with. And quite honestly, my cottage can be quite challenging to shoot in due to where the windows face. The shoots I photograph outside usually take double the time compared to an indoor one, yet they end up being my favorite.
Although I have to say that shooting a pretty cake alongside the chipping birds sounds like a delight, often the reality is I'm running back and forth, shoes or no shoes, from the cottage with sticks in my hair from climbing the ladder. Or it's waiting all day for the sun to return, only briefly for me to dash out the door and snap a few photos hurriedly before the cream melts. I'm quite picky about waiting for the right light and will wait all day if it takes! If you know what look you're after, be it glowy, diffused, or harsh shadows, it's crucial to know the appropriate time to set up relative to your outdoor space. Moreover, you don't need a huge park of a yard to capture some beautiful images, just a protected corner that gets ample light, at least in the morning and evenings. Even better if it has natural elements that add interest, such as a rose bush or tree to serve as a background! It took me a while to discover my favorite spots outside my cottage with the best light, which varies throughout the season and year.
One place I love shooting in the summer is under the dappled light of my mulberry tree, although how the sun shines on this spot varies throughout the year. Notice how the light changes throughout the day in your available outdoor space, as you would inside your home. Try and note in a journal the light on bright sunny, partly cloudy, and gloomier days. And to add another element to that mix is the time of day: early morning, mid-morning, midday, late afternoon, sunset, and dusk. Snap a few test shots of each location, time of the day, or your favorite combinations. This step may seem tedious, but when it comes to the day you plan to shoot, you can quickly decide on the location based on the look you're after. Also, if the light or weather decides to change, you can have a backup option too. Take, for example, around my cottage: Bright dappled sunlight? Midday under the eucalyptus tree. Soft, golden, and ethereal? 5:30 sunset on the grass by my front door. If you love to be in control of every little thing, shooting outside may not be for you! It can be unpredictable and some things are just out of our hands, so it does take a bit of patience and quick thinking. And perhaps an acceptance of "a few throw your hands up in the air" moments!
Knowing the light around your home, both inside and out, will make shooting at home far more enjoyable. And open up new creative possibilities (or doors!) in your work! Wherever you decide, one thing for sure is it should be easy to access! (If it's a drive, all the more to be prepared both in your gear, choosing the appropriate dish, and bringing an "It will be, what it will be" attitude.) Take note it can be a real schelp regardless of where you choose to shoot, so I prefer to make it as easy as possible on myself! The less running back and forth to the house or the car, the better!
I hope these simple tips give you a little nudge out the proverbial door to experiment with capturing a recipe or dish outside. Perhaps try a simple dish or basket of seasonal produce to start and grow from there; something without any pressure. It's hard to resist a piece of cake, let alone a slice sitting pretty in the sunshine... I do love to take a bite afterward! (Winslow does too.)
Best of luck with your outdoor adventures!
