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Herbs. Food Stylin and Food Photography Delhi India

How to preserve green’s green

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For food photography garnishing is very important, it grabs the viewer’s attention and draws them towards the image. While in the cold times of the year, the preservation of the herbs is not a big deal. But, during the hot season it becomes a challenge.
The best way to get fresh herbs is to collect them from the growing plant, but what if it’s impossible? One of the wonderful ways to keep herbs fresh is to store them in the wet cheesecloth towel.
Here is the method
1. Wash the herbs carefully and remove all the spoiled parts
2. If roots are available, just wash them; avoid removing
3. Put clean cheesecloth towel in cold water, then squeeze it to remove the excessive water and wrap around the washed herbs
4. Put the wrapped herbs in the plastic bag or container and close it tightly
5. Keep the herbs in vegetable section of the fridge for about an hour before the photo shoot starts
Note:
1. While using the herbs for every shot,  wrap the remaining herbs again and put them back in the fridge as soon as it possible
2. Do not extravagantly wet the towel, extreme water may spoil the herbs
By the way, this method always works well if you love to add fresh herbs to your food. Enjoy!
How to keep the props clean. Food Photography in Delhi India by Foodshots.in

How to keep the props clean

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Are you sure, as  a client, the props that you brought will work well for the photography?

Well, a prop might prove itself to be purposive enough. And, that compels an artist to reuse it during the same shoot. Your eyes are not magnifying glasses that they can observe all the towel or fingerprint marks. So, you need to dry the items. Otherwise, such distortions are so visible, that the picture has to be captured again.

All in all, the client needs to acknowledge what they are responsible for – from the clean look of the props to get rid of grabbing the ‘forbidden’ things from the set.

Rather than taking it as a burden, better read the following recommendations on how to keep the props clean.

Advice #1  Replace the regular towel with the one that has reusable microfibers. This amazing fabric doesn’t leave the particles on props and dry them much faster.
Advice #2 Use disposable gloves, especially if you work with metal props. In fact before the shoot, shiny metal  surfaces have to be cleaned with whitening powder for stainless steel.
Advice #3 As for the props rarely used for actual eating, you may like to use window cleaner such as “Mr. Muscle” to remove those undesirable fat spots.
Advice #4 If oily marks on the metal utensils are too old. Take refuge in using ammonia (try not to breath in while you clean, and close the bottle tightly). You can also boil small utensils such as forks, knives, small metal glasses and bowls in a big casserole in a mixture of ammonia, soda, vinegar and dishwasher (1 teaspoon of each on 3 liters of water).
Note :- This mixture can create a very strong reaction so add vinegar in the end and leave enough space in the casserole for some extra foam. Do not use this method for glass wares. If you like to keep your silver look like vintage one, then do not use this compound as it will make your silver look new and shiny again.
Advice #5 Before storing your props, wash them and wrap in paper, or place them in the textile bag. Doing this will actually save the life of your props, reduce contact with air and dust and save your time before shooting.
P. S. If you are going to use your props for real dinner after the session, make sure you wash them with hot water and everyday dishwasher. It will remove the remaining chemicals. Or better let props be props!
foodshots food styling

How to prepare the food for photo shoot? Part #1

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 The photo shoot is tomorrow. And, a creative team awaits you in the studio. But, does the level of photography only depends on the skills of the photographers? If you are one such believer, then what about the client’s role?

 Because good looking food and the best-cooked food is not always the same. Let’s say cooked meat or vegetables are to be shot, then it is advised to not to cook them to the stage of tenderization. However, if the kitchen itself is in the studio or quite near to it, you may choose to cook the subject properly. In case, the food has been brought from far it may start looking dull. Rather than cooking it all over again, few minutes finishing and the final touches would do! Or else be prepared for ‘not so lively images’. While for many recipes fully cooked loses the desirable texture and color required in the pictures.

Note: Just like keeping the food less cooked for the favorable surface appearance and shades is crucial; that doesn’t imply you would keep it too raw. Because that would make the food, look unpalatable.

Because every ingredient has its own worth

Secondly, when the shoot is to capture the mixed food items; then do make it a point to bring all the components separately. To elaborate more, let’s assume that chicken biryani is the hero. Keep the biryani separate from the chicken piece. Otherwise, the rice would absorb its favored color and texture. That separate recognizable big piece of chicken placed over biryani would make the viewer enjoy its abundance and the dish would appear clean and clear.

 Know what to add and when

When recipes with gravy have to be highlighted, we call it the ‘wisdom’ to keep the ingredients in a fresh state. The key contents through appropriate addition can get a brilliant visual presence. Also, it would make sense to add gravy during the styling procedure only. Because gravy tends to get dried and create an unpleasant crust. That’s often the reason why food is rarely shot in a hot stage! It will ensure the newness of these components. As a result, the viewer gets drawn towards such an esthetically appealing dish.