I have to check my job description ;-)

Sep 15, 2014,16:11 PM
 

and thanks for being specific on what kind of feedback you want to hear...

- the surround...
it's about the food, but the setting / context is very much a part of the story
it's good to focus in, but also include some perspective
... and behind the scenes photos as well... the sushi chef is always interesting
add a personal touch to the photos... many times I add a personal item as a recurring theme
include the chopstick holders, ginger bowl, a tea mug in the photo

- the lighting and set-up...
back/side lighting can add depth, move the plate higher or lower
... change the angle, put something under the corner of the plate
choose where to sit or visit the shop at different times of the day for lighting variation
use something to create a reflection or a white napkin to create a light shadow
use DOF to create interest
use post processing to add contrast / pop

- focus on the food...
If the food doesn't look interesting to you in the shop, no one else will be touched by the photo
the single sushi feels so alone, pile a couple of different ones on the same plate, create a scene
dribble (drool) some shōyu on the fish to get some contrast, reflection, depth
this is art, not a photo for the menu... it can be a made up photo... it's not reality
how about a photo of the plastic food near the restaurant entrance

and above all have fun... talk to the people at the counter and maybe get a photo of them enjoying the meal... if you're having fun it comes across in the photos...

Yes, it's about the food and technique, but as all things Asian, there is a lot going on in the background

... don't forget to enjoy the meal ;-)

Casey

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Raw format

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 15th, 2014-01:16
Originally I wanted to post these pictures in TimeOut, but I have posted many pictures of sushi there. There are 2 reason to post it here: as a continuous offering to the new temple and to ellicit critiques and comments from a photography point of view. A...  

P&S in ambient lighting..

 
 By: fernando : September 15th, 2014-01:48
like winning Moto GP in a scooter! :) Your raw format really got me; good play on words! I like the minute details on the uni dish, even has bokeh. Well done! I want sushi tonight. :) cheers fernando

The reason I used

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 15th, 2014-09:17
a point and shoot is for close up capability and to reduce bokeh. My style of food pictures is to be informative first and to induce saliva in the viewers. Hence, no dreamy full of bokeh food, I want it 3/4 clear, close up, with the right white balance. c... 

well..your photos served your purpose..

 
 By: ocwatching : September 18th, 2014-15:13
salivating.. since our ealier PMs, I have started to use RAW more regularly and appreciate the WB abilities even more... THANK YOU!

three requirements for the enjoyment of sushi

 
 By: cshimokita : September 15th, 2014-05:41
The quality of the seafood The quality of the rice The quality of the sake That last photo turned out very nice... love the color and reflection. Sometimes I slip into a favorite spinning sushi shop for a "fast food" lunch I normally have take-out on Sund... 

As the moderator...

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 15th, 2014-09:14
of a photo forum, you should comment my pictures, not on the subject of sushi :). But as the residence god of this forum, you may indeed talk as you please :). But seriously, what's your suggestion for me to improve my photo technique? Side note, luckily ... 

I have to check my job description ;-)

 
 By: cshimokita : September 15th, 2014-16:11
and thanks for being specific on what kind of feedback you want to hear... - the surround... it's about the food, but the setting / context is very much a part of the story it's good to focus in, but also include some perspective ... and behind the scenes... 

Thank you very much

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 15th, 2014-18:40
That's a lot of comments, I'll try to remember them the next time another opportunity arises. Although the comment regarding the angle and lighting is a bit difficult to do in a serious sushi restaurant. Basically you are glued to your seat and the sushi ... 

Very delicious

 
 By: Quan : September 15th, 2014-19:47
where is this if you care to share…so can go try the foods and do some "more serous" shot as "guided" by Casey….LoL

Nice! ... but how about having

 
 By: Ancienne Le Brassus : September 16th, 2014-00:25
shaded partially the light for some shots, I don't know how low the light was, but some of the first pictures (2nd 3rd) it looks very very flat to the point of not making the food look good to me :) I love this food so I am biased to like these pictures!!... 

You might try looking for Japanese restaurants

 
 By: cshimokita : September 16th, 2014-05:34
that serve Asahi-Shuzo Brewing Company "Kubota" Sake (朝日酒造 - 久保田) and you might find good Japanese food ;-) If they care enough to import good sake, then maybe the food is also good... and if not you can still enjoy a great sake... Casey

Perhaps...

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 16th, 2014-09:08
a kubota senju will satisfy your thirst? drunkenly yours, Cen@jkt

Thanks for your comment

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 16th, 2014-09:11
Not to find excuses, but it is really difficult to take decent pictures in a suck ambient light. I have much to learn. cen@jkt

That's a lethal combo

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 16th, 2014-09:19
Chopped toro (fatty tuna belly), ikura (salmon roe), and uni (sea urchin). Done right, it's as good as a decent sex ;) cen@jkt

Food Photography is tough

 
 By: flamenco : September 16th, 2014-18:54
At least I suck at it ! LOL Difficult to make the food desirable and lighting in most restaurants makes it challenging. Bokeh can sometimes be good ... To my eye at least.

That's why...

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 16th, 2014-19:02
there is a food stylist. A few weeks ago, me and a few of my friend helped to take pictures of cakes and cookies for online sales. We knew how to take the pictures, one of my friend was an ex pro photographer, came complete with lighting set. But when set... 

Why, Why, Why, Why, Why?

 
 By: patrick_y : September 17th, 2014-10:08
Just one question... Where's mine? I can't eat my computer monitor here. The pictures were so good that my mouth was already getting ready to taste the sushi. I had to remind my taste buds these were photos.

Now I question...

 
 By: cen@jkt : September 18th, 2014-01:31
your judgement... Are you sure my pictures are that good? :) Honestly, after reading their comments, and taking another look at the pictures, I realised what they were commenting. Even though I am at lost on how to improve pics in a live restaurant. Must ... 

Speaking of photographs...

 
 By: patrick_y : September 20th, 2014-12:46
Speaking of photographs... Thank goodness nobody caught a photo of me licking your pictures. That'd be difficult to explain to the tabloids. Really liked your photos!

Sushi galore

 
 By: geross : December 30th, 2014-23:29
All your sushi concoctions look yummy , delicious to eat & wash down with a good sake or single malt. Cheers geross