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Ask the Expert comes, of course, from how I shoot each image. I do like to craft the processing, though; this can include making areas lighter or darker, a digital equivalent to traditionally processing from film. I find I often shoot images with strong contrast, which I think adds depth. Talk to us about your Pink Lady award-winning image (above right); it was shot in Bath, no? Yes, it came about when I spent a day with The Thoughful Bread Company in Bath, an eco-artisan bakery run by Duncan Glendinning. At the end of a busy day photographing the bakers at work, I wanted to capture something a little different, a fun image, something a little more animated. Duncan had been rolling dough, which I asked him to throw into lots of flour. That’s how this winning shot came about. I used entirely natural light. Did you know you were onto a winner when you took it? Not really! When I got the call from Pink Lady I was more than a bit surprised. In fact, when I arrived at the awards at the Mall Galleries in London last May and saw the competition, I was a touch embarrassed that mine had won over some of the other great shots! Any tips you would give anyone interested in food photography? Do what genuinly interests you; that way
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there’s more chance you’ll produce good work. I spent many years working as a designer, often art directing food shoots in studios so, for me, it’s been about working away from studios and capturing aspects of the wider world of food. Got any golden rules for when it comes to shooting food, specifially? Good lighting – whatever look you’re after – is essential. What starter kit would you recommend for a beginner who doesnʼt have megabucks to spend? Today the range of affordable kit is huge, with high-resolution cameras available for beginners. Even some of the smart phones seem to capture great images. For my type of work, smaller compact cameras with viewfinders and built-in zoom might be a great starting point. They offer so much flexibility and are easy to carry around, even slipping into a pocket. As for larger DSLR cameras, there are many to choose from, with good value kit bundle offers. How much money are we talking for a pro kit; are we going to need to sell an organ to fund it? That’s a difficult question to answer, as it depends on what kit is required, which will depend on the type of photography. If it’s studio work you’re likely to spend more, because you’ll probably be investing in lights and reflectors, as well
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as cameras and lenses. If it’s outside work, then it can be less. There are some great ‘used kit’ bargains out there too. Shop around and ask for advice if you know any professional photographers. Right, we’ve got our kit and are good to go – talk to us about getting work. Whatʼs the appetite like (ahem) for food photography right now? The market is awash with food imagery, so the work is definitely out there. One of my recently commissioned food jobs came as a direct result of The Pink Lady Awards, which in itself was a by-product of a self-initiated photo shoot. I believe photographers can get the work if they are good enough and work hard enough. Being different can help. As a pro, youʼll know what the current crazes in food photography are; what should we be looking out for? Recently I’ve noticed a lot of dark, moody imagery and experimental lighting being used, often with rustic textures. Storytelling in food photography is becoming popular, too. Today it’s difficult not to follow trends, so when I see the work of a photographer who does his or her own thing, I’m more likely to show an interest. ✱ Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2017 is open for entries until 5 February 2017; pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com; markbenham.co.uk