Winter 2019 Issue
OF TRAVEL & HOME
In the winter months, the street vendors of Rome, bundled against the chill, hawk roasted chestnuts. Their blunt, gravelly solicitations sound the same as the solicitat...
An Authentic Eye - Food Photography Secrets
A food photographer shares his secrets
EDITOR’S NOTE:
When he’s in New Jersey, Guy Ambrosino loves spending time with family and friends, and eating meals made with local produce. As a food photographer, his work often takes him elsewhere. For our Travel issue, Edible Jersey showcases several of Ambrosino’s favorite photos from 2018. Here are his thoughts on how he does what he does.
I am often asked how I am able to make photos of food look delicious. To make it look delicious and, as some may say, authentic. If I am feeling more thoughtful and philosophical, I may answer with a question: “What is authentic, really?”
But without getting bogged down in that, I try to give some perspective on what drew me to photography. First it was the love of light. Regarding food, I shoot almost exclusively using natural light. Then it was composition. Also regarding food, composition is something that I feel is often more instinctual for me if I am shooting in a kitchen or on a farm or as a meal is being eaten. Plus, I love a well-balanced image as much as I love an asymmetrical one. I am also naturally drawn to shapes and textures, in a painterly way.
Finally, but not least, what drew me to photography was this sense of telling a story, and telling it honestly and sometimes from different angles so the story is more fleshed out. Many times there is clarity and information in detail shots or behind-the- scenes shots. I developed this aspect of my approach to photography, of storytelling, as a photojournalist. I am interested in telling the story of a dish, a preparation, a technique, a person. Therefore, I look for moments that help with storytelling, that help with getting a sense of the food, the moment.
I am constantly paying attention, attentive to hands moving in and out of frame, to the naturally beautiful way someone lays out freshly washed greens, the way the peels of carrots create patterns, the way an egg is just waiting in the light, being a simple, lovely egg. The way almost anything, laid out on a board, looks while it is waiting for the next step in the recipe. The way butter melting on toast evokes a satisfying flavor, but more so evokes a warm, delicious, simple pleasure, a simple moment.
Sometimes these are detail shots; sometimes the food is being eaten. Sometimes it is plated or laid out beautifully and, honestly, my job is done for me and I just need to go back to my original and authentic love, light.
Photo 1: The story of bacon fig toast is temptation.
Photo 2: A playful composition defines the narrative for an assignment for Rachael Ray Every Day.
Photo 3: The rustic seduction of pasta and sardines, a collaboration with Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca in Kingston.
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