Digital Food Photography [Paperback]

Lou Manna (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592008208 | ISBN-13: 978-1592008209 | Publication Date: August 1, 2005 | Edition: 1

Packed with enticing and creative full-color photographs, this book focuses on the art of food photography and how the digital photography revolution has changed and enhanced it. Broken down into the areas of photography, styling, science, and business, this visual guide compiles all of these aspects of food photography into a valuable reference. Readers will learn techniques that combine the art of lighting and styling for still-life photography with the business sense of commercial photography. It also provides tips for aspiring food photographers on how to get started and succeed. Whether readers are professional photographers who want to learn the advantages of digital photography in the field, or amateur photographers who want to experiment in their own small-scale studios, this unique book will prove useful to anyone interested in this realm of photography.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592008208
• ISBN-13: 978-1592008209
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointed, October 5, 2005

By 

B.T. (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Food Photography (Paperback)

I am a professional photographer, and I was greatly looking forward to receiving this book.

I was hoping to get some detailed information on lighting techniques, specifically for food. The additional sections on food and prop styling were handy extras.

What I did get was a nice easy read, and some useful tidbits of information that I can use. Some of the sections on Photoshop were useful (and would be more-so for serious amateurs and up).

What I wasn't expecting and was very disappointed with, were the large chunks of the text dealing with the relationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter. Come-on! This should be a book about digital food photography. Anyone who doesn't know about the basic photographic relationships should be reading a book on basic photography. There were other parts of the book that likewise contained very basic general knowledge I would not expect in a specific book.

Additionally, much spaced was used as almost a portfolio for Lou Manna rather than providing useful information. He does have some beautiful work, but that is not what I was paying for.

All in all, I was disappointed with this book, although it was not a total waste, especially if you were just wanting to get into professional photography.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beginning Food Photography, October 7, 2005

By 

Pinwheel Photography (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Digital Food Photography (Paperback)

I was a little dissapointed in the content of Digital Food Photography. The book, layed out in textbook style, is a little basic for the complexity of the subject. Mr. Manna spends too much time on the "old days" and takes too long to dive in to the meat of food photography. It would have been helpful to show specs of each shot; ie camera, lights, exposure, etc. Instead there is a lighting 101 class in the book that does little for the example shots shown. Overall though it's a great book to add to your basic arsenal of photography books.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the only food photography bible you will need, January 4, 2006

By 

Matt (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Food Photography (Paperback)

I have been working with a fantastic commerical photographer in boston for the past year and a half who shoots food regularly. I have since decided to pursue food photography as a career. I've been looking for a 'text book' to help me pull together everything i've learned...finally, I've found it.

Manna's book is like going to food photography school. Reading every chapter made me relive my entire experience working on set: dealing with art directors, clients and food stylists....understanding complex lighting situations, camera angles, stand-ins...understanding the importance of post-production and how to digitally get the results needed.

Shooting food is one of the most difficult work experiences for a photographer, and manna has broken it down so even the novice can become successful. Kudos to him for explaining the process in such a concise and clear cut manner.

For those who have never had hands-on experience, make not mistake...he brings you through the entire process....you'll be in the trenches the entire way.

If I could give more stars, I would.