Book Review: Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin
Book: Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling by Hélène Dujardin
Genre: Photography
Publisher: Wiley Publishing
Publication date: 2011
Pages: 265
Source: Purchased
Summary: Starting with photography basics and ending with post-processing, Plate to Pixel by Hélène Dujardin provides a soup to nuts guide on shooting photos of food. She works commercially, now, but she got her start as a food blogger at Tartelette. The focus of the book is on home cooks and bloggers although there is advice for photographers who want to work in advertising and magazines.
Thoughts: I always like finding out that I know more than I think I do. Rick has been photographing for so long that he can pick his camera up after not touching it for months and be ready to shoot immediately. My knowledge is much newer and I always need a refresher course when I pick up my camera. We signed up for two photography classes — one was yesterday and the other is next Saturday. For my refresher course, I read Plate to Pixel. I was pleased how quickly I breezed through the first couple of chapters.
The third chapter on Natural Light Photography gave me some new things to think about. I’m saving the artificial light chapter for this winter when I hope that I can play around with some of Rick’s fancy lighting toys.
What makes this photography book unique are Chapters 5, 6, and 7 on composition, setting up, and styling — filled with tips, tricks, and ways of thinking about photographing food. The most useful parts are when Dujardin takes us step by step through the photography, like the section on Cream of Celery Soup which starts with the recipe and then goes through all the preparation, props, and styling with two photographs to show how the process evolved.
Plate to Pixel worked as my refresher course. I took photos for about three hours yesterday as part of a workshop called Street Photography. I knew I would want to post one of my photos on this review, but I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to combine street photography with food photography. Fortunately, there was a festival going on so I had the perfect solution — street food.
Lions Club members grilling pork burgers in Washington, Missouri, September 28, 2013
Appeal: Plate to Pixel is worth it for the beautiful and inspiring photographs. It will have you appreciating the look of your food, plates, and linens even before you take your next food photo. Anyone who wants to share their food through photography will want this book on their shelf — the only decision will be whether it goes on the photography shelf or, conveniently, in the kitchen with the cookbooks.
Events and Challenges: I read Plate to Pixel as a new member of The Kitchen Reader — an online book club reading a new food book together each month. Check out The Kitchen Reader blog on October 1 for a round-up of everyone who wrote a review of Plate to Pixel.
I’ll also link this post up to Weekend Cooking at Beth Fish Reads on Saturday because I think that crowd will be interested in this resource.
Plate to Pixel is my 9th book for the Foodies Read 2013 Challenge.
Why do you take photographs of food?
I have worked for a company that did a lot of food photos, I don’t think people realize how difficult it is to photograph food.
http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
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Your street photos workshop sounds really interesting, too. I find that the more I have taken pictures of food, the more interested I am in taking photos in general. I also agree that reading this book made me more interested in tablecloths!
I like the format in which you write your reviews- very nice sections! I’m not usually a linens person (I appreciate them in restaurants but don’t use them at home because don’t want to bother washing napkins or tablecloths that inevitably collect cat hair), but think if I see garage sales (estate sales still are a bit creepy to me) maybe I should peruse for some misc individual plates and props!
Now this is a book I could definitely use.
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I NEED this book! I am the worst food photographer around. I know part of it is the lighting, which is not great in my kitchen. I’m definitely going to track this one down.
It’s easy to forget how difficult it is to make food photos look appetizing and realistic. Hope you continue to enjoy your photograph class.
I’ve had this book for at least five years and haven’t had time to really dig in yet. Glad to hear you found a lot of helpful information in it — I know the photos are gorgeous, and I so admire food stylists and photographers — both arts that I definitely want to learn more about.
I love photography, so I think I’ll check to see if my library has this book!
Here’s A Link To My WC Post
I’m so glad to hear you found this book useful. I really struggle with taking pictures of food and would love to know more. Lighting is really difficult in my kitchen, especially in the evenings when the sun has gone down and I have to use my terrible lighting. Hope you enjoy your photography class! I look forward to when I have a chance to attend one.
Joy, you’re a star – I have now ordered this from the library! Cheers
I could really learn a lot from this book! My library system does not have a copy, but I may just have to buy one of my own… or ask Santa
I would love to use this book to help my food photos. First I need a good camera though as my phone is right now my main camera. We lost our camera in a murky pond in Florida last winter! Maybe I’ll have to ask Santa for a combo gift of the book and a camera!
My food photography is always pretty average so I might pick up some tips from a book like this!
I don’t really need another book club but the Kitchen Reader is one that does sound like fun!
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I actually bought this book a while ago, but have yet to make the time to read it thoroughly. Obviously it will be well worth my time!
My youngest is hoping to start a food blog and I volunteered to take the photographs in exchange for free taste tests
I am glad I have the resource to help me.
I’ve now added this to my wish list. My son is a photographer and I do remember when he had to do some assignments taking pictures of food. He does give me advice, but he doesn’t live in the same city so can’t take my photos for me. Looking forward to reading this, but I’ll have to hide it from him.
I’ve never read a food styling/photography book – and I don’t even have a camera! Just my iPhone. BUT. This book sounds like it’s worth reading, and I’m determined to find a copy and learn some new tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing!
I have this book, and although I haven’t finished it yet, I have certainly found it a valuable resource for improving my food photos. Still such a long way to go though!!
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