PHOTOGRAPHY
CAMERA
For photography I use the Canon Mark IV camera body. While this is a huge splurge with a big price tag, I absolutely LOVE the camera. Favorite features are the huge number of focus points and the ability to shoot great photos and video in fairly low light.
LENSES
My photography style is to be fairly close up on the food, I like to be able to see texture in my photos. I use a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens to shoot 95% of my recipe photos. This macro lens takes amazing close up photos with great detail.
I also use a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens for overhead shots, any photos that are more of a lifestyle or table setting type shot.
TRIPOD
I use the SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead and absolutely love it. It is very easy to you use, sturdy and easy to maneuver to get the right angles.
VIDEOS
Each time I shoot a video, I shoot both a side view and an overhead shot at the same time. I edit the videos to combine the clips from both views.
SIDE SHOT VIDEO
For videos I use the Canon Mark IV camera body for all of my side shots, the same camera I use for photography. On my side shot I use a a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens.
This is affixed to my SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod.
OVERHEAD VIDEO
For my overtop videos, I use a Canon Mark III camera body with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens. The camera is affixed to an overhead video jib with a weight on the end of it to keep it from sliding down.
While I use a video jib for ease of use, most people I know are more than happy using a less expensive tripod boom arm that will attach to your tripod. You’ll need to make sure you are using weights/sandbags to keep your camera stable.
LIGHTING
I shoot most of my photography with natural light. On days that are grey or cloudy, I fill with artificial light.
I’ve bought several types of lighting but I’ve found the FloLights to have the best lighting to fill with. This set comes with 3 lights and while they work perfectly for filling light, I have also used them to both photograph and video in the dark.
TABLE/SHOOTING Surface
I use a small inexpensive folding table to shoot both video and photos. I use several different surfaces, everything from laminate sheets to antique pieces of wood.
I place inexpensive sliders on the legs of the table so I can easily slide it closer/further from the window.
OTHER TOOLS I USE
- A 3 step step stool. (I had a 2-step already but it wasn’t tall enough)
- Inexpensive foam boards to reflect light on a cloudy day (check your dollar store)
- Clamps to hold the foam board up (Lowe’s or Home Depot)
- Photography clamp
- Dulling spray
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