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Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling
Tips and techniques for making food look good—before it tastes good! Food photography is on the rise, with the millions of food bloggers around the word as well as foodies who document their meals or small business owners who are interested in cutting costs by styling and photographing their own menu items, and this book should serve as your first course in food photography. Discover how the food stylist exercises unique techniques to make the food look attractive in the finished product. You’ll get a taste of the visual know-how that is required to translate the perceptions of taste, aroma, and appeal into a stunning, lavish finished photograph.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 19, 2012
Helene Dujardin is a wonderful food photographer. Here, she's written a book to guide aspiring food photographers (or food bloggers) into learning the art. I've always enjoy food photography, but had never put any effort into styling or using props. I simply plated food and use my skills as a photographer to get images that were good, but not great. Sure, as a photographer I know how to take pictures, but it's the styling portion that makes the photographs more interesting, and I didn't have that part down yet.
Plate to Pixel starts from the very beginning, assuming the reader has limited knowledge of photography. Great for food bloggers who can cook a hell of a meal, but don't have the best images on their site. I half read/half skimmed the chapter on photography basics. From what I read, she does a good job at explaining just that - the basics - but for any true beginners, I'd recommend the book Understanding Exposure for a more detailed lesson.
Helene also explains lighting food, and how her preference lies with natural lighting, but she is still always prepared with artificial lighting because you can't control the sun or the hours you shoot all of the time. There are chapters on styling your shoot, using props (linens, dishes, etc) and how to use them without detracting from the food, composing the shots, and a little section on editing, which again, I think to get a true understanding of, you should check out an entire book dedicated to that purpose. The real star sections of the book, to me, are the middle sections on lighting, styling, composition, and props. I also like how she explains how she walks through a recipe before cooking, and starts thinking about how to set up her shot, and what ingredients she can use in the scene. Her images throughout the book are also inspiring - full of light and color.
Plate to Pixel starts from the very beginning, assuming the reader has limited knowledge of photography. Great for food bloggers who can cook a hell of a meal, but don't have the best images on their site. I half read/half skimmed the chapter on photography basics. From what I read, she does a good job at explaining just that - the basics - but for any true beginners, I'd recommend the book Understanding Exposure for a more detailed lesson.
Helene also explains lighting food, and how her preference lies with natural lighting, but she is still always prepared with artificial lighting because you can't control the sun or the hours you shoot all of the time. There are chapters on styling your shoot, using props (linens, dishes, etc) and how to use them without detracting from the food, composing the shots, and a little section on editing, which again, I think to get a true understanding of, you should check out an entire book dedicated to that purpose. The real star sections of the book, to me, are the middle sections on lighting, styling, composition, and props. I also like how she explains how she walks through a recipe before cooking, and starts thinking about how to set up her shot, and what ingredients she can use in the scene. Her images throughout the book are also inspiring - full of light and color.
May 4, 2020
This one is a treasure. If you're brand new to photography (or "fake beginner"), this book and few lessons on post-production are all you need. If you've been doing food photography for a while, it's still worth the time. Great book.
May 23, 2011
I just chanced upon this wonderful photography book through the author's website. www.tarteletteblog.com
The blog is a combination of terrific recipes, and more terrific photos. This book is brand new. It is a how-to photograph and style food. But the information crosses into other genres. You might not be interested in the book but we all love food...so try her website.
The blog is a combination of terrific recipes, and more terrific photos. This book is brand new. It is a how-to photograph and style food. But the information crosses into other genres. You might not be interested in the book but we all love food...so try her website.
July 15, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I found it most beneficial to actually look at her pictures and the settings that she used to achieve that photo. The tone was very informal, which I appreciate. She's obviously knowledgeable in food styling and photography. I did disregard a lot of the information, especially on artificial lighting, because I eat what I prepare and photograph and don't have lengthy photo shoots. Reading this book did give me a little more confidence and renewed my desire for good photography for my blog. I found myself immediately wanting to try new things, acquire a few more props, and experiment more. While I borrowed this from the library, I feel like it is a book I wouldn't mind having on hand to reference regularly. I made sure to follow her on twitter and added her blog to my Google Reader so I can pick up tips along the way.
January 10, 2012
Being a food blogger and interested in food photography, I absolutely loved reading the book! It has so much information about food styling, camera techniques, composition, lighting etc. The author herself being a cook and a blogger touches all topics right from plating to editing pictures and copyright issues. The book is filled with beautiful food pictures that make you drool! I see myself using some of the techniques I learnt from this book in the future..
September 16, 2012
My comment may not be accurate as this is my first photography book. The book is well presented - ofcuz. Writing is very good over my expectation. Not the boring technical more than a diary of professional photographer or a story telling. Somehow i wonder the page turned because I am fall in photography or the story. Charming and easy to catch for a very amateur ..like me. U may find a smile on your face while reading it...
Have fun!
Have fun!
August 7, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed all the gorgeous pictures, the tips, tricks and the process of cooking the dish to finalizing the shot that Helene explained. The book can use more organization and spell checking, but otherwise it is a very good book/reference to have. If you are serious about food photography read this book.
March 30, 2012
It was a useful read, but I felt like there wasn't much extra if you consider all the useful photography resources online. I am not sure I would buy it and refer back to it, just nice for a one-time-read.
November 14, 2018
Shows poorly photographed plates and how to correct and improve the photography. Lots of props used in this styling
November 25, 2018
Easy explanations,thorough food styling tips and amazing studio setups. Couldn't ask for more for an aspiring food stylist and a food photographer!!!
January 23, 2020
Enjoyable - educational would've probably got more out of a print version though.
December 29, 2020
4.5 stars
Very good for beginners like me !
Very good for beginners like me !
October 6, 2013
Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling by Helene Dujardin of the blog Tartlette. I don't do very much recipe photography from my cooking- more often it's food while I'm out at a restaurant or event- but I was sure there were still tidbits I could learn.
This book is written with the voice of hands on experience, yet also casual and conversationally that keeps a reader engaged like being taught by a friend. She often tells an anecdote from her past, and there are plenty of pictures (she never goes 4 pages without a photo) to help illustrate her points, including showing the differences between different options. I find this a great way of learning, peppering information with lots of examples.
She devotes 2 of the 8 chapters to explaining camera basics, clearly trying to coax the beginning photographer using a point and shoot from the automatic mode by explaining all the flexibility and power the equipment can give you. Next, 2 chapters (one on natural light, and one on artificial light) explain how to work with the next most controllable part of food photography. It was these two chapters unfortunately that I found the most disappointing, as she talks about diffusing and reflecting or putting together setups, but not with enough details on how to figure out the setup such as illustrations of how to take a first guess or how to see how to improve from your first attempts. Although it's true you may just need to experiment, I was hoping to leverage more sage advice like an apprentice here than spend hours attempting a setup- here the photos showing the difference between setups should have been complimented by also photos of each of those setups.
Her last chapter covers basics of transferring files, lists some possible software to consider for editing photos, backup/storage, a chapter I can't really comment on because I just skimmed it: you would be better off researching what fits you online, as there is no way she can keep up with current offerings or meet how your mind wants to organize. She does bring up the vary valid and important consideration of copyright though, so I have it on my to do list to understand this better.
Helene won me back with the Chapters 5-7, the 3 chapters that include high level concepts of different compositions to try, planning shots varying from picking the story points of a recipe to using ingredients to help flesh out the background of the food, and 1 of those 3 chapters goes into detail on styling all the categories of food (bread, sauces, fish, stews, cakes, ice cream, beverages!) I know I will be referring to this particular chapter over and over again. Everywhere, her beautiful photos emphasize her skill and are something to aspire to.
Not only that, but she has multiple appendixes, one of which includes what's in her bag (including her prop/tool box) and an entire appendix with urls to more resources such as recommended other websites by food photographers and food stylists and for purchasing styling props.
This book is written with the voice of hands on experience, yet also casual and conversationally that keeps a reader engaged like being taught by a friend. She often tells an anecdote from her past, and there are plenty of pictures (she never goes 4 pages without a photo) to help illustrate her points, including showing the differences between different options. I find this a great way of learning, peppering information with lots of examples.
She devotes 2 of the 8 chapters to explaining camera basics, clearly trying to coax the beginning photographer using a point and shoot from the automatic mode by explaining all the flexibility and power the equipment can give you. Next, 2 chapters (one on natural light, and one on artificial light) explain how to work with the next most controllable part of food photography. It was these two chapters unfortunately that I found the most disappointing, as she talks about diffusing and reflecting or putting together setups, but not with enough details on how to figure out the setup such as illustrations of how to take a first guess or how to see how to improve from your first attempts. Although it's true you may just need to experiment, I was hoping to leverage more sage advice like an apprentice here than spend hours attempting a setup- here the photos showing the difference between setups should have been complimented by also photos of each of those setups.
Her last chapter covers basics of transferring files, lists some possible software to consider for editing photos, backup/storage, a chapter I can't really comment on because I just skimmed it: you would be better off researching what fits you online, as there is no way she can keep up with current offerings or meet how your mind wants to organize. She does bring up the vary valid and important consideration of copyright though, so I have it on my to do list to understand this better.
Helene won me back with the Chapters 5-7, the 3 chapters that include high level concepts of different compositions to try, planning shots varying from picking the story points of a recipe to using ingredients to help flesh out the background of the food, and 1 of those 3 chapters goes into detail on styling all the categories of food (bread, sauces, fish, stews, cakes, ice cream, beverages!) I know I will be referring to this particular chapter over and over again. Everywhere, her beautiful photos emphasize her skill and are something to aspire to.
Not only that, but she has multiple appendixes, one of which includes what's in her bag (including her prop/tool box) and an entire appendix with urls to more resources such as recommended other websites by food photographers and food stylists and for purchasing styling props.
August 10, 2015
I read this in a weekend to get to know the most basic settings of my camera when I was entirely new to photography. I like to take photos of food, this is why I picked this book over a general book on photography.
The writing is easy to follow and understand even for a non-native English speaker. Most of the information you can apply to any type of still photography, not just food. I found Chapter 2 (Camera Settings and Modes), Chapter 3 (Natural Light Photography) and Chapter 5 (Composition) were most useful as a new/hobby photographer. There are lots of examples of how a picture would look under different settings so you can compare and gain understanding of what a particular mode does.
Part is also about using flash (on the camera or remotely) or working with special equipment (reflectors etc.) to set the right light. The focus of the second half of the book was mostly about having the right props, setting the scene and styling and while that was nice to read about it is generally less applicable unless you really want to go into food photography professionally (and collect hundreds of differently colored napkins, glasses or pots). But it gives you some idea of how to spice up a picture even if you're not a pro.
So you if you're looking into a general guide to photography, this (the second half) might be too specific, but it's still a nice topic to learn from. She explains some nice tricks and you get a feel for your camera if you try to recreate her examples. You're generally getting a good overview without going into too much detail. Plus the pictures are great to look at.
The writing is easy to follow and understand even for a non-native English speaker. Most of the information you can apply to any type of still photography, not just food. I found Chapter 2 (Camera Settings and Modes), Chapter 3 (Natural Light Photography) and Chapter 5 (Composition) were most useful as a new/hobby photographer. There are lots of examples of how a picture would look under different settings so you can compare and gain understanding of what a particular mode does.
Part is also about using flash (on the camera or remotely) or working with special equipment (reflectors etc.) to set the right light. The focus of the second half of the book was mostly about having the right props, setting the scene and styling and while that was nice to read about it is generally less applicable unless you really want to go into food photography professionally (and collect hundreds of differently colored napkins, glasses or pots). But it gives you some idea of how to spice up a picture even if you're not a pro.
So you if you're looking into a general guide to photography, this (the second half) might be too specific, but it's still a nice topic to learn from. She explains some nice tricks and you get a feel for your camera if you try to recreate her examples. You're generally getting a good overview without going into too much detail. Plus the pictures are great to look at.
January 16, 2016
Because as a photographer I was asked to get involved in a cookbook to raise money for cancer services, I thought I better start reading up on food photography because I don't have a whole lot of experience in this field. Plate to Pixel gives a lot of information on the subject but, in my case, a bit too much as Helen Dujardin includes a lot of general photography knowledge which is great for people who don't really know much about shutter speeds and aperture but wasn't necessary for me. The information is sound and it makes for nice reading because Helen has a nice chatty style and tells a lot about her experiences. That is what I do like about this book.
The photos in the book are good but very small in the digital version that I read. When I enlarge them on my tablet, they become pixelated instantly. Even though Helene Dujardin gives the camera settings with the shots, there are no diagrams of where she places reflectors etc. She does tell about it in the text but a picture can sometimes say more than words.
For people who like to see lighting diagrams I recommend "Food Photography. From Snapshots to Great Shots" by Nicole S. Young.
The photos in the book are good but very small in the digital version that I read. When I enlarge them on my tablet, they become pixelated instantly. Even though Helene Dujardin gives the camera settings with the shots, there are no diagrams of where she places reflectors etc. She does tell about it in the text but a picture can sometimes say more than words.
For people who like to see lighting diagrams I recommend "Food Photography. From Snapshots to Great Shots" by Nicole S. Young.
August 21, 2012
I bought this book to give me an overview on how to become better at photographing food for my blog. I've been a big fan of Helene from Tartalette for some time and her photos looks always brilliant. Her book gave me a chance to pick her brains, and learn how to make everything easier and more fun. The book starts with the basics (exposition, focus, ISO, etc.) but gives a lot of good advice on where to get nice props and how to style food for your photos. It does not go into detail with the technical stuff, but I didn't mind it. I think there are other books to consider if you need to get your camera working properly. I would give this book 5 stars, but the Kindle edition has a few flaws. The pictures--and this book is supposed to be about pictures--were far too small and some of them were even mismatched. There's a description talking about spaghetti, but in the picture there's a camera instead... you get the point. Otherwise everything else about this book is great. I would recommend it to starting food bloggers.
January 28, 2014
Decent book on food photography. This is geared towards someone with little or no photography experience. The author spends the majority of the book talking about photography basics. The section on styling food is actually more about creating interesting compositions than actually styling food. There's no information in here about using motor oil in place of maple syrup or scotch guarding pancakes. The author tends to prefer natural light and being able to eat the food after the shoot. A decent starting book, but not one that I would keep around as a reference. I would recommend this book to someone starting out in photography with an interest in food. If you have more photography experience under your belt I would skip this.
January 19, 2017
I am interested in becoming a better photographer with a passion for writing, developing recipes and food - so much so that I will be starting a blog this year, and this book has been invaluable to me. The photographs are gorgeous and I am overflowing with ideas for props. I believe that having read this book I will come out of the gate ahead of the game since my pictures should be of such a quality that they are pinterest worthy and will get mouths watering to try the delicious food I plan to showcase.
I love that the writing was not particularly technical like a lot of how to books - it was rather informal and the ideas presented gave valuable information that I could relate to and retain.
I love that the writing was not particularly technical like a lot of how to books - it was rather informal and the ideas presented gave valuable information that I could relate to and retain.
May 10, 2013
Taking pictures and setting up a "scene" comes more naturally to some than others. This book is quite helpful for both camps. My husband taught me that using a camera is all about the light. Helen does an excellent job in describing how to manipulate light. I used to shoot food pics with artificial light at night when the household was asleep, but am a total convert to using natural light now, even in the midst of children running around. Helen's photos within the book are on-point for her explanations, and pretty too. The book is excellent for a beginner and a good review for the experienced food photographer.
December 26, 2011
Although I've yet to put any of these tips into practice, I already feel much more knowledgable about food photography, and also DSLR photography in general.
As well as plenty of lovely photographs and tips on food photography, as would be expected, there are also the basics laid down very simply. I feel like this will be an excellent reference book as I learn more about my camera. She explains the techniques well enough for a newbie like me to comprehend, and with good examples--comparing the lens to your eye, and continuing that analogy throughout the book.
As well as plenty of lovely photographs and tips on food photography, as would be expected, there are also the basics laid down very simply. I feel like this will be an excellent reference book as I learn more about my camera. She explains the techniques well enough for a newbie like me to comprehend, and with good examples--comparing the lens to your eye, and continuing that analogy throughout the book.
September 30, 2013
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.
More thoughts (and a photo!) on my blog: Book Review: Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin.
More thoughts (and a photo!) on my blog: Book Review: Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin.
December 18, 2013
Checked this book out of the library to see if I could improve my food photography on my blog. This book is a great resource. Not only did it cover everything from camera settings to lighting to food placement but also provided clear examples. The author took multiple shots of the same food set up so you could accurately see changes in lighting etc.
My only complaint is this book is really more of a manual than something you can read in one sitting. Definitely something to have next to you while you play with your DSLR. Returned the book to the library and may purchase it in the future.
My only complaint is this book is really more of a manual than something you can read in one sitting. Definitely something to have next to you while you play with your DSLR. Returned the book to the library and may purchase it in the future.
November 8, 2014
A beautiful book. It is a coffee table book for people interested in glossy and truly beautiful photography. However, for those of us trying to improve our photography, there are outstanding hints and tips presented. The prose is clear and precise. The photographs are inspirational. I took from this book the importance of props and surfaces. Also the way to use hard and soft light was excellent.
Highly recommended, and an outstanding engagement with digitization and digital photography.
Highly recommended, and an outstanding engagement with digitization and digital photography.
November 4, 2016
I think what I really wanted to read was a full book about styling food for photography; this one was too broad and trying to be everything to everyone. For example, it goes into remarkable detail about off-camera lighting set-ups, but also has a section devoted to "how do you get your images from your camera to your computer." Establishing and maintaining a baseline assumption of competence on behalf of the reader would have been better. Also publishing note: this book is riddled with copy errors.
January 31, 2012
Best for beginner food photographers. It walks you through the basics of lighting, equipment, and styling. Even for a pro, there were some tips and tricks I enjoyed, especially on the styling end. I noticed a theme of using multiple layers, such as two plates, a napkin and a bowl all stacked up together. It adds more depth to the arial shots. And I always love behind-the-scenes photos of how other photographers work.
November 26, 2014
I like the author and her food styling, that's why I bought this book (so even if I didn't like the content, I would still be surrounded with beautiful photos).
This book features basic photography and food styling. The first half is a bit boring as I'm not unfamiliar with photography. But for newcomers I think it would be very helpful. I also like her tips on composition and natural light.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes food photography or simply food ;-)
This book features basic photography and food styling. The first half is a bit boring as I'm not unfamiliar with photography. But for newcomers I think it would be very helpful. I also like her tips on composition and natural light.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes food photography or simply food ;-)
August 23, 2016
I'm trying to learn food photography and I've found this book to be extremely detailed and easy to follow - it also helps that her reference point is to a Canon camera, which I happen to be using as well.
I like how she explains the different technical settings to a beginner by showing you shots with just the settings slightly adjusted. I also find it very helpful that all the settings that she used to take each picture are referenced below the picture
I like how she explains the different technical settings to a beginner by showing you shots with just the settings slightly adjusted. I also find it very helpful that all the settings that she used to take each picture are referenced below the picture
August 28, 2011
FABULOUS! My only complaint is that the pictures looked so good it made me want to stop reading and go make the recipe! But of course there wasn't one. This was unbelievably helpful, Helene shows simple and inexpensive ways to make your food pictures awesome and delightful. You can really tell she loves what she does , which is essential when trying to teach others.
October 22, 2015
An excellent resource for budding food photographers. Dujardin's laid back style takes the mystery out of photography and its lingo. Vivid imagery, easy-to-follow instructions, and insider tips make this a must read for aspiring food bloggers and others desiring a comprehensive introduction to the medium.
September 18, 2015
This gave me lots of new, usable food photography tips for my recipe blog. It was definitely worth reading. I feel so much improved and can pick out colors to compliment and not distract from my baked goods.
I did wish there was more on photographing food that isn't fine dining--like I still am not sure how to do lighting for my bold Hot Wing Pizza recipe.
I did wish there was more on photographing food that isn't fine dining--like I still am not sure how to do lighting for my bold Hot Wing Pizza recipe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews