How to photograph a chocolate shop?
My friend has asked me to help him out by photographing his chocolate shop for his website.i'm only a keen amateur at the moment.i've been asked to help him as he has been given a deadline for monday the 3rd to get the pictures to the website designer and ther's not enough time or money to get a pro in. I know the basic do's and don'ts (e.g remove clutter from the picture etc.) but i could really do with some help to give me some other ideas. He wants me to photgraph things like chocolates that are un-boxed and also boxed goods aswell. Any help really apreciated!
if it helps I have:
Nikon D3100 DSLR (I told you I was only an amateur!)
Macro filters
18-55mm lens
55-200mm lens
wide angle filter
tripod
flash and difuser
You'll want to set up a lot of Semiotic use for the actual chocolates.
Handle the images with a short depth of field, with light leakage.
For the shop itself, try and not have people in the shots.
I would use my tripod inside the store as you'll probably want to use lowest iso and slow shutter speed (1/20th ish) and small aperture to keep everything sharp.Id also use the flash to light close ups of products in his store, but bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling, Don't point the flash straight at the subject with close-ups, even with a diffuser.
It's useful to know whether your friend has a shop front or not, it's usually very important to exceed the realm of product shots.
You need to liase with both the client (shop owner), and the web designer, and discuss their direction, and then tailor your photographic product appropriately. For example most chocalatiers go for the opulent, nostalgic and romantic appeal, as that is what their customers want, you just need to look at Hotel Chocolat, or Thorntons. However this isn't always the case, and a small startup may be cornering a niche market and looking for modern, sleek and minimalist approach. This is why it's very important to communicate.
Nonetheless your product should be in more or less the same vein, with a mixture of product shots and environmentals (showing the shop in action). You'll want to speak with the shop owner and find out when would be ideal to visit, bearing in mind that you don't want the shop to be empty, but neither do you want it to be crammed so full that nothing can be made out. Also remember that days are short these days, so you'll need to plan your day so that you make the most out of the natural light.
I imagine it will all be doable with the 18-55, 55-200 and close up lenses, and tripod. If you have a tilt/swivel flash, that may be useful. Kit really isn't too important, but vision and attention to detail is.
Point and shoot!
Get paid in chocolates. Way much better than cash!