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As a food, beverage, and CPG photographer, my goal is to create visually stunning images that perfectly align with my clients' marketing needs. Every project is unique, with different products, creative directions, and messages.
To stay at the top of my game, I constantly experiment and learn new techniques, keeping up with the latest software, equipment, and creative trends. Continuous education is essential in this field!
I recently attended the Cine Gear Expo and the AI Film Festival in Los Angeles. I was incredibly impressed by the diverse camera movement options at Cine Gear and the innovative storytelling at the AI Film Festival. The four-minute AI-generated short films, created by real filmmakers, truly captivated me with their compelling narratives. These filmmakers are leveraging AI to bring concepts to life, create elaborate scenes affordably, and expedite post-production.
My journey with AI began out of curiosity. After a photographer friend showcased it on Instagram, I started experimenting and quickly realized its potential. Now, I find it indispensable for creating concept boards, incorporating out-of-season ingredients, and adding cost-prohibitive lifestyle scenes to product images. It's all about expanding creative possibilities and maximizing assets.
I even incorporated AI into a recent test shot featuring chroma filters in pink, orange, and red, paired with a candle on textured mylar for a fun vibe. I was experimenting with new props, surfaces, and lighting, and then used AI text prompts to add motion to the final image. Interestingly, I achieved these results with my trusted Phase One IQ3 back, Arca-Swiss F-Line technical camera, and Rodenstock lens – an older setup that still delivers unbeatable color and sharpness.
Here is another experiment, using a new grid surface that I created in Illustrator and had printed along with farmer’s market produce, new sauce bowls, and a vegan vibe, injecting pink into the hard shadows.
A real image of a food or product is always important but this tool can help us stretch budgets and be super creative. These are just experiments so more research and testing will come. I can see it for b-roll or fun social media reels.
