Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Photographing Tablescapes

I decided instead of recapping my favorite tablescapes I would show you a few things I have learned about photographing tables for Tablescape Thursday.   This was the table that I started to notice when people commented on the photography.  The key to this was the natural light.  No overhead light and no flash, shot taken by the window.  The day was probably cloudy too, bright sunshine isn't as good for photos.

 The evening I took this photo it was sunny, but the sun was setting.  This was with a tabletop tripod.  I use a tripod a lot to prevent blurry images.

 In this shot I used a tripod and the image is interesting because of the perspective (images in the foreground being larger and background smaller, defines the space even though the image is flat).

Playing with the lighting has become one of my favorite things to try.  This vase of flowers is almost washed out by the strong light coming in the window behind them, but it gives a nice effect.

The wonderful blue hour of twilight makes for some dramatic images in your photos.  

 I even noticed that if you take a picture at the blue hour of something white it will reflect the blue twilight sky.

 Playing with light again by catching the rays of sunshine as the sun goes down.

 Focusing through a bird cage on the candle makes for an interesting photograph.


 I am by no means a photographer, but I continue to challenge myself and try new things so I can get better at it.  I am very appreciative of a blog with nice photography.  I am trying to get my blog to that level with more of the photos, so this is just some of the things I have learned this year.
I will link to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, go and visit for many more beautiful blogs sharing their wonderful tables.

25 comments:

The Tablescaper said...

Thanks so much for sharing your techniques. It is neat to play!

Happy New Year. Hope to see you at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Carolyn said...

Hi Sherry,
I think you have learned a lot over the past year and thank you for sharing your tips with us.Blogging does make us want to improve our photography skills.
Happy New Year,

Carolyn

Jacqueline said...

I came to your post first, I too am learning and trying to improve and it is fun. I need to take more time with the lighting. So much of the time I am just rushing to get it done, but it has been a great 7 months of learning for me. I loved everything you pointed out. I love to try for bokeh effect. Such fun images. Keep it up!

Denise said...

Boy! I just have to get some lessons on this. I am having so much trouble taking decent shots. Thank you so much sharing some of your knowledge.

Happy New Year.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Sherry, those are some great shots and I have been playing around with shots in different lights this year, too.

Pamela said...

Loved reading all your knowledge. I have to admit though, I could barely think past your shell bowls. I think I need some. Ha!

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Very interesting post and I must admit that it was your link picture of the flowers that drew me in so your photography pointers are definitely worthwhile if you can create a pic like that! Thanks for sharing!
Happy New Year!
DD

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

May your New Year be filled with many Blessings and abundances of Joy for 2011. From my mountain to yours, Until next year
Hugs and Smiles Gl♥ria

Lynn said...

Beautiful shots and great tips! Oh how I wish I had some of that natural light in my house! Happy New Year:@)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous and informative post Sherry! Thank you!

Happy New Year!

A Toile Tale said...

Sherry -
This is a great post! Thank you for your advise. I'm really working on this. I am really struggling with photographing glassware. I think my best posts are those that I am not in a hurry. When I take the time for a lot of shots and then pick the best ones and dump the rest, I find some little treasures. Isn't it funny when you see the difference between the viewer and the computer screen?
Linda @ A Toile Tale

Miss Gracie's House said...

There is so much to learn, isn't there? Your pics are beautiful! Hope your Christmas was wonderful...Happy New Year!
Rene

CJ Foss said...

I appreciate your tips! This is new to me so your guidance really helps. Beautiful flowers, vases and night skies. Happy New Year!

Maria said...

Great tips! As a beginner tablescaper I need all the help I can get! I look forward to more of your work in the coming year!

Deb @ Lavender Garden Cottage said...

Thank you for the tips! I will be using these this weekend...especially the ones for gloomy light!

Lynn said...

Thanks for your informative and helpful post, Sherry. I love your photo of the pitcher with the hydrangea. Gorgeous! Happy New Year and thanks for sharing.
God bless ... Lynn

Rose M. Rodriguez said...

Hi Sherry, I congratulate you once again for this post very informative and useful for all people with blogs! I really hope that new year continues to provide us all your beautiful table scape, blessings, Rose Marie

La said...

I am bookmarking this post. Thank you so much for the tips. Improving the quality of my photography is high on my list of things to work on after the first of the year.

Happy New Year! La

Mama Thompson said...

Great tips...I always struggle to capture good pics of my tables...more practice sounds like:)

Donnie said...

I appreciate your taking the time to give some hints. I'm new to all this stuff and my photos leave a lot to be desired. I'll try to remember some of these. Happy New Year.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Beautiful photography -- I can especially appreciate it because I'm very "hit or miss" in that department.

Entertaining Women said...

I'm determined that in 2011, I'll learn how to take advantage of all the features on my wonderful camera...and I'll buy and learn to use Adobe Photoshop Elements. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photographs. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh how I need to work on my photography. Your shots are so beautiful. Thank you for all of the tips. laurie

Alycia Nichols said...

Good points! I'm glad you're having fun with the photography aspect of it which is something that SHOULD be enjoyed and appreciated. Happy New Year!

Claudine from ReStory.ca said...

Hi, Sherry!!! I loved this post!!! It will help me a lot, I will definitely try these settings! I notice your backyard has a tall fence and lots of trees behind it, like mine.
I also have lots of light and my dining table is right by a big window.
Thank you for the tips!!!
Hugs!!!