Email from Clare

Hi Clare,

Thank you for getting back to me.

Well, I have a few questions about yourself and your work. My interest in photography are food, architecture and portrait.

I'm doing a report on some of the photographers that have inspired me and also doing photo assignments.

So my questions are: What made you move into food photography? Who inspires you? Are you still doing people photography? How would you advise someone who is new to the industry? What are some of the steps to take to get in to the food photography? Are there any articles that I can read up about you?

I also have to photograph a restaurant on location for my assignment. This includes plated food shots, portraits and interior shots. I have had some trouble with the interior shots where natural light is used.

How do you prepare for a shoot like these and is there anything you take or do to make things easier?

Thank you for your time. I may have more questions later - is it OK to contact you again?

Nathan Lanham


Re: From Clare‏
From: Clare Barboza (clare@claremariephotography.com)
To: nathan lanham (nathanlanham@hotmail.com)

Hi Nathan,

Once again, I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. This is an incredibly busy time for me.

I was drawn to food photography because I love the story behind food: who grows it, how it's prepared, and who gathers around the table to share it. I love shooting on location and telling this story from start to finish, but I also love shooting finished food in my studio, creating a mood or an environment by how I style the image.

I have been doing portrait work for 18 years, and continue to do so. For someone new to the industry, my advice is to shoot as much as possible. Take photos of your friends, your family, and experiment with all types of light. Have fun! Practice until you feel comfortable and then start offering portrait sessions for a reasonable rate. If people like what you do, they will spread the word. Offer an incentive to your clients if they send you other business, (maybe a discount on their next shoot, etc.) Word of mouth really is the best advertising, though, so good relationships with your clients are incredibly important.

As for the food photography, I recommend interning with a food photographer whose work you admire. Ask them to critique your work and offer suggestions about how you can improve.

I use natural light all the time, including for interior shoots. Put your camera on a tripod and shoot the same scene with multiple exposures. Then layer the images in Photoshop and use layer masks to reveal the best exposures. I am not sure if that made sense....it's really hard to explain. :)

I'll try to track down some articles that have been written about me and send them on to you.

I wish I had more time to write, but I need to get back to work.
I hope this helps a bit! :)

Clare