Few weeks ago, I received Pixel to Page book from the publisher for review. This book, on food photography is written by Helene Dujardin, a pastry chef turned food blogger. Helene is an accomplished food blogger and has photographed for many cookbooks. She regularly teaches food photography in food photography workshops.
First Impressions
When I opened the package and looked at the book, my first impression was that there is lot of content in the book. Looking at the table of content, Helene packaged a lot of information in this 288-page book.
What’s in Plate to Pixel
The chapters in this book range from basics of photography to natural light photography and artificial light photography. There is a complete 60-page chapter on food styling. Helene also shows how to set up the scene for capture.
At many places, Helene uses a personal language and that really connected with me. It seems like she was talking to the reader directly, as if the reader was in a workshop with her and she was personally teaching food photography to each reader individually.
I flipped the pages and I was pleasantly surprised to see the quantity of images included in this book.
Food Photography in This Book
For an instructional book on food photography, it is imperative to have stunning food photos. The quality of food photos give credibility to what has been written. At the same time, the more food photos there are in a book that are used as an example, the better the learning and understanding for readers.
In this book almost every page has a food photo. It is like holding Helene’s portfolio in your hand and as if she is explaining you how she took that photo. You can read and understand the topic and how Helene has applied it in a certain photo.
Reading the book, is just one way you can learn from this book.
Another Way to Learn from This Book
If you are not the reading-types but still want to learn, you are in luck. We have talked about how to read a photo. If you just did that, and read specifics like how the light is placed, where the props are, how the scene is composed, you will learn a lot.
From food photography books that are currently available in the market, there is no doubt in my mind that Plate to Pixel book is a must-have. If there was only one food photography book that I had to recommend my friend, it would be this one.
Don’t Take My Word on Plate to Pixel
Just read these 15 reviews on Plate to Pixel. Notice, all the amazon reviewers gave this book a 5 out of 5-star.
Thank you Helene, for sharing so much of your knowledge with us and for creating a resources that is a must-have book.
Did you buy the book?
What did you think about it? What did you like about the book? What else would you like to learn?
I just recently found your website/blog…I have NO idea why it took me so long but for the past few weeks have been LOVING your archives, interviews, info, tips…it’s all fabulous! From Matt Bites to Penny de los Santos to now Helene’s book..thank you for everything.
“In this book almost every page has a food photo. It is like holding Helene’s portfolio in your hand and as if she is explaining you how she took that photo. You can read and understand the topic and how Helene has applied it in a certain photo.”–
I LOVE THAT!
Will be buying this book, and your review just solidfied that!
Hi Averie,
Thank you for your comments. I hope you enjoy our upcoming posts as well.
Plate to Pixel is an excellent book on food photography au natural. The book is filled with beautiful inspiring images and tips that both the novice and the more season photographer can benefit from. I did a bit of a long winded review here, if you want to read more: htp://1morecreative.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/book-review-plate-to-pixel-digital-food-photography-and-styling/ The short version is that it is a book definitely worth buying
I am just getting started in food photography — as a hobby, not a profession (though it would be nice to progress to that). I haven’t been on this blog in a couple of weeks but have really enjoyed the series, “A Food Photographer’s Diary.” It’s provided a lot of insight and coupled with this book (which I’ve just ordered), I look forward to experimenting more, though I feel limited in what I can shoot since I’m not into cooking. Any suggestions for that?
Thanks Athena,
Glad that you enjoyed the series and the blog. Not cooking and practicing is a little challenging. But you can try teaming up with a food blogger who may need food photos.
I ordered this book from amazon last week and waiting for the book to arrive and I am so happy after reading this review that i have made a correct choice.