Recently I posted this photo and shared my food photography process. And Robert Orsa replicated it. His idea was to use same composition, same camera angle, same styling and just change one element – background.
That made me think. What if there was a group project where everyone could participate. Yes! You. The bulb went on.
So here’s the thing…
The Challenge
The challenge for you is to replicate this photo, with just one change: the background. For this challenge use the crackers that look like the one shown in photo. These are Triscuits, available at Walmart but can also be ordered from Amazon if you are looking to buy in bulk.
The idea is to keep all elements in the photo exactly same – the composition, styling, number of crackers and even camera angle, while just changing the background. All you have to do is take this photo using whatever background you have that will make this photo stronger.
Take your time and choose any background you like. Submit the photo before Jan 21 2012 by uploading it to food photography facebook page and we’ll share all submissions on this food photography blog.
Here’s something more about this project for the inquisitive ones… In the world of statistics, this is called Design of Experients (DoE).
The Boring Statistics Talk: Design of Experiment (DoE)
Sparing you from all the details, Design of Experiments is a methodology used by scientists and researchers to understand impact of one variable or element on “subjects” in the experiment.
This is done by collecting data from “information-gathering” exercises, and in each of these exercises changing just that one element whose impact is to be understood. Scientists and researchers use DoE almost everyday to create experiments and develop studies.
DoE in Food Photography
In terms of food photography and this group project, this translates as an attempt to understand the impact of one variable, background in this case, in food photos. We will use cracker photo to understand the impact of background on photograph.
So, recreate the photograph and change the background. Use same camera angle, same placements, same frame and everything else. Everything else but one – background.
Upload your version of this photo on food photography page before Jan 21 2012.
Suggested Reading
In past, we have talked about background in detail. Here are few articles where we have talked about this subject:
Are You Onboard?
What do you think about this group project? Will you participate in this simple group project? If you plan to submit a photo, please leave a comment below confirming just that.
If there’s enough interest, we may do this regularly.
Although I am not gonna participate in this challenge, at least this time, I think it is a terrific idea. I think background can be a make it or break in certain photos. Can’t wait to see what comes out.
Hi Viviane, thank you for your comment. Glad you liked the idea.
I think it would be good if everyone said/showed what they used for the background too. I know I have used some scrap linen cloth from fabric stores instead of buying an expensive loose weave table cloth, or weathered boards assembled to look like a rustic table, etc. New ideas for sourcing backdrops is always as good as seeing how they were used.
Jason, thanks for your comment… like your idea of putting together a list of backgrounds. Let me think what I can come up with in next several days..
I will participate – love the challenge idea. I appreciate getting an “assignment” because it forces me outside of what I might normally do. I do have one question though…what is the yellow element in the photo? Looks like maybe it’s roasted yellow bell pepper?
Hi Marjorie, I think this will help everyone, including me.. Yellow element, as Robert has said below, is cheese. I found this in Walmart, in the crackers section.
I’m honored my photo helped you come up with this project. I’m anxious to see the images others create for this. I didn’t really set out to recreate the image originally. I saw the original post here one day. Later that same day my wife was having people over and had placed on the counter all the elements needed for me to recreate the image. All I needed was a background. I found some scrapbook page backgrounds in the closet that worked well for this.
Marjorie, the yellow element in my image is cheese in a can. It comes out similarly to how whipped cream comes out of a can.
Robert
Robert, Thank you for the idea
I am looking forward to these results as well.
The challenge idea is great. I am looking for similar crackers in my area as I want to take part in this. The challenge is a great tool for learning. If you make challenges on a japanregular basis that would be more than great because the community could interact more and learn more as well.
Hi Ginger, like Marjorie said as well, this assignment will help everyone and push us to do more and get out of our comfort zone. We’ll see how the response is and we may do more of these.
I love the idea of this, but with Christmas a few days away, timing is not great but I’ll do my best to get an entry. Would love to try something like this after the Holidays.
Hi Kim, the deadline for this is Jan 21st 2012. So sure, after Holidays is great too.
I think this is a great idea–and I always have Triscuits in the house!
Yes, I will participate. Will try my best to replicate the picture in the same angle, with a different background
Great idea!
Cool idea! I’ll be participating. I took some shots to day but I’m pretty sure I’m getting some lights for Christmas, so I’ll wait until after the holidays to post. (wink, wink)
I’m going to try and participate! Great idea!
the food looks delicious
good photos
two thumbs for the photographer
I took a few shots today. Pardon my ignorance, but i have not a clue how to upload the pics in the FB page
This is a great idea. I wish I had some trisquits in the house to participate. Unfortunately I won’t make it back to town until Tuesday. I’ll keep an eye out for future challenges as I would love to play along.
I think this is a nice idea. I’ll try to be a part of it whenever I can. Just saw this today and the raw materials for this aren’t available where I live.
I like your idea. I think this will help everyone. it is the nice way to represent your ideas with effectiveness and in an impressive way.
if found its cute
nice photo of it that tempting me to bite some.
just passing.. have a great day readers.
yay! i wan to participate but i cant
too busy haha
well good luck everyone
so have a new news now? hows the event goes?
I just found your blog and I am loving all the advice. I’m desperately trying to improve my food photography. Can’t wait to see the results of this challenge.