Photo How To

Editor’s Note: Food photographer Lou Manna has spent over 30 years creating images of all things edible. We recently asked Manna to share some of his wisdom with Shutterbug’s readers he provided us with the following helpful tips for how to shoot the best food photos. You can see more of Manna’s work on his website, or read his thoughts on food photography and see more images at his blog.

If you’ve never bothered to change the default settings on your camera, it’s time to pay attention and make a few modifications so your it performs best for you. As you’ll see in the quick explainer below, there are several key camera settings you should seriously consider changing, whether or not your camera is brand new.

Even people who are passionate about photography often make common mistakes that prevent them from reaching their maximum potential. No one is immune. To advance to the next level of proficiency, overcome the tendency to fall victim to these common goofs.

I’ve been taking pictures for so long that when I began, practically all cameras were made in Japan or Germany, ISO was spelled ASA and image files were paper folders where sleeves of negatives were stored.

Despite my ample experience, there are mistakes that I make over and over again—not every time I go out, thankfully, and not even every week—but often enough. Do you do these too?

There are numerous “rules” regarding the art and craft of photography that have been espoused by so-called “experts” for years. Some of this conventional wisdom is truly essential, but several things you’ve heard are subject to debate. And still others are simply myths or misconceptions.

We regularly feature tutorials on outdoor photography from Romanian pro Toma Bonciu because we love his images and his calm easy-to follow style of instruction. Bonciu is a successful self-taught shooter, specializing in travel and landscape photography.