Photographer David Price shows us two ways to light chocolate.

In the first shot, he is using a very large light source. The source is above and behind the chocolate, and that masks the individual color of the items. This is because the specular – the reflected light source – is white, and that is what we see predominantly.

Assignment-6-David-Price-Tue-1-Chocolate

You can see the set up here:

Assignment-6-David-Price-Tue-2-Backlit-SETUP

In the second shot, David moved his light to the side of the chocolate. This provides a specular highlight on the side of the chocolate, but allows the colors of the chocolate to be seen as they are now the “true value” of the chocolate.

Assignment-6-David-Price-Tue-3-Chocolate

This is the setup.

Assignment-6-David-Price-Tue-4-Sidelit-SETUP

There is no right or wrong decision when working with the specular effects on subjects, there is only your choice as regards to the style of the work you are completing.

Thanks, David.

David Price Photography,