Lighting Isn’t Just Light — It’s Mood
What you’re looking at
Two plates of roasted radishes, photographed seconds apart. The difference isn’t in the food, or even the set-up — it’s in the light.
By shifting and shaping the light, we moved from bright and crisp to rich and dramatic. Same subject, completely different mood.
Lighting setup
Both shots used a soft light to one side and a hard light from the other.
In the second, we switched the balance between them and lowered the angle of the hard light.
That small change lifted textures, deepened shadows, and altered the atmosphere entirely.
It’s the kind of control you don’t get with a smartphone — the ability to decide how the light feels.
Lighting goes way beyond exposure!
Camera settings
- Camera: Canon R5
- Shutter: 1/200
- Aperture: f/11
- ISO: 160
- Lens: RF 24-105L at 105mm
- Tripod-mounted for consistency across both looks
Styling and prep
Radishes were halved, tossed in olive oil and roasted until their skins just wrinkled — that’s when the colour pops.
They were then placed on a simple white plate. A gingham napkin gave context, colour coordination and a touch of nostalgia, keeping the set warm and familiar.
Editing touches
Minimal: small clean-up of herbs, and balanced exposure to stay true to the mood of each shot.
Why this works
It shows how lighting is more than technical exposure. It sets a tone, an emotion.
Bright and airy can feel fresh and simple.
Low and dramatic can feel indulgent and serious.
The radishes didn’t change — but the story did.
Worth knowing
Mood matters. The way your food is lit shapes not just how it looks, but how people imagine it will taste.
Also…
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