Pizza Photography Tips using Iphone

[pizzaneer]

Bert, you now have some of the best looking pies I've seen on this forum - and some of the sharpest pictures.  Congratulations! 

[MightyPizzaOven]

Bert, you now have some of the best looking pies I've seen on this forum - and some of the sharpest pictures.  Congratulations! 

Thanks Brian... I still would like to have my pies less puffy on the edge, kind of similar to Craig's... I need to work more on flattening dough balls...

[pizzaneer]

It seems like an easy enough problem to solve.  Most people have the opposite problem, usually directly related to being too rough with their dough, not enough / too much fermentation, the list is endless. 

I think that if you make one simple change, you will get your desired results easily.  Start with a 10% smaller doughball, and open it to the size you normally do, using the same method you usually do.  If it's still too puffy for you, go down another 10%.

[BrickStoneOven]

I think I missed it but which lenses did you use for those latest pictures?

[MightyPizzaOven]

I used these lenses for my Iphone that I bought off ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/200815215338?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I used macro lens for the rsz_img_4064.jpg & rsz_img_4064.jpg
and wide angle lens for rsz_img_4069.jpg

[BrickStoneOven]

Which lens did you use for these two?

[MightyPizzaOven]

Just the iphone, from very close distance , about 6", with no electronic zooming

[MightyPizzaOven]

I left the lenses metal ring on my Iphone case, it partially cover the Iphone flash.

[pizzaneer]

I left the lenses metal ring on my Iphone case, it partially cover the Iphone flash.

Looking at the pics, it does not seem to be an issue.

[BrickStoneOven]

Looking at the pics, it does not seem to be an issue.

Thats just the magnet that holds the lens on the case. When you attach the lens it covers the flash.

[Chicago Bob]

Thats just the magnet that holds the lens on the case. When you attach the lens it covers the flash.

I believe Brian is talking about "pics" , plural. Berts pizza pics...which he took outside for good light and yes, those do look good. Might be another situation indoors with the attached lens blocking light....

[BrickStoneOven]

I believe Brian is talking about "pics" , plural. Berts pizza pics...which he took outside for good light and yes, those do look good. Might be another situation indoors with the attached lens blocking light....

[rcbaughn]

So you think that for outside pictures it is better to go with no lens on the iPhone and use the lenses when taking pictures inside? I hate that it covers up the flash too. My house usually gives all my pictures a really yellow aged look so I always have to use Picasa to adjust the temperature of the picture colors. That messes with the color of red meat a lot and I hate that.

[pizzaneer]

So you think that for outside pictures it is better to go with no lens on the iPhone and use the lenses when taking pictures inside?

The other way around, I think. 

To get the same detail indoors, you would have to either use a flash, maybe a slave strobe or rig up some high-powered lighting.

[Chicago Bob]

So you think that for outside pictures it is better to go with no lens on the iPhone and use the lenses when taking pictures inside?

Exact opposite Cory...inside the lens es block the flash.  

[MightyPizzaOven]

The metal ring if left on the iPhone case it partially blocks iPhone flash. With the lenses attached to iPhone, the flash is totally blocked.

If you are planning on using the lenses more often, it is more convenient to leave the metal ring attached to the case.

I wouldn't spend more on these lenses.

Regardless inside or outside, The macro pense act like a magnifier and the wide lense allow you to capture a bit wider image.

[pizzaneer]

How about a flash unit that plugs into the dock port?

http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/06/iphone-ipod-camera-flash-attachment-from-gadgetsandgear-com/

[rcbaughn]

I think I am just going to give up on trying to get the iPhone to perform and just plan on trying to find a good used camera down the road when funds become available. A standalone camera won't be as handy as having it all rolled into one with your phone, but when I see the pictures that Craig and all of the guys with cameras take I realize it's gonna be hard to get that with the phone.

[MightyPizzaOven]

How about a flash unit that plugs into the dock port?
http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/06/iphone-ipod-camera-flash-attachment-from-gadgetsandgear-com/

It would of been more useful than the lenses....anyway I only invested $14 into the lenses... It was worth the try...  standalone camera is the way to go If I got more serious about pizza photography.

[Chicago Bob]

I think I am just going to give up on trying to get the iPhone to perform and just plan on trying to find a good used camera down the road when funds become available. A standalone camera won't be as handy as having it all rolled into one with your phone, but when I see the pictures that Craig and all of the guys with cameras take I realize it's gonna be hard to get that with the phone.

I think you just need to try some aditional light. For my next pizza pics I am going to try the elcheapo $10 clamp on shop light deal and get to the bottom of this.   

Brian,I don't use Iphone but that add on flash you linked is pretty snazzy. The add says "Color Temperature: 5000K". Does that indicate the brightness of the flash? I could use my girlfriends Iphone. But I think my Evo 4G has a better lens?