Photographing Tomatoes from the Garden

What better still life photography subject during summer than the abundant tomatoes that are ripe and fresh from the garden? I thought we had too many tomatoes last year, and we did. So, we cut the number of plants in half. But, somehow, it hasn't really helped.We have four varieties this season. Eating the cherry tomatoes right off the vine is such a treat while I'm picking the larger heirloom, Ace, Better Boy, and other varieties. What to do with all these tomatoes? We eat them daily, fresh and sliced. Or, we make tomato sauce and add them to different dishes. Several years ago, I made a tomato pie. It was delicious! I may do that again. 

Workflow for Tomatoes for still life photography

But, today after harvesting them, I decided to photograph them very systematically. I share this workflow in more detail in my self-paced, on-line Life Exposed Still Life photography workshop. (Registration opens on October 7, 2023) Working my way through my workflow, I laid out the foundation near the window and attached my camera to the tripod arm to balance it over the flat lay area. Then I collected the props I thought I'd need, set the white balance, tethered the tablet for viewing, and began to arrange everything. A little squirt of water from the spray bottle and the scene was ready. I clicked, checked the tablet screen, and adjusted where I thought necessary. Then clicked, viewed, and rearranged until I was happy with my results. I love using the tablet as I shoot because with a larger screen I get a much better idea of how the images are turning out. When I’m working overhead, it is much easier to see. In the end, I had taken fifteen still life images, ten of which were keepers. 

Still Life Tip

Occasionally, on shiny dishes or foods in my still life photography, there is glare just as there is with water or shiny subjects in landscape and nature photography. I have found the most convenient way to reduce that glare is by using my polarizer from Breakthrough Filters. You can learn about them, see their products, or purchase on their website.

Click here: BREAKTHROUGH FILTERS

Tomatoes - Still Life Photography

Tomatoes and basil washed and cut after harvest

Tomatoes washed and cut after harvest

Tomatoes washed and cut after harvest

Tomatoes washed and cut after harvest

So, there you have it. I did minimal rearranging, but primarily added things to the frame. The lower left image of the last set shown here is my first image taken. The top image in this post is my last image taken. 

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All landscape, fine art, and still life images are available for purchase.

Please CONTACT ME at nadeen@nadeenflynn.com to purchase prints or schedule your mentoring session.

Nadeen Flynn is a published, award winning northern California fine art and portrait photographer. Living in the greater Sacramento area, she specializes in fine art landscape and still life photography. Nadeen’s style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. This retains the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She offers various workshops and mentoring. While currently living in rural northern California with her husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, she posts regularly to Instagram.

Locations include Northern California and the greater Sacramento areas.

(530) 633-7575