Have you ever been "called out" for photographing your plate? [General]
2010 Mar 29
I've wondered the same thing. I always feel a little shy about pulling out my camera, and I rarely use a flash nor does my camera make any noise. One time a server came up and questioned it, but in a friendly way and she didn't seem to mind. Maybe they are just curious (I know I would have been when I was a server). They could be thinking we're reviewers for a newspaper or magazine :D
I still feel a little self-conscious about taking pictures either way...(but that doesn't usually stop me ha ha!)
I still feel a little self-conscious about taking pictures either way...(but that doesn't usually stop me ha ha!)
2010 Mar 29
re: Product Depot... I remember Ashley said she was asked to stop taking photos at T&T Supermarket. I'd guess grocery stores want to avoid competitors being able to record their prices and display methods.
As for restaurants, I know there are many differing opinions. Face it, if restaurants *know* that a plate will be photographed they will take greater pains to make it look perfect. It's been my experience that better restaurants are confident enough not to feel threatened by photographers.
That said, I refuse to take pictures in very nice restaurants because they are often dimly lit, which means the choice is between dull photos that don't do the food justice, and using a flash, which disturbs other (high-paying) customers and results in a just-okay picture. I couldn't imagine taking my camera out at Le Baccara! I also would never take flash photos at Atelier. Other diners deserve to have the experience they are paying for.
The best venue for photo-taking is an outdoor patio. Daylight is king!
I've only had one restaurant contact me to complain about food photography. They were quite confrontational about it, complaining about a camera-wielding diner "from your website" who took many flash photos. It turned out they never talked to the photographer and just assumed they must be from this site! And no photos ever showed up for that vendor here, so it turned out to be an empty complaint.
As for restaurants, I know there are many differing opinions. Face it, if restaurants *know* that a plate will be photographed they will take greater pains to make it look perfect. It's been my experience that better restaurants are confident enough not to feel threatened by photographers.
That said, I refuse to take pictures in very nice restaurants because they are often dimly lit, which means the choice is between dull photos that don't do the food justice, and using a flash, which disturbs other (high-paying) customers and results in a just-okay picture. I couldn't imagine taking my camera out at Le Baccara! I also would never take flash photos at Atelier. Other diners deserve to have the experience they are paying for.
The best venue for photo-taking is an outdoor patio. Daylight is king!
I've only had one restaurant contact me to complain about food photography. They were quite confrontational about it, complaining about a camera-wielding diner "from your website" who took many flash photos. It turned out they never talked to the photographer and just assumed they must be from this site! And no photos ever showed up for that vendor here, so it turned out to be an empty complaint.
2010 Mar 29
I take pictures all the time and have never had anyone approach me, flash or not. This includes hi-end and mid-range restaurants in many countries on my travels. Maybe I've just been lucky. I actually pass the camera around the table so I have pics to share with my other friends who can appreciate good food porn ;-)
2010 Mar 29
I think as long as you're not using the flash (ie. disturbing customers) it shouldn't be any different than texting/using your cell during the meal. It's all a matter of moderation.
I also see a difference between taking a photo for posterity's sake (or the sake of remember what you ate), and sharing it immediately with your fellow diners. They can see what's on your plate, why do you need to show them on camera? Then again, I usually don't show photos right after I take them anywhere else, so perhaps it's just counterintuitive to me.
I also see a difference between taking a photo for posterity's sake (or the sake of remember what you ate), and sharing it immediately with your fellow diners. They can see what's on your plate, why do you need to show them on camera? Then again, I usually don't show photos right after I take them anywhere else, so perhaps it's just counterintuitive to me.
2010 Mar 29
Zym, I'm sure they were, because I'm sure that's a very normal, not stigmatized part of the sugar bush experience.
It's different than taking a photo of your plate, or a menu, or a display of produce. You're not going to try and replicate their methods of tapping at home, presumably.
Honestly, if you think they will have a problem with it, you could always ask.
It's different than taking a photo of your plate, or a menu, or a display of produce. You're not going to try and replicate their methods of tapping at home, presumably.
Honestly, if you think they will have a problem with it, you could always ask.
2010 Mar 29
When I was living in Japan, a Japanese friend took photos of almost every meal. It was so strange to me at first, but then I started doing it too, especially as food was so beautifully presented there. As soon as I came home, though, I stopped, because I feel really self-conscious about it. Fresh Foodie makes some good points above. I find it distracting when someone in a restaurant starts taking flash photos. I guess being quick and discreet is the way to go. You were, James, so I think your server was quite rude--a simple request would have done it.
2010 Mar 29
I too take pictures - but only when I enjoy it so to me if I post it, it is praising it.
But, as fresh foodie said they rarely come out well because of the lighting so I do not post them here but only for my friends who dine with me.
I think many other posters do a much better job at the photo thing.
I would have never gone or put off going to certain restaurants if there had not been a photo here on the site.
One restaurant in particular now has me and my friends as regulars and I brought a 15+ group there last month and we were 7 last week.
But, as fresh foodie said they rarely come out well because of the lighting so I do not post them here but only for my friends who dine with me.
I think many other posters do a much better job at the photo thing.
I would have never gone or put off going to certain restaurants if there had not been a photo here on the site.
One restaurant in particular now has me and my friends as regulars and I brought a 15+ group there last month and we were 7 last week.
2010 Mar 30
The only time I have ever had it raised was at a wonderful restaurant in Washington DC called Komi. They politely asked me not to take photos as they would prefer photos are not online so that dishes to be a surprise for those who come. Their request did not bother me, because they were very polite, but I really like photos because they bring back the memory of a meal. I often have a global memory of a meal rather than of specific dishes. But when I look at the photos I am brought right back to the dinner.
When I do take photos I am very descrete and I never use a flash. My desire is to preserve the memory of the meal not bother others at the restaurant.
BTW, if I ever had someone grab a camera from my hand at a restaurant I would immediately leave. That is just disrespectful.
Cheers!
When I do take photos I am very descrete and I never use a flash. My desire is to preserve the memory of the meal not bother others at the restaurant.
BTW, if I ever had someone grab a camera from my hand at a restaurant I would immediately leave. That is just disrespectful.
Cheers!
2010 Apr 16
I take pictures as discreetly as I can. I often identify myself as a blogger to the server and they don't have a problem with me snapping away.
There's a fine balance because it is private property and I try to be as respectful as I can... while still getting the shots.
I don't use a flash in general when photographing food, but especially in a restaurant.
Sometimes I've even gotten 'really great service' all of a sudden when the camera comes out...
There's a fine balance because it is private property and I try to be as respectful as I can... while still getting the shots.
I don't use a flash in general when photographing food, but especially in a restaurant.
Sometimes I've even gotten 'really great service' all of a sudden when the camera comes out...
2010 Apr 17
I always take photos of food and of our party at restaurans and I've never ran into problems. Oftentimes servers offer to take photos of us at the table which scores bonus for our tipping them.
Plus if servers or staff give harrass us about cameras while we're eating our meal, we'll just complain that we're being harrassed and we'll gladly walk, leave half our meal out, without paying so that should teach that particular server/staff a lessoon. We don't make a habit of this but we're gutsy enough to defend ourselves and simply don't pay for mistreatment.
It's a society with everyone having pocket cameras, phones, PDA. I'm just learning how to take better shots because the lighting is so low or inconsistent in restaurants. Pej's photos are beautiful and I hope he cane share sum tips on how to do it Please?
Plus if servers or staff give harrass us about cameras while we're eating our meal, we'll just complain that we're being harrassed and we'll gladly walk, leave half our meal out, without paying so that should teach that particular server/staff a lessoon. We don't make a habit of this but we're gutsy enough to defend ourselves and simply don't pay for mistreatment.
It's a society with everyone having pocket cameras, phones, PDA. I'm just learning how to take better shots because the lighting is so low or inconsistent in restaurants. Pej's photos are beautiful and I hope he cane share sum tips on how to do it Please?
2010 Apr 17
hello kc foodie: light is #1 + ask for a window seat + master your camera's feature for white balance, color and exposure + macro lens + composition skills + absolutely no flash as it whitewashes everything within 4 feet. above all, available light can make any camera produce stunning results. the cheapest digital camera has more capability than a lot of cameras over past 100 years and breathtaking photos abound since the invention of the camera. i have a point and shoot pocket camera that does everything i need, so my suggestion is to be a master of light; equipment does not matter. you can tell an idiot hiding behind a top of the line SLR fiddling around too much and everyone gets impatient why shots never turn out...
re: staff and servers. as one matures, one grows a thick skin and can deal with anything, caring less of what others think of them. i don't have the need or crave for validation or drama. LOL!!!!! i can put up a good conversational spin to SHUT THAT MOFO up in a second and bugger off. and i've never been chastised for shooting. you go to a restaurant, you pay their wage (i.e. they work for you), you have in part an economical input on their viability and careers. and you as an individual can choose their success or failure. simple as that. enjoy the food and take sexy photos and post them on the internet to educate and share. for the rest who just need the validation and drama, then you're wasting precious time and resources just to get your ass kissed, be shy and let them bug you about your camera until you learn sooner than later to be ballsy and a leader.
re: staff and servers. as one matures, one grows a thick skin and can deal with anything, caring less of what others think of them. i don't have the need or crave for validation or drama. LOL!!!!! i can put up a good conversational spin to SHUT THAT MOFO up in a second and bugger off. and i've never been chastised for shooting. you go to a restaurant, you pay their wage (i.e. they work for you), you have in part an economical input on their viability and careers. and you as an individual can choose their success or failure. simple as that. enjoy the food and take sexy photos and post them on the internet to educate and share. for the rest who just need the validation and drama, then you're wasting precious time and resources just to get your ass kissed, be shy and let them bug you about your camera until you learn sooner than later to be ballsy and a leader.
2010 Apr 18
I really enjoy the photos of food that people post here...and, Pej Daddy, I'm especially talking to you. Outstanding. They've motivated me to visit restaurants that might never have even been on my radar. I've also sent the OF link to others thinking about a particular restaurant so they can read reviews and look at those same great photos. It really does, in most cases, give you a good idea of what you're in for.
With that said, if you're in a restaurant and taking photos (however discreet...however directed right at your plate and only your plate) if someone who works at that establishment asks you not to - and you continue taking photos - you're trespassing.
If you want to walk your plate out to the street - and they've O.K.ed the dishware going for a walk, fine. But inside, it's private property and is up to them.
Those that mentioned they took photos in stores and were asked to stop? Same deal.
And I think stores and restaurants are possibly not so concerned with display secrets getting out there but protecting their customers.
They don't know that you're focused on only the wild BC halibut. A customer could be in the shot...that doesn't want to be.
With that said, if you're in a restaurant and taking photos (however discreet...however directed right at your plate and only your plate) if someone who works at that establishment asks you not to - and you continue taking photos - you're trespassing.
If you want to walk your plate out to the street - and they've O.K.ed the dishware going for a walk, fine. But inside, it's private property and is up to them.
Those that mentioned they took photos in stores and were asked to stop? Same deal.
And I think stores and restaurants are possibly not so concerned with display secrets getting out there but protecting their customers.
They don't know that you're focused on only the wild BC halibut. A customer could be in the shot...that doesn't want to be.
2010 Apr 20
I think nowadays with the proliferation of blogs, facebook etc, a lot more people are taking pictures of food. I don't think it's any different than taking a picture of your group at a resto. It's a nice reminder of good times. That being said, I rarely taken photos at restos mainly because I like to carry minimal amounts of stuff, phone, credit card folder, keys, and a camera would ask bulkiness to my pockets which I am uncomfortable with.
2010 Apr 25
Hmm kind of torn over this one. If are using a camera or cell phone camera to take pictures of your party then I see no reason why you can't discreetly snap the food as well. And like some of the other commenters have noted, many users take absolutely wonderful pics, that most definitely make you want to dine there.
I just have a problem with cell phones at the table period ... but maybe that's for a different thread! ;-)
I just have a problem with cell phones at the table period ... but maybe that's for a different thread! ;-)
James
The last time I did this, the waitress startled me from behind and asked me if the dish looked as good in the photo as it did on the plate. At first I didn't know how to respond to this, somewhat snarky, comment.
Before I really had a chance to respond, she followed up with "is that going to show up on some blog or something?". To which I responded "uh, probably...?".
It was at this point that I got the impression that perhaps photographing your food was somehow considered rude or that the practice was frowned upon? My girlfriend and I were tucked in a corner, there is no flash on my phone, nor does it make loud noises when taking pictures. I highly doubt anyone else in the restaurant even knew it was happening.
So - is there an etiquette for this sort of thing? Should I put my phone away in the future, or was this particular waitress out of line?