Monday 19 September 2011

Book Review: Plate To Pixel by Helene Dujardin


Welcome to another Book Monday!
{Have you seen my book review tab at the top of the page, 
where I list my reviews of my favourite books?}


This is by far and away my favourite photography book.
{though I don't know if that says more about me or about the book!!}


Helene Dujardin's Plate to Pixel
is written in such an easy to read, almost chatty style, 
that it's a very hard book not to be thoroughly engrossed by.


You barely even realise you're learning so much along the way.

I usually find books on photography 
such a trial to plough through
but this one......?


Did you ever have a teacher at school 
that made a subject completely come to life?

Helene Dujardin would have been that teacher.


Although the book is about food photography, 
and I am not a food writer, 
her stylish backdrops *are* exactly 
the kind of look I love.


A faded striped napkin here, 
a French lemonade bottle there.
{Baby, I'm yours.}


Published by Wiley, the book covers: 

Photography Basics, 
Camera Settings, 
Lighting, 
Composition, 
Setting Up, 
Styling and 
After-Capture

In fact, everything you'd expect...
BUT it covers them in such a gorgeous way 
that it makes you want to pick up your camera 
and get cracking!!


Honestly, and I don't say this lightly:

if you buy one book on photography, 
make it this one.


Thank you SO much for all your adorable comments 
and especially to everyone who went and had a look, 
and a great, big hug to everyone 
who subscribed in some way.

Just to reassure those of you who asked, 
the Relics of Witney blog WON'T be replacing 
Modern Country Style in any way.

There WON'T be tedious repeat posts 
(thought there may be the occasional cross-reference)

But what there WILL be is 
deliciously gorgeous posts on each:
here AND there.

{Does that sound good?}




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31 comments :

Jane said...

Ah goodie, Sarah! I've been waiting for a proper review of this book for a while, having been a fan of her blog for ages. Something to add to the wish list ☺/ J x

Duni said...

Hi Sarah,

That books sounds and looks marvellous! I quite like food photography, and have admired photos of such in lifestyle magazines. Must check out this book soonest :)

best wishes,
Duni

p.s. thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog...MUCH appreciated :)

Ricki Treleaven said...

Great review, Sarah. I wish you would join our What We're Reading Linky Party tomorrow! :D

Stitchfork said...

Definitely going to look for this book and hop over to see your other blog too!
xo Cathy

Unknown said...

Thanks for flagging this one Sarah, looks just what i need! x

Unknown said...

I've been meaning to pick-up this book. I find my biggest hurdle though is the amount of times that I need to take photos late in the day in my rather dark kitchen.

LOVE her website too.

Sherri B. said...

I have the book and love it...Have I done anything with the info yet? No, but you better believe I will be following her directions to get those beautiful photos!

Susan T said...

Sarah It looks a brilliant book. I will pop over to those nice people at Amazon and have a peek. I need all the help I can get with photographs.

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Sarah!

I've only heard good things about this book. Thank you for giving us a sneak peek. I'll have to put this book on my wish list! ;) Anyway, take care and enjoy your new week!


XO's,
Jessie

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Wow! What a beautiful book, I cannot wait to get this. I am sure that there are tips we could all use for blog photos.

CAnnot wait to be a follower of your new blog!

GoldenValley50 said...

Just placed my order with Amazon! Thanks (once again) for your excellent recommendation Sarah. Received an email yesterday to say "Renovate" should be here by the end of the week - yah! I never thought I would ever be interested in photography books but I am really enjoying taking photos of all the goodies I have been making recently. Who knows - maybe if I leave it lying around "someone" might get the hint and decide a nice little SLR camera might be a good idea for Christmas? wink..wink...nudge...nudge.... ;)Sharyne

Deborah said...

Sounds wonderful sweet Sarah!
The way you describe this book...makes me want to run out and buy one! :)
Im so excited for you and the adventures of this new blog, but thrilled you're still keeping this precious one too! :)

Deborah xoxoxooxox

Elaine said...

Ooh, I love to do food photography. Probably because I love to eat! This book is right up my alley.

A new blog? Guess I must read your prior post.

Kirsty Girl said...

That looks great! I've been photographing a lot more food lately for my new blog www.VeganTasmania.com and that one looks awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Daydream Living said...

Hi Sarah,
I don't know the book but will have a look at the bookstore, thanks for the tip! Also, for Relics of Witney, on my screen I only see the word followers but no button or anything else... is it only me?
And I just wanted to say I have bag envy, love what Melissa has made for you, enjoy it!
Have a good day,
Maureen

Anonymous said...

weirdly I read a blog by Wiley who published this book, it's - http://www.marketing-comms.com/blog/ - It's weird but even though it's not totally my cup of tea as it's a serious blog about marketing, sometimes they do do some interesting pieces.

ANYWAY, back to your review! Sounds like a great book, and as I've just invested in a digital SLR this makes me more excited - but don't you just get hungry when you're reading it? haha.

Well done! Lizzy x

Christy Childers said...

Oh, that looks like a good one. I'll have to keep my eyes open for it...

Meera @ firstsense said...

I love your book reviews, they're so enticing! I've just got myself a new camera and am trying to get to grips with all the functions. As soon as I tinkered enough to 'know' my camera, I'll be checking out this one. It looks great!

Meera xx

Michelle Lee said...

love this book :) sounds great!

followed you back thanks!

Unknown said...

Yay! My hubby asked me just yesterday what I wanted for Christmas.....now I can tell him! Do you think asking for a new camera as well would be too much..... lol x

Tricia said...

I have this book too...love it :)

michele said...

i am the laziest photographer you've ever seen, sarah. i know there are tricks and tips and ways to get better. but the only thing i think about is light and shadow otherwise i get overwhelmed and wanna just chuck my camera out the window. SO LAZY AND VIOLENT when it comes to picture taking!

the books looks amazing.

michele

Glynis said...

What a fabulous looking book. It's on my WANT list now.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention (oh and well done, congrats etc, etc for the 'tother blog, over there to sign up for it now too).

Privet and Holly said...

Can you say,
must have??
Looks like a
great one to
fire up the old
photography
inspiration!!
Have to visit
the other blog.
I'm behind but
anxious to catch
up, my friend!
xx Suzanne

Unknown said...

I like this - I sometimes photograph some of the gorgeous meals we make on Facebook (I know I'm weird but we make some nice looking stuff - strangely, I never blog about it) but it's so hard to get the lighting right and making it look as nice (or nicer ;)) than it does in person.

This is definitely going on my wish list!
xxx

Travel With Lulu said...

What an unusual book on photography. I love it! But I think it would make me hungry all the time just reading it. I hope it's not of the 'scratch & sniff' variety :) XOL

Louise said...

Hi and thanks for your lovely blog, I am paint hunting and found yours with a combo of modern cottage and F&B. I love your case studies, great help with the added info on perception. I want F&B but I am afraid it wll look gloomy in the swedish light. People here usually just do pure white and throw in some cushions. I have a big ol house with small rooms and high ceilings, and choosing has never been my stong suit... thanks again for the help on the way!

Melissa said...

love a book recommendation- esp one that incorporates photography!

I will be adding this to my list- and am going to see if she has a blog to enjoy as well...

post on it's way to you my lovely friend...

Melissa xxx

Jordan McCollum said...

Cool! My sister would love this (and I wouldn't mind it either ;) .

fen and ned said...

I don't want to be caught lurking, so I'm saying Hi and loving your work!!;) Pleased to of discovered this book here too! Have a great weekend!
Sarah xx

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Thanks for the review. I'll be sure to put it on my Christmas list. My boys are always looking for ideas and this would be something they could handle :)

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