Lights, Action... Camera

 A pal asked me recently if I took photos every time I dined. She asked this question because she wanted to inform me about a portable photo studio. I'm well aware that as interest in food and dining has taken on a much more public face that  many diners like to take photos of themselves, fellow diners, and their food to share with friends, family and the social media universe. My answer to my pal was 'no'.  Here are my reasons why.

• Some restaurants request no photos.  In the interest of being a good diner, I follow the restaurant's request
• Sometimes I'm in a venue that the lighting is too dim for a photo. In the interest of being a good diner I simply enjoy my meal and the time with my fellow diners. I may take  handwritten notes or record notes via my Smartphone.

Then again, I generally ask my server or the restaurant manager if it's okay to take non flash photos. If they ask for more information I will tell them I have a blog and provide the business card for my blog. If I'm sitting with a group I will tell the people  near me that I will be taking non-flash photos of the food, not the diners.  Some diners will ask if I want to take a photo of their dish. I frequently accept the offer. If a diner asks me to send them copies of the photos I've taken I try to  oblige. 

I use a small point and shoot camera and my Android to take pictures.  In the past 3 years Smartphones take photos that are comparable to a point and shoot or more sophisticated camera. I happened upon my Android's camera options while taking a photo a concert (again, non-flash photography) and found the image was too dark. I discovered the camera's 'low light' option' - it allowed me to get a clearer photo.  If I still can get a good shot I will take what I had and use applications to lighten/brighten the photo later.

Am I holding up dinner to take my photos? I don't believe so. I take the photo quickly and move on to enjoy the food and appreciate the effort the staff  has taken to prepare the dish(es). The last thing I want to anger the staff or the chef. If the food and service are good I will want to exercise the option to return on good terms.

What are your thoughts about taking photos while dining? Would you purchase a portable photo studio? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Be well,
Technicolor girl