The power of Backgrounds

Have a look at the above images - what do you see?  

It's the same tea towel, same stack of cookies, same crumbles, same milk jar - same layout.  The only thing that changes is the background.

I wanted to represent the power and impact of a background using this very simple yet iconic food pairing.  It details beautifully how a choice in a background can totally change the look and feel of a product shot.  

In the first case, it has warm muted tones and soft textures: when I look at this image, I think about being at home as a kid on a warm summer morning - before the day really gets started.

In the 2nd image, Ive used all white backgrounds and a flood of light from the side.  To me, this invokes memories of seaside picnics and dips in the ocean.

In the final image, Ive used a dark wood table top and a black back board to create a more moody, dark feeling.  Now, the visions I have are from a totally different season (winter) and Im doing very different things (snuggling under a blanket with a fire glowing in the hearth).

The same food, props and camera angle but a vastly different experience for the viewer.  

A product stylist will choose their background carefully, considering the final image they want to produce and the feelings they want to drum up with the audience.  While all 3 images work, the final selection will come down to how you want the viewer to feel when looking at that image.  

Struggling to create the right tone for your images?  Let's have a chat: info@shoutandco.com