Friday, July 2, 2010

Friday Bento Blues

There is a lot that goes into a bento blog, a lot more than what meets the eyes. Now what does meet the eye is a lot of what bento making is about. The color, the layout, the design, the theme! These women that do this everyday are truly amazing. The creative talent, and artists that they are, and they run a household on top of it all! Some have another full time job as well.

So this is what I am still learning, beside what to name the bento. How to photograph it. I don't have a SLR camera (my dream). I am not used to these, click and shoot, everything automatic...well I am getting used to it now, but I miss being able to get that close up, and to adjust the shutter speed, and aperture, getting that right depth of field etc... so we do the best we can with what we have.
Now that summer is here I can actually make lunch in the daylight. This is great to be able to take advantage of the light. Otherwise it 6:00AM and I have to use a flash in the dark.
The layout is important too. You want to get a nice background, Maybe show some other pieces of the box or utensils. Oops, some of the edge is showing. Let's try a different background...
Ahh...no, don't like that one. The angles not bad though. Gotta watch that edge!

Wanted to get the lid, after all that part of a lot of bento's cuteness. The blackberries show up better with a flash though.

Ah...still not right. Let's go outside on the lanis. Our morning sun shines on the front of the house, so in the back it's not in direct sunlight.

Not bad, a little dappled light showing through...

with the cute lid, but I gotta watch those corners!
Now for the bento if you are still with me here: Rice with furikake (Maranda loves it, say it makes it taste like sushi) avocado. Next layer is: Blackberries, jicama on a bed of spicy sprouts, and chicken tenders.
Our neighbor's cat who thinks he lives here! Meet Neji.
Have a great Friday!

10 comments:

  1. So pretty! I enjoyed how you showed the process of refining and improving your bento...for me, that's when a sense of creative energy is high! I love the warm floral look of this bento--jicima flowers are a brilliant idea :) Hi Neji!
    Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, Lyndsey!

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  2. Thank you, your comments always make me smile. I still have a way to go, but I hope it helps those getting started to just do it! :D

    Enjoy your 4th of July too!

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  3. the photography and prop styling really is the hardest part (at least for me -- the food part comes more naturally to me)!! all these shots are fab, though -- i think you are starting out with much more of an "eye" than i did. can't wait to see you continue to grow :-)

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  4. Yay, a bento blog! Love this post and can't wait to see more as you take us on your bento making journey :-)

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  5. Megan - Thanky you. I love the support I get from everyone!

    Martha - Thanks, I'm glad you checked it out. I still have some work to do on it, and I need a blog badge to post on my other blogs.

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  6. Cute post, lovely photos. Wonderful bento creations...also cute neighbor cat (Neji)

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  7. great job showing the differences in backgrounds & lighting. Being in Alaska and my house seeming to face the wrong direction I'm always having trouble with the natural light.

    your bento looks delish! :)

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  8. wow!! the pics are awesomeand cant stop staring at themm..drooling over here :).... got an awesome blog and happy to follow u

    i would love u to drop by and have a small look at my world when u get time :)...would love to have ur suggestions and thoughts too on mine :)
    http://neetzkitchen.blogspot.com

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  9. Hehehe, I'm happy (am not alone), you've been dreaming to have a DSLR too? :D. This post reminds me when I by myself learned how to capture good photos. I could take hundreds of photos only from one subject to get one that I want :D. My favorite place is the bright one but has no direct light. Keep experiencing to take photos from different angles Lyndsey :D. I have no doubt that you'll become a great foodie fotographer sooner :D

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I love my bento friends and I love to hear from you. I appreciate your input, thanks!