The Glamorization of An Avocado

Below are the images I submitted for my first photography assignment at NYU Tisch. The goal was to explore shallow and deep fields of focus, as well as to freeze and capture motion. It’s becoming increasingly interesting to see how my food images tell a narrative while technically learning how to navigate DSLR camera settings.

1 - Exterior: I like how I captured the focus on the avocado. I actually bought this particular piece of produce rock hard on a Sunday and was able to ripen it in 48 hours. I like the little bulging vein and the anticipation of what it will look like on the inside. The juxtaposition by an almost rotting lime and obscure, out-of-focus radish also stands out to me.

2 - Interior: This is my shallow depth of field submission. I like how the focus lies on the cross-section of the watermelon radish, lime and avocado. I like how they are slightly glowing and vibrantly saturated against the black. The focus on the radish root detail makes me happy. The circular produce on the metal rack made up of tiny squares is also kind of fun. Definitely a vegetable and citrus glamour shot.

3 - Frozen: I need to work on capturing a scenario more conducive to motion, but for now this will do. To me it is frozen in time because of the looming oxidation and possibility of consumption. I also like that this is image is almost of a parody of how attractive something like an avocado rose has become but isn’t really practical to bite into as a taco topping. I do really like the composition on this picture, especially the excess cut produce hanging out in the back. The soft glow from the light box I was using also works quite well because it reminds me of dim restaurant lighting.

4 - Motion: Here is me throwing a bunch of crispy salt on top of the taco. I find capturing motion challenging and look forward to improving on this technique. Really liking the left radish detail.

5 - Deep Field: So here is my submission for a deep field of focus. I like that you can see the components clearly. It is also kind of an unveiling into the reality of the aftermath— unmasking a curated picture. Love the sweat accumulating on the radish slices to actually form a reflection. I am also a fan of the framing, and seeing the salt crystals on both a white and black surface.

Note: I actually smashed the avocado roses (after rinsing the pile of salt off), and further sliced the radish before retesting the tortilla & reassembling the taco to enjoy.