Camera Etiquette

[mh1188]

Is it bad etiquette to take pictures of dishes of food with flash at a restaurant such as Buddakan or Babbo? What about a place like 11Madison?

[JMF]

Personally I feel that it is intrusive to use a flash in a restaurant. I also find that unless the restaurant is really dim that I get much better shots without the flash.

[jpschust]

Just another etiquette note- you may wish to ask the host of server if it's acceptable to photograph- I can think of at least one case where it has caused a major problem.

[jfood]

Startles me at first but it is way less intrusive than many other "events" that occur at a resto. If you keep it to a minimum, 1-2 shots per course it's a little intrusive but no biggie.

If you want a real hoot, go on a cruise and go to the Final Buffet. You have every Tom Dick and Harry taking pictures of the ice sculptures depicting the seven wondersof the world, the chopped liver in the shape of a heart, the tuna salad in the shape of an whale, and the chicken salad in the shape of a rooster. Enough flashes that it looks like to start of the Super Bowl. Can you imagine having to sit through this slide show? "Oh and here's the chopped liver."

[Nyleve]

Thank you for the reminder about why I will never go on a cruise.

[mojoeater]

I work for a newspaper, and take pictures in all sorts of venues. If you are using a digital camera, there is no need for flash. You can lighten any pics in Photoshop or whatever software your camera comes with. I think it's important not to disrupt other diners.

[Seth Chadwick]

I use flash all the time for food photos for my blog. I have never had anyone complain and will often get people asking about why I am taking photos or if I would like them to take a photo of me and my guests (which I often do). On other occasions, waitstaff will offer to take photos of the group and none have ever asked me to refrain from using the flash.

[hotoynoodle]

perhaps they're too polite to say anything. if i'm dining out, i find it very annoying. when i'm working, i'm sometimes blinded for a moment by surprise whcih is less than convenient.

[hotoynoodle]

i think a flash is invasive to other guests. one night we had a woman actually set up a tripod beside the banquette so she could take pictures. it made serving the table a nightmare. and NO, she was not a professional photographer or working for a publication, lol.

[agalarneau]

Just about any decent pocket digital has a low-light setting. If you can read the menu, you shouldn't need a flash. But you may have to actually read your camera's manual.

[Le Den]

If you can take them without a flash, go for it.

But the constant flashing is highly annoying to most other diners.

[small h]

Myself, I think it's perfectly fine. But opinions vary...
http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.co...

[mh1188]

thanks for the link, i'll just go for no flash. people are pretty vicious talking about it in the comments!