Why does this above photo work so much better than the one below?

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED,  ISO 250, ƒ/2.8, 1/100

I got much closer. That is the most significant difference between the two photos. I could also control the background more when I got closer and cleaned it up.

I took pictures of the food closeup without touching the food laid out for the media to see at the most recent Chick-fil-A Grand Opening in Springfield, IL. Look at how great photos are from almost no work except getting the correct Custom White Balance and getting close.

Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 1600, ƒ/4, 1/250

Here I chose to single out the breakfast lineup of some of the chicken sandwiches on Chick-fil-A’s breakfast menu.

Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2500, ƒ/4, 1/250

Here I moved around and isolated the grilled chicken you can get at Chick-fil-A.

Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2000, ƒ/4, 1/250

I also shot some of the new power food kale salad of Chick-fil-A’s. I was surprised to hear that the Kale salad from McDonald’s had more calories than the Big Mac. So much for healthy from McDonald’s. Here is the nutrition information for the Kale Superside at Chick-fil-A:

Tips:

1. Custom White Balance [earlier blog post for instructions on how I do it]
2. Get Close
3. Watch your background