Photographing Cheese

I have been experimenting to try and find  a way of photographing cheese to showcase its character without the expense of purchasing a whole cheese. I have taken inspiration from the Spanish method of cutting and serving cheese which I think works well. I have included a section of rind to complete the image

Queso Curado de Cabra Mangana Macias
Matured Goat’s Milk Cheese from Mangana Macias
Queso Curado de Cabra Los Hardales Chiclana
Matured Goat’s Milk Cheese from Los Hardales
Queso Azul de Cabra Andazul
Blue goat’s milk cheese from Andazul

I use a neutral background such as a polyurethane chopping board or waxed paper. This brings out the subtle colours in the cheese. During the process I discovered how much variation there is to be found in the same cheese, produced by the same dairy, in different seasons. Also how much difference the lighting makes when capturing the image. The controller in me want to  produce more consistency; I am thinking artificial lighting, templates, better camera, etcetera. On reflection I think will learn to love the imperfections. After all when I cut the cheese this way it is because we are about to eat it.