OK! So I'm no commercial photographer, I know this. And I'm certianly no food photographer which is a whole speciality in itself, but I had to take this shot for an article I wrote for that's Shanghai magazine about Chinese food in Dublin. I could be mistraken but I reckon Ireland is the only country where steak and chips (french fries) is the most popular dish in a Chinese restaruant. You also have to request chopsticks if you want them. Most people eat with a knife and fork.
I basically had my tripod leaning over as far as I could get it with one leg tied to a chair to stop it from falling over so I could get the overhead shot. My only lighting was a flash which I had bouncing off a wall. I couldn't even find a white linen tablecloth, probably don't exist here in Shanghai, so I had to use my shirt! Not quite the pro setup.
I think you're being hard on yourself...It's a fine photo and I'd think it was good for publication.
Chips are sharply defined (if not that appetizing to look at) and the composition of the frame is well balanced.
The sticks are ever-so-slightly akimbo on their rest, but if I was running the balancing act that you were to get the shot, I'd understand that (very) minor defect.
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