If you asked me five years ago, “Would you ever take pictures of your food?” I would’ve probably said no. Boy how things have changed. Food has always been my passion…I enjoy learning new cooking techniques, being creative through baking, writing about food and of course now, photographing yummy meals I make for my family and friends to eat.
Over Memorial Day weekend (thank you to all our service men and women), I took a photography class from the talented Jessica Downey. I originally discovered her work through a website of lovely goodies and from there, was lucky enough to attend a blogging event where I just so happened to win a free mini session from her. Lucky me! So the hubby, pups and I finally had our family portraits taken and today, we proudly hang that pretty picture on our wall.
Anyways, I learned so much and was even given some pointers on how to photograph food. All this came just in time too because I was struggling to find my photography style. I’ve tried just about everything I could think of: “styled” settings, backdrops, light boxes and more. Everything was just okay but not really me (although some photos were decent).
Finally, I figured it out during the photography class. I don’t enjoy staging my food (I kind of wish I did because it can be so pretty). I like taking my photos like I’m sitting down for dinner with family and friends. If it’s served family style, even better! Food can be beautiful the way it is without all the extra fluff because when do you really go all out for a table setting unless you’re hosting something a tad more formal? For me, it’s about enjoying a meal with good company in a casual, fun setting and I think my photos should reflect that. Real and organic – I dig it.
Thanks Jessica for helping me find my food photography style!
Now here are just a few more photos I took from class (unedited).
You did such a great job Joanna! I love the cupcake photos; I can’t wait to see more of your work!
Thanks Katie! I can’t wait to share more photos with my new knowledge.
Very cool post! I can relate to a lot of your sentiments toward photography and enjoyed all of the beautiful photos you posted. Those cupcakes are beautiful and look tasty!
Thanks so much! Taking photos of food is such an art and I hope my new vision of capturing food will help me better express my love for food. Might I add, I went to your blog and love it! Consider you bookmarked in my reading list.
Your pictures look amazing! Thanks for coming to the workshop, and for sharing your experience!
Thanks for providing such a wonderful workshop! My co-worker follows my blog and I showed her some new photos that are awaiting to be posted and she said it was a noticeable difference. I loved the class and learned so much. If you ever create a second class, let me know. I’d love to attend.
love those cupcakes?? How did you frost them like that?? I need to make cupcakes for my friend’s baby shower next week and this would be so pretty!
Hi there! So these were actually purchased cupcakes for the photography class. But I can direct you in how you can achieve the same look. If you go to this link: http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/08/how-to-frost-cupcake.html and check out the third frosting tip, that is the one you will need. Instead of swirling the frosting onto the cupcake, you will be making two layers – a bottom and top. The bottom will be loops that will look similar to this design: http://volcanoarts.com/cart/bookbinding/gallery/weaver1.jpg. The top is just a simple swirl, but make sure that you end your tip below the swirl, not the top or you’ll get a “star” shape rather than a circular one. I hope that help! Good luck!