When I launched my food blog just over a month ago, I had no idea what I was stepping into. My first post was about food photography, inspired by an article P. shared with me. He knew how much I believe we “eat with our eyes first,” so I was bound to be intrigued. That article sparked the whole blogging journey. One evening I turned to P. and said, “Devine quoi, je vais commencer un blog et je vais parler de cet article.” (Guess what, I’m going to start a blog and write about this article.) He replied, “Toi, un blog ?” (You, a blog?) Until then I hadn’t shown much interest in blogs, even though P. has been running his tech blog for two years and had tried to explain the concept to me. I’m a Taurus and can be stubborn, so I resisted at first. Did he warn me about everything I’d learn and discover? Absolutely not.
I had kept beaskitchen for two years as a recipe archive, but that was different from blogging. So on Nov. 26 I published my first post on Food Photography and my blogging adventure began. I was enthusiastic and chatty, excited to write about everything I could think of—nonstop ideas kept bubbling up.
What hooked me first
I want to eat with my eyes first.
I’m an amateur photographer who used to hate reading manuals and often just pressed the shutter without thinking. That changed when I discovered the Foodography event on Flickr, organized by Sam of Becks & Posh and Andrew Barrow of Spittoon. The event transformed how I approach food photography.
Foodography is brilliantly simple: participants submit food photos on a theme, then give and receive constructive feedback and tips. Instead of dense manuals, you get interactive, practical advice. Since joining, I’ve learned so much in a short time. I owe Sam and Andrew a huge thank you—Merci, Gracias—for running such a helpful event. My photos are already improving and I’m much more mindful of the moments before I take a shot. Sam and Andrew taught me to think before I click, which is new for me—I tend to act first and think later.
If only I’d had this guidance in December 2005. Back then I entered a photo of my beet and ricotta cake into the “Does My Blog Look Good In This 2006 #1” event organized by Spittoon and other judges. A month ago I would have believed that image was great; now, thanks to Foodography, I see how much more there is to learn. Still, it was what I considered my best photo at the time, and if the picture fell short, at least the cake tasted delicious to this beet lover.
I draw inspiration from several food photography blogs that consistently spark ideas and teaching moments. Some of my favorites include Chubby Hubby, Nordljus, Rubber Slippers in Italy, Delicious Days, Kuidaore, 101 CookBooks, Seven Spoons, Oswego Tea, and The Traveler’s Lunchbox. That list is by no means exhaustive—there are many more talented photographers and bloggers out there.
Now, I’ll admit I’m dreaming of a January sale so I can pick up a few gadgets to improve my food shots. Equipment won’t replace technique, but I have nothing against helpful tools, big or small, that can elevate a photo. Most of all, I enjoy the process and the community around food photography, and I encourage anyone interested to join in—you’ll learn a lot and have fun doing it.