It's been a fun journey into the world of food content—a sweet spot where art meets the kitchen and every dish tells a story. My adventure began with a love of cookbooks and memories of cooking with my momma. The first books I created were mini cookbooks. Some recipes I researched, some I stumbled upon, but the best ones were our family treasures. I wasn’t into food photography back then. Today, through my lens and client work, I've learned that it’s not just about capturing a dish; it's about capturing a moment, an emotion, and the essence of flavor itself.

Food is universal. I love it when a friend from another culture shares a recipe for something amazing. There is something beautiful about discovering new foods that you surprisingly love. And across the globe, we all seem to leverage good eats in similar ways…to celebrate, to bond, to comfort, or to literally heal what’s ailing. Cooking is a caring exercise and a call to nurture ourselves and those we love.

Through trial, error, and a lot of fun along the way, I've gathered some simple and easy tips for anyone looking to explore improving their food photos. Whether you're into photography or you just like cooking and want to show off your skills, these insights might offer the zest you've been missing in your pics…even if they're only for social media friends to see or destined for the family album.

Food Photography Tips

1. Embrace Natural Light: Natural light is your best friend in food photography. It brings out the true colors and textures of the food. Try to shoot near a window with soft, diffused daylight.
   
2. Keep It Simple: A clutter-free background ensures that your subject stands out. Use plain backdrops and minimal props to keep the focus on the food.
   
3. Play with Angles: Different dishes look best from different angles. Experiment with shooting from above (flat lay), at a 45-degree angle, or straight on to find what showcases your dish best. A good "diner's view" shot is one of my favs.
   
4. Add a Human Touch: Including a human element, like a hand holding a utensil or garnishing the dish, can add warmth and a sense of scale.
   
5. Highlight the Details: Focus on the textures and details that make the dish unique – the steam rising from a hot dish, the crispness of a crust, the deep green of spinach.
6. Use Color Wisely: Use contrasting colors to make your food 'pop'. Complementary colors can enhance the visual appeal of your food photos.
   
7. Edit Thoughtfully: Enhance your photos with editing but keep it looking natural. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make the images stand out without looking overdone.
   
8. Tell a Story: Every dish has a story. Whether it's a busy breakfast or a slow-cooked dinner, try to convey the atmosphere and story behind the food.
   
9. Keep Learning: The world of food photography is always evolving. Keep experimenting, learning, and evolving your style.
   

And what better way to practice these tips than with a festive recipe? In the spirit of the holidays, here’s an updated favorite: the Rustic Apple Galette. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that will make a stunning subject for your dinner table and photos. 

Rustic Apple Galette Recipe

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Serving Size: This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients:

1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1/4 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix sliced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp flour until the apples are evenly coated.

Assembly:

1. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
2. Arrange the apple slices over the crust, leaving about a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the crust over the apples, pleating as needed.
3. Dot the apples with pieces of butter. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle the crust with a little sugar.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
5. Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

So, grab your camera (or phone!), throw on your apron, and try this one at home. Make this holiday not just about the flavors of the season but also about capturing and sharing those warm, delicious moments. 

Warm wishes for a beautiful Thanksgiving! ❤️