At a time when all photography related articles, “tips & tricks” pages and other experts advise professional photographers to work within a specialized “niche” and find “one thing” they like to shoot, I have a rather scattered sense of style and “what I love to shoot” moments at any given time.

I love photographing weddings. It is my main passion and something I will always be a part of. Being able to capture one of the most important days in someone’s life is exciting, fun and exhilirating. I am a romantic at heart and still do believe in the romance and beauty of the day.

I love shooting glamour portraits with trained models. Nearly all models that I’ve had the pleasure of working with are relaxed, fun and professional. There are always concepts to shoot for, and many different perceptions of beauty for all different body types, shapes and sizes and colors.

Working the Barack Obama campaign rally was probably one of the more standout -proud moment- experiences I’ve ever had (and no, I can’t even remember what he said, I was busy shooting in the press box).

Now it’s time for me to come out of the “food closet”. I am in no way, shape or form a “foodie” blogger (nor do I plan to become one). I don’t have any skills, experience or expertise with cooking, conventions or anything having to do with more than the basic meals I cook for my family (when I actually do cook). However, that being said, I love a pretty plate of food. More than eating the food, I love shooting the food. I use as many lights, flashes, gizmos and gadgets for food photography as I do people and I hope to one day, really break out into that market at a more professional level (stock).

Last week, I did some experimenting with autumn themes, and comfort food. These very simple-looking images were complex to set up and shoot and I’m pretty happy with the results. Here are a few to hopefully whet the apetite.

Just a few “table top” shots.
Powered by my camera (of course), two flashes and white reflecting board.

Yum!

I have never really enjoyed watching “The Travel Channel”. I can think of nothing I would rather watch less, than a television show featuring a perky model/personality on vacation. To the shows’ credit, there is usually a feature within any given production that has the above mentioned glam unit pontificating about vauge and historical qualities of a specific locale. Which is kind of nice. But overly scripted. Not genuine. Boring.
Not too long ago, I discovered Anthony Bourdain’s travel show, “No Reservations”. From the first moment I started watching the show, I was absolutely mesmerized. I couldn’t turn away. I programmed the TiVo to record ALL of his shows. This guy is a genius and refreshingly different. He is more entertaining than anyone else I’ve ever seen before on television, much less The Travel Channel. Granted, it took me about five episodes to figure out that he was a chef (I am horribly uncultured and don’t get out much, not even on TV), and another three to learn that he’s an author as well.
Yes, some people have called him offensive. Yes, there are parental warnings before every segment of his show. But he is funny. He is charming. He is intelligently snarky (which is a quality I greatly admire).

…and what does this have to do with photography?
Specifically, my photography?

Conicidentally, I’ve gotten into shooting tabletop food photography of late. I am most certainly not any kind of food stylist (although I’m learning), and everything I’ve actually worked with thus far has required travel all the way to my fridge, but in discovering the subtle complexities within food, while shooting food — lighting, composition and yes, style — and watching this program, has given me a something of a new lease on my perspective.

I am finding myself wanting to travel. Wanting to go “on location” and shoot great foods with great style.
I am finding myself inspired.
All over again.

I love shooting weddings, and other people’s kids — don’t get me wrong, but if I thought I could make my fortune pay my rent by shooting food exclusively, I would.
It’s that much fun.
(by the way, he has a blog, and it’s great as well.)