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5 myths most new photographers believe

  • Posted on: 17 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
When starting out as a new photographer the information you consume can be both overwhelming and confusing. It is easy to get lost in other people's opinions of what makes a photo great and what doesn't. Do this, don't do that... Today I want to show you 5 things I believed when first starting out with my food photography. I hope by debunking these myths I can make photography seem more approachable and simple for anyone who is stepping out into this world. The perfect kitchen myth Myth #1: All food photographers have a perfect kitchen full of marble, concrete, and exposed brick. Debunked...

Seeds Coffee Downtown

  • Posted on: 16 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
Seeds coffee has just opened a location in Lakeview in Birmingham! I popped in briefly yesterday to grab a cappuccino and snap a couple of photos with my phone, but I look forward to going for a longer experience in the near future. The store front has a pleasant, minimal design that continues into the shop. The addition of tiny green plants spread throughout the store added charm and whimsy. The menu has a modern, minimal feel as well. The staff were super friendly! And how was my almond milk cappuccino? The almond milk was steamed perfectly leaving the milk frothy, creamy, and light, and it...

What wine do you drink?

  • Posted on: 15 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
As some of you may know, I recently gave up beer and liquor almost entirely this last year. I found it was giving me a little digestive trouble and causing me some strange health related issues. I now have a couple of glasses of wine most days, with the occasional beer or liquor mixed in. Photo: Creative Commons So, my question to all my readers... what is your favorite wine to drink? I must admit that I stick to Oregon Pinot Noirs most of the time (and mix them with coconut la croix... don't judge!) I would love to branch out into more earthy, less sweet wines, but feel I lack the knowledge...

Julia Child quotes to live by

  • Posted on: 14 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
Portrait by Lynn Gilbert Kindness “The sweetness and generosity and politeness and gentleness and humanity of the French had shown me how lovely life can be if one takes time to be friendly.” Julia Child, My Life in France Slow Living "One December Sunday, the three of us drove out to the Fontainebleau forest. The cloudy gray sky broke open and turned blue, the air was vigorously cool, and the sun shone brightly...we broke out a picnic basket brimming with sausages, hard-boiled eggs, baguettes, patisseries, and a bottle of Moselle wine. We ate lying against twisted grey rocks covered with...

No-nonsense smoothie recipe

  • Posted on: 13 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
I've learned over the years that eating a big breakfast early in the morning is not something I enjoy. Something about my cravings when I first wake do not lend themselves to devouring protein rich bacons, eggs, or biscuits. Brunch... now that's my jam! I love breakfast food, I just prefer to eat it later in the day. I've discovered that my body is much happier with a hearty, creamy smoothie or smoothie bowl in the early morning. I pack my smoothies with greens, healthy proteins, and yummy fruit to give myself a powerful start to the day. Here's one of my favorite recipes.

New Puerto Rican restaurant opens in Birmingham's Avondale neighborhood: Tropicaleo

  • Posted on: 12 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
As you've seen from my Instagram stories over the past year I have eaten a lot of Tropicaleo food at various pop-ups around town. And yesterday, all of my food dreams came true when they opened their doors for their grand opening event! As soon as you pull into the parking lot in Avondale, the sense of community is easy to spot. We enjoyed seeing the familiar faces of our neighbors laughing, eating, and having a great time. The lovely art work on the front of the building invites you in to see just what this spot is all about. The menu board boasts tons of unique entrees with roots in...

Confession: I'm not a morning person!

  • Posted on: 11 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
My morning routine matters. Creating a morning routine has always been a struggle for me. As a teen I always woke up at the very last minute and rushed to get out of the house in time for school each day. Choosing sleep over peaceful, morning rituals has been something I still struggle with to this day. I have finally created a morning routine that I am able to stick to and I find immense joy in it. I thought I would share it with you to inspire you to create your own! When I wake up each morning the first thing I do now is drink a full glass of water. (I have an adorable cat, who does not so...

Did you see?

  • Posted on: 10 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
We made a pretty exciting announcement on our Facebook page today ? Hope you'll check it out! Watch the video and let us know what you think! Video link!

Is a lack of professionalism on Instagram affecting your relationships with future clients?

  • Posted on: 9 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
As we discussed in yesterday's blog post, I believe that Instagram is the new business card . And, therefore, we need to ensure that our Instagram accounts display a polished, professional vibe. Here are 3 things every business Instagrammer should do. 1. Have a cohesive look If you were creating your business cards, you wouldn't have bright green, burnt orange, and baby blue colors visually attacking your viewer, would you? (I mean, unless that's your signature look, then, hey, go for it!). When a potential client lands on your page it is really great if they can get a 5 second overview that...

Has Instagram become the new business card?

  • Posted on: 8 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
I recently heard a friend say, "Instagram is the new business card." And after some thought, I completely agree. When I am out at an event and I meet someone with similar business interests my first question, with phone in hand, is "What's your Instagram handle?" I usally follow them right then and there and ensure that we have connected in a concrete way before leaving the conversation. Traditional business cards can be tossed in a purse or briefcase and never seen again, but, a quick follow on Instagram will have me showing up in that person's feed, reminding them of our meeting and our...

Fall Recipe Roundup

  • Posted on: 6 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
The holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away and if you are anything like me you are joyfully pinning away lots of delicious recipes to try this year. I thought I would give you a couple of my most popular recipes to add to your holiday table! Grandma's Blue Ribbon Buttermilk Pie This recipe has been passed down in my family for many years. Each time it's passed down, a little something changes displaying the personality of each cook. Let this simple recipe become a family tradition at your home too! See Full Recipe Morning Sausage Bread Waking up at Mama Rose's house...

Grandmama Rose's Mississippi Bread Pudding

  • Posted on: 5 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
I was born in Starkville Missippi, the heart of Bulldog Country (Go Dawgs!). My grandmother on my mother's side has lived in this lovely little college town my entire life. Just hearing the word Starkville conjours up thoughts of the giant magnolia tree we used to play house in, the pond where we could spend hours feeding (and running from) the ducks, and most of all, the warm, comforting invitation always present in my grandmother's kitchen. This November marks a year since the purchase of my first home. The boxes are almost all unpacked... with a few excpetions of itmes we've yet to go...

So you think you can't cook? 3 easy steps to overcome your fears of the kitchen.

  • Posted on: 4 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
You probably clicked this link because you honest to god think you can't cook. You have either tried and failed or avoided trying at all out of fear of failure. As someone who has burned more bacon and eggs in her life than I'd like to admit, trust me, if I can learn to cook, SO CAN YOU! via GIPHY 1. Ask a friend! First things first. Learn some basics. Do you have a favorite recipe that someone in your immediate family or circle of friends prepares? Ask them to come to your house and show you the ropes. Most folks will be honored that you enjoy their food so much and jump at the opportunity...

How to use natural light to take amazing photos!

  • Posted on: 3 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
When I first began taking photos of food, I watched online videos and read blogs all about creating light boxes. That led me into looking at reflectors. This all led me into lusting over very expensive camera equipment. Because I was only using my phone camera, I couldn't see the logic of spending thousands of dollars on other equipment. As I started practiging more and more I slowly realized windows were my best friends! I ran around the house with food subjects in hand and tested the lighting in every room until finally one worked. The lighting was perfect. Not direct, not too dark, but...

The dos and don'ts of those old Instagram photos

  • Posted on: 2 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
Hi I'm Jessica. I launched my food photography business earlier this year and it has been a really grand adventure! A question I get asked frequently by folks trying to improve their visibility on Instagram for their business is "What should I do about my early Instagram photos? Should I delete them?". Here is my first Instagram photo. And I'm not mad at it. Let's go through some reasons why in these dos and don'ts of your old Instagram photos. Don't Delete your old Instagram photos. That's right, I said don't delete them! Do Use them as a reminder of how far you've come. Learning to take...

I'm participating in #bloglikecrazy again this year!

  • Posted on: 1 November 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
November is one of my favorite months of the year. I love baking holiday treats and spending time snuggling with loved ones around a warm, cozy fire. I also love November because it is the month that I #BlogLikeCrazy ! What is #BlogLikeCrazy? See Jane Write creator, Javacia Harris Bowser describes the event, "Every November I challenge the women of See Jane Write to publish a new blog post every day for 30 days. I’ll give you encouragement along the way by sharing blogging tips and post ideas using the hashtag #bloglikecrazy. And if you use the #bloglikecrazy hashtag when you share your posts...

About Last Night... Food Party Bham

  • Posted on: 27 August 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
So... about last night. I ate some of the best food of my life, drank delicious wine, and met fun and interesting people at the first ever Food Party Bham . Chefs Dave Smith, Brent Seamon, and Garrett Osburn created a menu full of whimsy, elegance, and pure joy. With each bite the chefs displayed an understanding and respect for ingredients presented in a very unique way. Chefs Garrett, Brent, and Dave plating the final course of the evening. The inagural food party was held at Serendipity and drinks were provided by Rush and Red Hare Brewing Company . Now, for the reason you're all here.....

The Why behind my food photography

  • Posted on: 2 July 2017
  • By: jessica
Category: 
I take pictures of food because I have an innate desire to capture tiny moments of perfection. I take pictures of food because I want to help others feel less alone. I take pictures of food to build a community that loves and encourages one another. I take pictures of food because I cannot help it. I take pictures of food because I was meant to. If you are interested in learning more about taking photos of food, I hope you will join us for our first Food Photography Workshop in Birmingham, AL on July 29th! We will have multiple speakers and an hour long hands-on photography session to help...

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