EPISODE SUMMARY
Creative roadblocks. Every food photographer and creative in the world has grappled with this at some point in their career. And when it happens, it’s just the absolute worst feeling. It feels hopeless, heavy, and, dare I say, neverending. How often do you find yourself grappling with creative blocks? In this episode, Mica sits down with the gifted food photographer, Simi Jois. We discuss Simi’s definition of culinary optics and what it means to her. Additionally, food and art centered Simi’s upbringing, with her mom being a painter and her father being a scientist. Growing up, Simi’s art-loving household talked every day about colors, textures, and art. She talks about how it sowed the seeds for her creative career as a food photographer. Also, Simi drops pearls of wisdom for budding photographers who are struggling with creative blocks and ways you can navigate through blocks. This episode is a colorful, raw, vulnerable conversation that explores how to navigate through creative roadblocks, prioritize your self-care as an artist, and knowing when to walk away from something that no longer serves you.
About Simi
In the grand tapestry of life, sometimes, it takes a few unexpected turns to find one’s true calling. Simi Jois, a marketing and branding professional with academic training, embarked on such a journey and, in the process, discovered her profound passion for culinary photography.
It’s a tale of transformation, where the allure of light, art, and the essence of flavors converged into a brilliant career. Born and raised in an art-emphasized household, Simi’s formative years were bathed in the subtle hues of creativity. It was an upbringing that subconsciously trained her mind to engage with the world in a unique way – one that embraced color, texture, light, shadow, and composition as the tools of expression. However, little did she know that this foundation would lay the groundwork for a remarkable journey into the world of culinary photography.
The fascination with light has always been Simi’s guiding star. Moreover, she’s entranced by the interplay of light and its transformative effect on the mundane. The way sunlight weaves through a dense forest or the soft caress of light on a simple bowl placed on a dark wooden table ignites her artistic sensibilities. It’s this innate appreciation for the visual impact of light that sets her work apart. However, Simi’s story doesn’t just stop at the mastery of light; it’s about translating her love for culinary arts into a visual feast. For her, photography isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about painting with ingredients, using the lens as her brush, and the world as her canvas. Moreover, her lens breathes life into dishes, telling stories through the play of light and bold strokes of color.
Episode Breakdown
- Simi’s journey into food photography
- Plus, the concept of culinary optics and its meaning
- The importance of understanding a brand’s values in photography
- The significance of asking questions to align with a brand’s vision
- The challenges and misconceptions of post-processing in photography
- The value of innocence and enjoyment in the creative process
- The experience of photographing culture, tradition, and food heritage
- The idea of self-love and appreciation in photography
- Dealing with creative blocks and the need for breaks
