Y’all, sometimes the simplest things in life bring us the most joy. That’s what I discovered during a year of mentorship with the incredible Bea Lubas. Our focus? Digging deep into the emotional magic that a single image can hold, particularly through the lens of emotion in food photography. It’s about more than just pretty photos, darlin’ – it’s about connecting with those deep-down feelings.
See, contentment – that feeling of pure peace and sweet satisfaction – that was our mission to capture. Imagine sunlight streaming through a window, the soft scent of baking madeleines in the air, and just the pure delight of enjoying a simple treat. That’s the scene that blossomed in my mind.
This shoot, y’all, was a culmination of a whole year spent learning how to take those complex emotions and translate them into still-life magic. So, grab a sweet tea, and let’s dive in!
My home studio transformed into the sun-dappled patio of my dreams. I hand-picked simple props, focusing on colors that echoed a warm yet vibrant mood. This scene wasn’t about fancy-schmancy setups, it was about finding beauty in the everyday.
Lighting is where things get really interesting, bless your heart! Picture that golden hour sunlight, how it plays with shadows and dances with textures. That’s what I aimed to recreate with my setup, y’all. Did I hit some snags along the way? Nope! Because a clear vision and good prep work make for a smooth ride when it comes to photoshoots, ammiright?!
While my camera gear was ready to roll, I wanted to set the mood just right. So, I put on some soulful 1920s jazz and let those joyful tunes fill the air. Next up? Well, nothin’ says home-sweet-home like fresh baking. So, I put on my apron and whipped up those madeleines myself.
The magic of this shoot was in the mix of preparation and just letting things flow. The jazz, that delicious smell wafting from the oven– those little details brought the vision in my head to life and made the photos so much more authentic.
After the last crumb was gone, it was editing time! Now, I don’t believe in heavy editing, y’all. I used Capture One and Photoshop to give those images a little extra polish but kept that real, natural feel. Choosing my final shots was about gut instinct, finding the ones that made me whisper a heartfelt “darn tootin'”.
Editing photos is a lesson in embracing the magic of what is. Those imperfections, the slight variations in light and texture, that’s where true beauty lies.
This shoot wasn’t just about pretty pictures. It was a milestone on my journey with Bea, a testament to the power of digging below the surface. Photography, at its core, is about storytelling. It’s about moments that make us feel something. That’s what I want to do – tell stories that touch hearts and linger in memories.
So, here I stand, y’all, ready to do just that. Whether it’s a special moment, a product that brings joy, or a brand with a whole lotta heart, I want to capture that spark and help you tell your unique story.
Inspired by this journey into emotional photography? If you want the essence of your own magic translated into bangin’ photos or need a photographer who gets the power of storytelling, let’s connect! Holla at ya girl, and let’s make something beautiful. Slay queen!
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