How can I get a hold of you?
You can get a hold of me at lmadesimple@gmail.com
Can I pin your posts on Pinterest?
Of course! I love when readers share my content!
Can I use one of your photos/recipes on my blog?
Sure. Just as long as you note the source.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Well, a lot of my inspiration comes from the internet, books and magazines. But a lot of it is inspired by day-to-day life. If you're interested in some of the resources I often use, here is my bookshelf.
Do you eat everything you make?
Yes and no. I'm sure everyone wonders how food bloggers can eat everything they write about. We always sample EVERYTHING we make... but most of it is taken to church events, parties or given to friends.
Where are some of your favorite places to eat where you live?
Provo/SLC/Park City:
Breakfast- Kneaders, Blue Plate Diner, Java Cow
Lunch- Zupas, Jason's Deli, Barbacoa, Kneaders, Tony Caputo's
Dinner- Cafe Rio, Smashburger, Tucanos, Red Iguana, The Rusted Sun Pizzeria, The Pie Pizzeria, Malawi's Pizza, Park City Pizza Co, My Thai, Dojo, The Copper Onion, Tuscany,
Dessert- The Cocoa Bean, The Chocolate, The Sweet Tooth Fairy, Yogurtland, The Malte Shop
Breakfast- Kneaders, Blue Plate Diner, Java Cow
Lunch- Zupas, Jason's Deli, Barbacoa, Kneaders, Tony Caputo's
Dinner- Cafe Rio, Smashburger, Tucanos, Red Iguana, The Rusted Sun Pizzeria, The Pie Pizzeria, Malawi's Pizza, Park City Pizza Co, My Thai, Dojo, The Copper Onion, Tuscany,
Dessert- The Cocoa Bean, The Chocolate, The Sweet Tooth Fairy, Yogurtland, The Malte Shop
Jacksonville:
Breakfast- The Metro Diner, The Fox
Lunch- The French Pantry, Biscotti's
Dinner- Mojo no. 4, Bento, 13 Gypsies, Carmines, Moon River
Dessert- Biscotti's, Dreamette
Breakfast- The Metro Diner, The Fox
Lunch- The French Pantry, Biscotti's
Dinner- Mojo no. 4, Bento, 13 Gypsies, Carmines, Moon River
Dessert- Biscotti's, Dreamette
What kind of cameras do you use?
We use our Canon Rebel T2i. I use Photoshop CS5 and iPhoto to edit. Photos from our phones are taken with instagram. Click here to see what's in my camera bag.
What kind of props do you use in your food photography?
Hah. You'd be surprised by some of the weird things I use. But here it goes:
Brown paper grocery bags (use them all of the time), tissue paper, parchment paper, wrinkled wax paper, colored cloth napkins, canvas, fabric, burlap, wood boards, tabletops, plates, old pans/dishes, books, paper.
What photography tips do you have for me?
» KNOW YOUR CAMERA! I cannot stress how important that is. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you are using, just know all of the settings and how to properly use them. You will be amazed by how much of a difference it will make in the quality of your photos.
» When it comes to taking pictures of food, make sure it is styled well. Don't just toss something on a dish and call it good. Take a little bit of time to compose the dish. Then set up a scene. Even if it's just setting a plate on a table next to a napkin, give the viewer some visual interest.
» Try to get as much natural light as possible. No one likes to look at overexposed images or ones with improper color balance because of indoor lighting. Move as close as possible to a window or go outside during the golden hours (times of the day with the least harsh light = sunrise/sunset). Try to never use a flash.
» Move around and take several shots. I'm not saying you have to take 50 pictures of one dish, but make sure you get some variety. Also zoom in and back up.
» Use a tripod. Chances are if your pictures aren't crisp, it's because of camera shake. Using a tripod will help to increase focus and sharpen your images.
» If you are using an SLR, shoot in macro (w/o flash) or manual mode. If you don't know how to properly use manual mode, learn to! It may take a while to get use to, but you'll be pleased with the results.
» When it comes to taking pictures of people, take a few minutes to get to know your subject (especially kids). Direct your subjects in a way that you get natural poses & try to shoot during the golden hours.
» Make your subject laugh. Don't be afraid to have them move around. They're people, not statues.
» Photograph in a location in which both you and your subject are comfortable. If it just isn't working, go somewhere else or reschedule. People are very understanding.
» Again, shoot in manual.
Short answer: He's in law school and I work at Sur La Table.
Long answer: He's in law school and I work at Sur La Table, run this blog, do graphic design, and photograph children/families. We're pretty busy!
