My Food Lens (Dyutima Jha)
Explorez tous les épisodes de My Food Lens
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Feb 2022 | #18 - How to choose props for food photography | 00:41:54 | |
Are you a props hoarder? As food photographers we just love props, don’t we? We see potential props everywhere, from discarded wooden boards on the street to our friend’s tableware. There are never enough props in our cupboards and as we continue on our journey, all we do is buy more and more and more. So while we love our props, it is important to be mindful of what we buy. Not just to save money, but what if I told you that choosing the right props can help find your style and also improve your photography. In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing the key considerations for choosing props for food photography. What kind of props catch the light, which ones make good compositions, what creates harmony, and what hones your skills – I share it all. Believe it or not, this is one of my most frequently asked questions. I wish I had thought about this at the start of my journey and not ended with cupboards full of props that don’t work. Save money, save space and improve your photography - all by choosing the right props. Buy what actually works. Happy prop shopping… or not! I always love hearing from you so, if you enjoyed this episode or have any questions please do let me know. Read more about Dyutima at www.myfoodlens.com Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Podcast show notes over at https://myfoodlens.com/18-how-to-choose-props-for-food-photography/ | |||
| 15 Feb 2022 | #19 - How to turn clients into returning clients with Fanette Rickert | 00:52:37 | |
We all love experiences, don’t we? When we walk into a restaurant we look forward to delicious food but also, good ambience, music & lighting. We want the servers to be friendly, the manager to ask if we are comfortable and top notch service that makes us feel special. And that is exactly how it works with our clients too. They want the best end-to-end experience, each stage of their journey smooth and exceptional, with a photographer who is confident in what they are offering. By elevating the client experience, we can stand out, attract clients and turn them into returning clients. And there's no better person than the fabulous Fanette Rickert, food and product photographer & the ‘queen of systems’, to talk about 3 foundational practices that can help to improve our skills, have a ‘CEO mindset’, work with dream clients and create a profitable and successful business. As creatives, systems and tech might not be our strength, or a part of our business that we enjoy. However, with the right know-how, we can really elevate our client’s experience… and importantly, keep them coming back for more! Elevate your client’s experience & your business too. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/19-how-to-turn-clients-into-returning-clients | |||
| 22 Feb 2022 | #20 - How to choose the right camera angle for food photography | 00:31:35 | |
Choosing the right camera angle might be straightforward for many of us, but is it really that straightforward? How do you decide what angle works best for your food? And once you take the shot, how do you know that you’ve photographed the food in its most photogenic angle? Have you seen photos where the cup is more visible than the coffee inside or the edge of a plate is seen more rather than the pizza on it or the bowl shows more than the steaming soup inside? You find yourself leaning into your screen, just wishing to see more of that frothy coffee, the tasty pizza toppings and the fragrant soup. How do we choose an angle that fits the subject versus leaving the audience either longing to see more of it or wondering what it is. Well, finding the right camera angle and photographing food in it’s best angle takes more than just setting up the camera on a tripod and clicking the trigger. It takes observation, study and practice. Camera angles can really make or break a photo, which is why, I’m sharing how to choose the right and the best camera angle for your food. This episode explains the 3 main camera angles, how they translate to food and how to decide which angle works best. I also talk about practices that can help make both technical and creative decisions for a photoshoot. And how the process of working with camera angles can hone your skills such that you are able to visualize the food in different angles even before it goes in front of the camera.. Yep, I share that too. As food photographers, we can show the viewer exactly what they need to see, and how they need to see it. We have control over this, all by choosing the right camera angle. Imagine sitting in a client meeting, being able to tell which angle will work for the shoot, on the spot. Who wouldn’t want to be able to do that? Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/20-how-to-choose-the-right-camera-angle-for-food-photography/ | |||
| 01 Mar 2022 | #21- Lessons in Commercial Food Photography with Abhishek Khanna | 01:19:18 | |
If you’ve ever wondered … Then join me as I speak to one of India's leading commercial food stylists and photographer, Abhishek Khanna. With a portfolio of clients including Hyatt hotels, McDonalds, UberEATS and AirAsia, PAUL, to name a few, Abhishek has an inspiring version to tell. Self-taught, Abhishek shares his journey of moving from the corporate world to a full-time creative career in commercial food photography. From humble beginnings to working with top brands, he talks openly about the highs and lows of building a career doing what he loves. We find out what it takes to take up food photography professionally , what clicks with clients and the work that goes into it. Abhishek shares his entire process from pre-shoot to understanding client briefs and how he approaches a shoot. He also shares tips on photographing Indian food, because as we know he’s a master at it. If you’ve ever wondered about the world of commercial food photography, listen to Abhishek as he generously shares his knowledge and all the inside details. This episode is not only a lesson in commercial food photography but also a story of drive and dedication. It clearly tells us that by listening to our hearts and working hard for it, we too can step into the career of our dreams.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/21-lessons-in-commercial-food-photography-with-abhishek-khanna/ | |||
| 09 Mar 2022 | #22 - Gender bias in food photography and what we can do about it #BreakTheBias | 00:21:51 | |
We all have values. We all stand for and against certain causes. Be it people, initiatives, practices, philosophies, products - we connect to some so strongly, feel so passionately that we believe in them, stand by them, support them. The one value I stand for, both personally and professionally, is gender equality. Irrespective of industry, background or location, women face discrimination. And that is the harsh reality. I myself have been in numerous situations, in different industries and, at different stages of life where I’ve been treated a little differently to men. I’m certain you have too, and if not, then at least witnessed it. With the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day being #BreakTheBias, I’m finding the courage to share some of my own experiences of gender bias. More importantly, I’m also sharing practices that have helped me cope with this kind of discrimination. I have found positive ways to deal with this harsh reality, without giving in. Join me as I share 4 practices that I have learnt along the way to #BreakTheBias, how I cope with biased behaviour and what we can do collectively to change this discrimination. Please do me a favour and share your story with me so that not only do you know you’re not alone but so do I. Hope there comes a time when we don’t need to have a special day to celebrate women. Until then let’s do our part – let’s #BreakTheBias. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/22-gender-bias-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/ | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | #23 - The highs and lows of 10 years in food photography with Rachel Korinek (@twolovesstudio) | 01:05:12 | |
…But as we move forward, as we evolve in our skills and creativity, we also begin to face the struggle of creative blocks, purpose, and $$$. We begin to question -- - Where is this going? - How do I continue to create with joy? - What if photography was my full-time job? - I feel tired. Have I lost my passion? - How do I take my photography business to the next level? - What is the next step for me?
In this episode, Rachel shares it all. She is honest and candid about her personal story and the ride the last 10 years have been. She talks about how she started food photography and what she feels after working incredibly hard on it for an entire decade. This episode is full of Rachel’s learnings, her journey, spells of burnout, and how her fearless mindset pivoted her forward when she felt stuck. Rachel’s words are full of wisdom, inspiration and in a way, a reality check. The highs and lows of being a creative are real. Our journeys might be similar but are also different because of our unique personalities and circumstances. We've all known Rachel as a stellar photographer but this episode will give you a raw and real insight of what the journey looked like from her side of the table. Learn what 10 years in food photography looked like for Rachel. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at | |||
| 20 Mar 2022 | #24 - Why do food bloggers also need to be photographers with Natasha Minocha | 01:22:07 | |
Scroll through Facebook and 10 sponsored ads about photography courses show up. Get on instagram and at least 20 reels of photoshoot BTS pop up. And that is because of the demand for good photos. If you’ve wondered whether clients are looking for recipes or photos then, Natasha Miocha, everyone’s favorite person and food blogger tells us all about it. From starting out in the garment industry as a merchandiser to office administrator toowning a bakery and catering business to becoming a full-time food blogger, Natasha talks about the role of good photos in the blogging and business world. Natasha shares how her photography changed with the change in her business, what difference she saw by improving her photography skills and what clients look for when working with food bloggers. If you wonder whether it's worth spending 30 extra minutes in taking a good picture of that chocolate cake you baked before sending it to the client or uploading the recipe on social media or your blog, then listen to Natasha about how she juggled a family and full-time business, only to be able to take better photos - because that’s how important photography is. It is easy to continue working on what we like the most, cooking, creating recipes, writing – but photography is what brings results to all that work we put in, either as creative confidence or as income. Whether you’re monetizing your food blog or creating it as a hobby, Natasha breaks down photography in the most simplest, uncomplicated way.
Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Podcast show notes over at https://myfoodlens.com/24-why-do-food-bloggers-also-need-to-be-photographers/ | |||
| 30 Mar 2022 | #25 - How Instagram changed my life | 00:34:40 | |
Instagram loves me.. Instagram loves me not.. Instagram loves me.. Instagram loves me not.. That's what our conversation with Instagram looks like. Right? It is a never ending cycle of love and hate, bitterness and sweetness. We can neither live with it nor without it. I know that instagram has garnered a lot of criticism recently and if we had a chance, we’d punch it right in the face but what if I told you that there is a way to navigate through it and also have fun in the process. At a time when frustrations are at an all-time high on Instagram, I would like to bring to you a pinch of positivity for the platform. In the latest episode of the podcast, I share how instagram changed my life forever and gave me a completely new avatar, something I’d never imagined. I also share how it helped me build a business from nothing, educated me and all the different ways we can use Instagram to our advantage vs. the other way round. I don’t create the way I used to and I’m not even the same person I used to be 4 years ago, that’s how pivotal Instagram has been in my creative journey. So, if you’re dealing with negative feelings for the platform, need a little insight on what it can do for you or just need a ray of hope - then this episode is for you. I’ve dealt with every emotion from frustration to jealousy to sadness to happiness on Instagram and yet, I’ll say it confidently that Instagram changed my life and that’s because that’s what I seeked from it. Hear how this evil can turn out to be a blessing.
Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/podcast/ | |||
| 05 Apr 2022 | #26 - How to grow creatively and professionally in food photography with Lucie Beck | 00:57:57 | |
Learning and growing is a continuous process in a creative life. As creatives our photography, our style, is continually evolving. Never satisfied, we are forever flexing that creative muscle by seeking out different styles, trying out new gear, lenses, angles and pursuing different subjects to shoot. We are learning, practicing and growing all the time. Growth is what keeps the joy and passion alive in our photography, keeping burnout at bay. So, how do you keep learning and growing? How do you keep the joy in food photography? How do you grow when you’re overwhelmed? What does it take to upscale your art and business? And what happens when life throws a curveball? In this episode Lucie Beck, Holland-based food stylist and photographer, who has worked with TV chefs, on magazines and cookbooks, shares her valuable insights on how we can forever continue to keep our inspiration flowing and our creativity alive. Lucie’s passion, energy and free-spirited take on photography is a breath of fresh air. Her uninhibited, courageous and yet, playful and fun approach has several lessons hidden in it.
Feel less overwhelmed and more inspired by Lucie’s powerful advice - Just ‘go with the flow’! Read more about Dyutima at www.myfoodlens.com Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Podcast show notes over at https://myfoodlens.com/26-how-to-grow-creatively-and-professionally-in-food-photography-with-lucie-beck | |||
| 11 Apr 2022 | #27 - How to create a photography portfolio for a client | 00:42:33 | |
How do you share your work when a client reaches out to you? How do you create a powerful photo collection to pitch to a client? And do you tailor your portfolio every time? Creating a portfolio is one of the most underrated tasks in our creative lives but I can’t emphasize enough how critical it is if we are looking to work with brands. In this week’s podcast episode I’m sharing how to create a custom portfolio for a client, a portfolio that will not only give the brand the confidence that you can handle their product but also blow them away with your beautiful photos and skilfulness. What to include, how much is optimum and what makes for a custom portfolio - it’s all in there! In 6 easy steps, I’m going to walk you through how to build a relevant and targeted portfolio that increases your chances of working with a client. In this episode I’ll cover:
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| 18 Apr 2022 | #28 - What is success in food photography with Reethika Singh | 00:43:40 | |
If I asked, are you successful, what would your answer be? How do you define success? In fact, as Creatives, how do we measure success? Success looks different for each one of us. It might look like a magazine feature. It might be receiving an award. It might look like working with Ottolenghi. It might look like more followers on social media. As much as these milestones are pillars of success, as Creatives, it is incredibly hard to evaluate whether we are successful in the true sense. Our skills and style are continually evolving, we hit failures and roadblocks everyday so, are we successful? In this episode I’m talking to the award-winning food photographer, Reethika Singh, who in her signature genuine and humble way, shares her unique perspective on finding success as a creator. An outstanding food photographer, food blogger and content creator based in India, Reethika tells us that success is much bigger and not as complicated as we think. She shares her journey, how she navigates through challenges, what photographers should focus on to improve their craft, what changed for her when she won a prestigious award and who her main competition is (it may surprise you!). There’s no one better than Reethika, who we regard as successful, to tell us how to measure and evaluate success to keep growing and finding joy in our craft. Success is defined as ‘the achieving of the results wanted or hoped for’ and these results differ from person to person. What sparks our joy might not be the same for another photographer. So, how do we see the bigger picture when it comes to success? How do we create success that leaves us feeling satisfied and secure as creators? Hear more from Reethika Singh and how she has achieved her version of success in food photography. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/28-what-is-success-in-food-photography-with-reethika-singh/ | |||
| 25 Apr 2022 | #29 - Are you a perfectionist and why that might be holding you back | 00:32:04 | |
If I told you, “you’re a perfectionist” How would you feel? Would you take it as a compliment? Would you feel like your work must be really high quality to be called a perfectionist? But tell me, as a perfectionist, do you also feel like no one can match your standards, sometimes not even yourself? I was there too. In fact, my husband still calls me a perfectionist. Earlier, I would love it but now he’s made to sleep on the couch every time he calls me that. Being a perfectionist might feel fabulous but in reality the idea of perfection might be holding you back. Yep! In the past few years, I’ve changed my approach towards perfection and watched my business and creativity take a completely new turn, like never before and that’s exactly what I want to share with you in this week’s episode. I’m sharing how draining perfectionism can be, how it is really not needed in our creative lives, and how the action of not letting go while trying to make something “perfect” can be detrimental to moving forward in our careers. Does that mean we don’t create high-quality work or pay attention to detail? I share it all. So next time you’re called a perfectionist, you may want to stop and ask yourself, am I holding myself back? Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/29-are-you-a-perfectionist-why-that-might-be-holding-you-back/ | |||
| 25 May 2022 | #30 - Master the art of visual storytelling with Maja Lewicz | 00:50:24 | |
The idea of storytelling in food photography is so deeply ingrained in us that every photo we create starts with the question “what's the story?” Will you believe that the first time I heard about storytelling in food photography, I just shrugged. I had no idea what it meant, leave alone bringing it to my work. I thought creating food stories meant large table scenes, lots of food, a beautiful selection of props or showing a complex cooking process. I was so wrong. You tell, how would you define storytelling? What do you think is needed to create a powerful visual story? How do you bring storytelling to client work? I mean, do clients even look for “stories.”
On the podcast, she shares how she approaches storytelling in photography, captures moments in time and transports the audience into that moment. We discuss whether storytelling should be elaborate or minimal and if clients look for storytelling in commercial work. Maja’s breakdown of storytelling is uncomplicated and inspiring. Her practical tips work for both, beginners & seasoned photographers. If you’re intimidated by the idea of storytelling, feel stuck when working with simple subjects or wonder how to merge storytelling with client branding, Maja shares simple storytelling techniques that require no special props or gear. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/30-master-the-art-of-visual-storytelling-with-maja-lewicz/ | |||
| 01 Jun 2022 | #31 - 5 ways to draw inspiration from food photos without copying | 00:33:39 | |
You’re ready to take your next picture. You’re looking at food photos and find that one photo that fills you up with inspiration. But the first thought that crosses your mind is, “How do I make my photo look different?” When we use another artist’s work as inspiration, we either create something similar to their work or struggle so hard to make ours look original that it makes us feel creatively stuck & question our own talent.This is so common in food photography. In fact, in any form of art, I'd say. With content-overload and access to so much beautiful photography out there, it is hard not to feel inspired. And because we are forever growing in our journey as creators we want to explore different styles - styles that may not be associated with us. Which is why, in this week’s episode, I’ll walk you through 5 simple and straightforward ways to draw inspiration from the work of other photographers, without imitating or seeming like it might be a copied style. How to get creative ideas by looking at your favorite photographer’s work, pull out inspiring elements from a photo, use small details as the foundation of your picture and create authentically without fear or questioning yourself. Oh and also, improve your skills in the process - I share it all. It is natural to be inspired by beautiful photographs and create equally inspiring work but the challenge is to make sure the work does not end up looking like a copy or an imitation. So, the next time you are inspired by a photo, don’t question yourself. Create work that is unique, distinct and so YOU! Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/31-5-ways-to-draw-inspiration-from-food-photos-without-copying/ | |||
| 06 Jun 2022 | #32 - How to create food content for TV with Jessie Sierra Ross | 01:06:25 | |
What if you could be on TV? And that too, doing what you love. No, kidding. You totally could! You could either be featuring your favorite recipe or shakin’ up a cocktail on the big screen. For us food content creators, blog, magazines, newspaper, or social media is as far as we think about taking our creative recipes or photography. But TV is a platform we could consider. I know it sounds intimidating but it’s actually easier than we think. As a food and lifestyle blogger and cocktail specialist, Jessie has been featured on several TV shows in the United States. From being on the set with co-hosts to joining a show via zoom, she’s been on TV creating recipes, cooking, sharing food stories and also whirring frozen margaritas. Fun, right? Jessie shares everything that goes into being on TV as a food content creator. From pitching to shooting to gear to license to makeup & qualifications – she takes us through all the steps to get on your favorite food show, irrespective of where you live.
Read more at https://myfoodlens.com | |||
| 15 Jun 2022 | #33 - 10 types of food photography clients to work with | 00:36:09 | |
“I would love to work with clients, I just don’t know where to find them.” “Who do I reach out to? “Ok, I just reached out to one brand, who’s next?” Whenever we think of being able to pursue food photography professionally, the idea of finding clients overwhelms us. Where to start, who to approach, how to select – so many questions come up . And even if we have been pitching for a while, there comes a time when we just don’t know who else to reach out to. In the latest podcast episode, I’m sharing 10 types of clients you could work with so that you always have the opportunity to make money doing what you love. Whether you’re a food photographer, blogger or influencer, there are many different ways you could create content and work with brands. Every client has different requirements, which makes sure there’s something for everyone out there. Select your favorite type of client and start reaching out. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/33-10-types-of-food-photography-clients-to-work-with/ | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | #34 - How to work with clients when you have a unique photography style with Monique Sourinho | 00:55:02 | |
“I want to find my style” When we begin our creative journey we want to get better at our craft but also find our unique style, our unique voice. We buy courses. We read blogs. We follow photographers on social media who share tips to find our style. We work so darn hard at creating our own distinct style, sometimes for years before it emerges and then when it does, there is a huge aha moment but suddenly we begin to question whether having a unique style will hold us back from working with clients. Should our creative style stop us from reaching out or working with brands? What is the fine line between staying true to who we are and creating a brand’s signature style?
In this episode she shares the secret behind working with clients whilst having a strong photography style of your own.
Well, it is totally possible. We can stand out in the crowded world of art & photography and book our favorite clients. Monique tells us how.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | #35 - Lighting technique to create depth in flat lay photography | 00:33:25 | |
Do you like flat lay photography? Aren't flatlays amazing? I just love how we can create beautiful visual stories & powerful compositions in an overhead shot. But do you find it just a tad bit harder to nail the lighting in that angle? How to make the food pop a little more? Sometimes it’s too dark and sometimes too bright?
The truth is that it is somewhat tricky to bring depth in a flat lay versus a straight-on or 3/4th angle shot. When you only see the rim of the plate or glass, only the top of the food, it becomes even more necessary to add depth… making the lighting just a tad bit more challenging. In this episode, I’m talking about the one lighting practice that helped me overcome that challenge & completely changed my flat lay photography. There are many aspects of light that come together to create depth and dimension but out of all, there is one aspect that is often overlooked and misinterpreted. I’m sharing everything about that one key consideration, which is also my first step in setting up the light for a top down angle. I have gone from creating flat light, completely ruining my flat lay photos & being criticized by professionals for poor lighting to finally understanding the mistake I was making. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/35-lighting-technique-to-create-depth-in-flat-lay-photography/ | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | #36 - Easy ways to start creating food videos with Kankana Saxena | 01:04:11 | |
Do you like watching food videos? I do Do you shoot food videos? I don’t Why don’t you shoot food videos? Duh.. I’m a photographer It seems complicated Videos don’t interest me I don’t have the right gear
And if you’re wondering how to create delicious food videos, in the latest episode of the podcast Kankana @playfulcooking shares everything that goes into shooting food in motion. Cookbook author, recipe developer, blogger, videographer, Youtuber, Tik Tok-er, Instagrammer, Kankana creates delicious food videos for both commercial clients & her recipe blog. Her videos evoke emotions, have a strong style of storytelling and she walks us through the entire process of shooting food videos in the simplest way & with minimal gear. From planning to concept to camera, light and editing, Kankana shares how to make food videos, without stress & with ease and fun. If there’s anything that makes food look even more irresistible than a beautiful food photo, it is food in motion. C’mon you agree too, right? The world is moving towards videos and if you’ve been thinking about taking your skills forward, broadening your services to clients, stepping up your social media game or just exploring the world of food videos, this episode will make it simple and straightforward for you. You might end up falling in love with creating food videos, just saying ;)
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/36-easy-ways-to-start-creating-food-videos-with-kankana-saxena/ | |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | #37 - 5 photography skills to attract your ideal clients with Kimberly Espinel | 00:49:32 | |
When I was learning how to drive, reversing & parking was the most difficult part. My driving instructor was this fierce but awesome teacher who taught me how to drive with confidence. When he was teaching me how to reverse & park the car, his instructions were – Don’t rush Stop for a minute Turn around Look at all the parking lots Decide which one you want to park in And then reverse in exactly that lot No second guessing Never ever reverse and then see which lot you land in. Decide first and then move. You’ll always land in the right spot. So, why am I talking about parking cars today? Well, I’m actually not talking about parking cars. I’m talking about how to get to exactly where you want to be. And that’s why I have Kimberly Espinel, food stylist, food photographer, best selling author, and podcaster in this week’s podcast episode. Kimberly is sharing how to attract clients we want to work with. Not just clients, her perspective is applicable to everything. How to attract a community on social media, how to create images that clients will love, how to get what you want in your creative & professional journey. Kimberly works with Ottolenghi. Yep, THE Ottolenghi and she talks about the skills that can help book our dream clients and also be rewarding as a creator. We cover everything from Gear to Finding Clients to Pricing your Work and nurturing a working relationship so that clients love working with you. When we know exactly where to go, we reach our destination. When we drive aimlessly, we might get somewhere but it might not be where we want to be. How to stay creative, have fun with photography and still make a living with it or build a creative community around it, this episode is packed with all the good stuff. It will help you choose your parking lot and park exactly where you want to - AND with confidence. Now that’s something! Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/37-5-photography-skills-to-attract-your-ideal-clients-with-kimberly-espinel/ Kimberly’s website https://thelittleplantation.co.uk Eat capture share podcast https://thelittleplantation.co.uk/eat-capture-share-podcast | |||
| 20 Jul 2022 | #38 - 3 reasons your photoshoots are taking longer than they should | 00:29:34 | |
You’re very excited to photograph that chocolate cake. You set up the camera and start shooting. You set aside an hour .. but now it’s already been 2 hours. The kids are ready to pounce on it. The ganache is beginning to dry up. ..and you’re tired. Plus you’re wondering why it took so long, why it took more time than anticipated? Are you missing something? Why are others so quick? Are you not efficient enough? Perhaps you lack skill. sound familiar? Which is why, in this week’s episode I’m sharing with you possible reasons you might be taking more time to shoot than anticipated. I’m sharing personal experiences & also scenarios from other other photographers shared with me over the years. I explain why we possibly take longer for a photoshoot and what we can do about it. It is very easy to beat ourselves up and compare our process with others but the truth is that there are many factors that add extra time to a shoot. Some factors are within our control and some are not. Recognising & acknowledging these contributing factors allows us to focus on what’s important & not listen to the voices in our head. Understand why that chocolate cake took so long to shoot so that the next time you’re shooting you know exactly what to expect, including the time. Don’t go down that rabbit hole. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/3-reasons-your-photoshoots-are-taking-longer/ | |||
| 27 Jul 2022 | #39 - Not just education. 5 reasons why conferences are important for food photographers with Abbey Rodriguez | 00:47:43 | |
The world is not the same anymore. Covid has changed everyone in its own way. And the one impact it has had on me is the longing for social interactions. The longing for family meals together the longing for laughs with a room full of friends and the longing to meet other photographers & like-minded creators. What if we could be in a room full of people who spoke our love language of food, photography and creativity. Where we could tell someone we were shooting ice-cream and they’d burst out laughing because they’d totally understand the struggle, without us even having to say it. What if this place existed? And if you’re thinking it does not, let me tell you it does. I have Abbey Rodriguez joining me this week to talk all about the role of conferences in food blogging and food photography. Abbey is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food photographer, influencer marketing consultant but above all, she is the founder of the Tastemaker conference, the premier food blogger conference for influencers and content creators. In this episode she talks about the importance of attending or speaking at a conference for food content creators. Abbey shares hot topics, qualities of a speaker, expectations of attendees, freebies and goodies & life-changing stories of past attendees. It’s often money, time or the interest in education that makes us want to or not go to a conference but if we can look at the bigger picture, the holistic value, enriching experience of attending a conference can be a game-changer esp. for creators like us. The only way to grow is by investing in ourselves and if in the process we can get educated, meet business partners, make new friends, have soul-satisfying conversations, establish credibility and also, make a name for ourselves in the industry - all without wearing an uncomfortable jacket suit - That's a win-win.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/39-not-just-education-5-reasons-why-conferences-are-important-for-food-photographers/ | |||
| 03 Aug 2022 | #40 - How to create side light. When to use & avoid it in food photography. | 00:35:05 | |
Have you ever watched “Everybody Loves Raymond”? In this comedy series, Raymond is the guy who wants to please everybody. All he wants to do is to make everyone happy. He wants to be Mr. Popular and will do anything to look like an angel. Well, we have a “Raymond” in food photography too. Wanna know who? It is side light - one of the types of light in food photography. Sounds odd? How can light be a person?
In this episode I’m sharing how to read side light & how it can be super powerful by coming to our rescue in a shoot. All we have to know is how to maximize it and use it to our advantage. I work regularly with side light & there are situations when it is my go-to light direction but also times when I try to avoid it. You already know the importance of light in food photography. Light stumps composition anyday. Every type of light has its own personality and side light is a people-pleaser kinda light. If we can tap into that aspect of its personality, imagine how we can unleash its full potential. Backlight is usually the crowd favorite but remember, side light is “Raymond” and Everybody loves Raymond for a reason! Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/40-how-to-create-side-light-when-to-use-avoid-it-in-food-photography/ | |||
| 10 Aug 2022 | #41 - How to shape light for dark & moody food photography with Haniyeh Nikoo | 01:26:12 | |
Can a dark & moody photo have white props? Can a dark photo also be bright? Is a moody photo always dark? What does dark & moody photography really mean? As food photographers we are visual storytellers and the most powerful way to tell a story is by creating a mood. Mood is the key to evoke emotions & make a viewer feel like they’re present in that scene. But as powerful as mood is, creating a moody photo requires a good understanding of light.. … Because think of it, what creates mood, really? Props and colors, yes but it is the light that makes us feel fresh or cozy or romantic or calm when we look at a photo. Today I have the phenomenal food photographer, Haniyeh Nikoo sharing everything and I mean everything, about dark and moody photography. Hani is a master at creating mood in photos & she talks about gear, how she creates beautiful moody light, common mistakes in dark & moody photography, the power of editing & instagram’s response to dark moody photography. There are a lot of misconceptions about dark & moody food photography. By understanding the fundamentals & technicalities, we can create more powerful photos but also demonstrate a solid understanding of light. The best part is that Hani breaks it all down in the most fun and easy way.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/41-how-to-shape-light-for-dark-moody-food-photography-with-haniyeh-nikoo/ Episode 35 - https://myfoodlens.com/31-5-ways-to-draw-inspiration-from-food-photos-without-copying/ | |||
| 22 Aug 2022 | #42 - How to make a career as a full-time food blogger with Uma Raghuraman | 01:15:34 | |
When you introduce yourself as a food blogger, the first few thoughts that come to people’s minds are, “It must be a hobby.” “They’re probably not working full-time.” “Do they make any money from it?” “What do they REALLY do for a living?” “What a convenient & easy life.” Food blogging was always considered a side-hustle, hobby, an extra, up until a few years ago. No one had imagined how the digital world would change, the world of blogging would take a complete 180 turn and food blogging would make waves like never before. No one had ever thought that food blogging could actually be a career. But taking up food blogging as a full-time career can be nerve-wrecking. Leave alone the idea of blogging as a business, navigating through the outdated notions about food blogging can be challenging enough. Which is why, I have one of India’s top food bloggers, Uma Raghuraman, joining me to answer all questions about becoming a professional food blogger. Uma has a long list of awards, including the Saveur food blogger award and this year she was listed as one of the top 100 digital creators by Forbes india. Let’s just say, she knows a thing or two about food blogging and how to turn it into a full-time, business, a career. Uma talks about the no.1 criteria to become a food blogger, how to find your niche, how to switch to full-time blogging, skills you need, how to get paid for brand collaborations & career opportunities as a food blogger. Even as a photographer I struggle with the world’s perception of my business as a hobby. In the beginning it made me double-guess whether I could ever make a living out of it but it clicked. We are extremely lucky to be living in a time when food bloggers have taken blogging to new heights and blogging is no different from a corporate job. There is one difference though - as a food blogger, you’re your own boss. Sweet ha!
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/42-how-to-make-a-career-as-a-full-time-food-blogger-with-uma-raghuraman/ | |||
| 31 Aug 2022 | #43 - How to be a successful food photographer without having a photography business with Becky Hadeed | 00:58:00 | |
It's a beautiful sunny afternoon. You’re in your kitchen & suddenly notice the gorgeous sun filtering through the window, falling on the basket of vegetables. That light is so striking that you’re mesmerized & drop everything you’re doing, go get your camera and take photos all afternoon capturing the light in all its glory. Such is your love for food and photography & when others see it they tell you, “if you love photography so much you should do it for a living?” It seems like a natural course of action, right? Make your passion your profession is what everyone says. …But what if you don’t want to? What if the idea of being a professional food photographer does not excite you? What if the idea of commercial photography does not appeal to you? Join me as I speak to fellow podcaster and photographer, Becky Hadeed who is an amazing food photographer but does not pursue it professionally. Becky has a strong purpose behind her food photography and she shares why it is ok to not make photography your business. She talks about how to stay inspired, bring storytelling to photography, keep the joy in your art and use your love for food photography to compliment other business opportunities. With so much buzz on social media, it is possible to feel the pressure to turn our love for food & photography into something that brings in the dollars. But not everyone wants to be a professional food photographer - some out of choice and some out of limitations.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/43-how-to-be-a-succesful-food-photographer-without-having-a-photography-business-with-becky-hadeed/ | |||
| 07 Sep 2022 | #44 - 5 tips to buy a camera for food photography | 00:26:01 | |
Ever seen kids in candyland? Their eyes begin to sparkle and they turn into mini zombies hypnotized by the sweets on the shelves. You ask them to pick one and they just can’t. With so many delicious options out there, they want everything - a lil chocolate, some gummies and oooh that caramel toffee. The sugar love takes over and they just want it all. ..That is exactly how we photographers feel in a camera store. Oooh! that one. I need exactly that. Wow, but that one looks cool.. Maybe I should buy that. But.. she just bought that one, should I go for that? We become hypnotized mini zombies in a camera store. Atleast I do! Jokes apart, cameras are such a heavy investment that we can’t buy them all. We have to be careful and make an informed decision. I’m not exaggerating when I say that the no. 1 question I get asked is, “ which camera to buy.” I totally get the dilemma because some cameras have extra chocolate, some are chewy-tasty like gummies and some are like dreamy caramel. How to choose with such amazing options in the market.
We all have our personal reasons to either upgrade from a phone to DSLR or to move towards newer technology. No matter what our reason is and no matter how far we are in our journey, the fundamentals of selecting a camera remains the same. It is natural to be overwhelmed with so many factors to consider but just like we buy everything else that costs heavy $$, there is a systematic way to narrow down to the one camera that is best for us. I’m sharing tips in the most simple and easy way so that you have more clarity and better reasoning before making that big investment. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/44-5-tips-to-buy-a-camera-for-food-photography/ | |||
| 14 Sep 2022 | #45 - Food photography for advertising and packaging with Kulsum Kunwa | 01:21:48 | |
You’re walking down the aisle of a grocery store. You turn to pick up a bag of flour from the shelf & spot a cookie box. You shriek because the photo on that cookie box is yours! Woah!
You take a turn and suddenly shriek again. The burger photo on that large billboard is yours too! You shot that picture for a cool burger chain. You, rockstar! If you’re rolling your eyes thinking this is too good to be true, please let me tell you that it’s totally possible. You can totally be there or probably already are. Food Photography for packaging and advertising has a thrill of its own but it can most definitely be overwhelming esp. at the start. Our guest, Kulsum Kunwa, a food photographer based in Kuwait is a master at both packaging and advertising photography. With hard work & grit, she broke into a competitive market and completely changed the way clients worked with food photographers. Kulsum works with clients like Taco Bell, Costa Coffee, Applebees, Deliveroo etc. and she talks about skillset, mindset, finding clients, pricing, licensing and even, editing and printing. She walks us through the entire process of such projects, from start to finish, so that we too, can work on such amazing projects with confidence. This pow-packed episode will leave you pumped! No project is out of your reach. No client is out of your reach. The next cookie box could be your photo. The next billboard could be your photo. Sometimes we need a certain skill set, sometimes we need a good network and sometimes all we need is the confidence to be able to work on projects that seem too good to be true. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/45-food-photography-for-advertising-and-packaging-with-kulsum-kunwa/ | |||
| 21 Sep 2022 | Bonus - A Special Milestone | 00:04:43 | |
In October of 2020 when I sat at my desk watching the sunrise & declared to my husband that I wanted to start a podcast, I had no idea how it would go. I had no idea that it would take me 10 months to create the podcast. I had no idea how emotional it would be to record my first episode. I had no idea how motivated I’d feel to record episodes week after week. I had no idea how inspiring it would be to speak with industry experts. I had no idea how satisfying it would be to hear how the podcast helped you. I had no idea it would take so much hard work. I had no idea it would all be worth it. I had no idea we would hit the one year mark with so much to look back at. This week we celebrate one year of My Food Lens podcast & it feels unreal. Week after week we’ve talked about photography, videography, composition, styling, business, clients, social media and everything that is important in our creative journey. I’m bringing to you a bonus episode this week which is all about what the year has been like with the podcast and what the path forward is looking like.
Everytime I doubted whether the podcast was helpful, I’d receive a message saying how you enjoyed an episode and it was useful. You did not let me stop. Your words & support inspired me each day to serve you better and I truly hope that I’ve been able to do so over the last year. I’m behind the mic and you have your headphones on. So, I’ll ask you for a favour today - If you have enjoyed the podcast so far, It would be amazing if you could please rate and review it on the platform you listen on. Apple podcast - May I invite you to rate and also, write a few lines of review for the podcast. Spotify - May I invite you to rate the podcast using the stars next to the podcast description. Thank you for being a part of the podcast over the last 52 weeks. It’s been a pleasure bringing the podcast to you. If you weren't here, this podcast wouldn’t be either. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/bonus-a-special-milestone/ | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | #46 - Why Taking Risks is An Important Part of A Creative Life | 01:33:04 | |
You are leading a bold, brave life You are dodging the curveballs life throws at you. You are fighting the world to follow your passion. You are showing up no matter how you feel. You are working hard to get closer to your dreams. You ARE leading a bold and brave life, my friend. I hope you realise that cuz sometimes it takes another person to make us see it.
I talked about a recipe that always makes me cry - my crazy journey from an architect to a photographer: every single risk I took along the way, how I gave up everything for love, why I cried on an airplane from New York (yep, I cry a lot. You can tell) and the mistake I made by not recognising my true calling in life. Becky, an incredible storyteller, called this conversation - “the twists and turns of a bold, brave life” and when I listened to it, ahem.. I cried (surprise surprise). And I want to share this episode with you because.. Our creative lives are so similar. Our paths, our journeys, our dream, our goals are so connected, that this isn’t just my story. It could easily be your story - your bold, brave life. That’s why I want to start the new era of the podcast with this episode. I hope you’ll have some laughs, some inspiration, and some nostalgia as you listen to this episode. You ARE leading a bold and brave life.I hope this episode helps you realize that. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/46-why-taking-risks-is-an-important-part-of-a-creative-life-with-dyutima-jha/ | |||
| 22 Mar 2023 | #47 - 5 tips to create compositions that don’t look staged | 00:29:19 | |
Have you ever seen a food photo and said, “Ooh! I need to make that recipe.” or maybe… “Ooh! I need to eat at that restaurant.” or even… “Ooh, I have got to buy that cupcake.” When does a photo have that effect on you? The answer? Now, let’s reverse roles. As food photographers, how do we do that? How do we simulate that sort of impact with our photos so that our audience can connect to it? The answer? As photographers, we often struggle with compositions, agree?
tips on how to create natural compositions that don’t look staged. The more natural a photo is, the more relatable it is and the higher the chances of it being able to relate to your audience. Every style of photo has its place and purpose. When we want to create a photo that evokes emotions, resonates, or brings a certain sense of nostalgia, there are certain compositional techniques that can take it from looking stiff to easy. In this episode, I discuss techniques already part of our creative process. When your audience feels connected to your photo… They try your recipe instead of another food blogger’s. They go to your restaurant instead of the other. They hire you to photograph for them instead of another photographer. They sign up for your cooking classes and not someone else’s. They “like” your photo and enrich your community on social media And the list goes on… The power of a photo that looks natural is immense. Whether you’re a photographer, food blogger, or take photos for your own joy, you want to connect to your audience. Whether it is to sell a product, get hired, or share your art, a photo that allows your audience to feel connected to it… always hits a home run. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/47-5-tips-to-create-compositions-that-dont-look-staged/ | |||
| 29 Mar 2023 | #48 - How to photograph chocolate with Heather Mubarak | 00:55:39 | |
I remember taking out a bar of chocolate from the fridge. Placing it on a blue backdrop. Chocolate, ha! It's got so much oomph. I thought, “how hard could it be to shoot?" So, I adjusted the light.. And took a shot. Ahem.. It looked like..like.. a pile of brown. Ok never mind. I’m not a quitter.. So, I got some chocolate chips, a bit of cocoa, chocolate kisses and added it all to the composition. I thought more chocolate would bring interest, and make it better. Alas! I was wrong – still looked like a pile of brown!
In this episode, I discuss these and so many other chocolate truths with the “Queen of Chocolate”, Heather Mubarak. Heather is a cookbook author, food blogger, and creates recipes and photographs for prestigious bands like Ghirardelli.
At the end of the day, brown food is not our nemesis and we should not be intimidated by it. Sometimes, it just takes a better understanding of the food and other times it takes a deeper understanding of photography technique to make brown food our friend. Out of all the tricky foods in the world, photographing chocolate can actually be the most fun. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/48-how-to-photograph-chocolate-with-heather-mubarak/ | |||
| 05 Apr 2023 | #49 - A powerful skill to differentiate yourself as a food photographer and win over the competition | 00:17:52 | |
You’re pitching to a client. You'd love to work with them. You offer your beautiful photography and tell them how the photos will elevate their products. But then… another photographer reaches out to them and says the exact same thing! They offer their beautiful photography and promise to make the products look like a million bucks. When you offer the same services & the same promise as others, why would a client choose you? If you are both bringing the same thing to the table, why should the client work with you? ...Because you have a hidden talent. You can bring something extra to the table! The other photographer might have that talent too but they don't know they do. Ha 😅 In this episode, I share with you a secret talent that you probably already have, but might not be aware of. I'll share how to use that superpower to your advantage. That talent or skill can instantly differentiate you from the next photographer. It can help you offer a broader range of services to the client, increase your chances of working with them, and in turn, increase revenue. I picked up that skill as an architect while pitching for large projects worth millions of dollars. Using it in food photography has allowed me to work with leading magazines, huge businesses and hot-shot brands. And I'm sharing it with you :) It might need practice but you already have it in you. You just need to recognise, hone, and apply it. If you've you ever wondered if a client would hire you. Now you know why they would.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/49-a-powerful-skill-to-differentiate-yourself-as-a-food-photographer-and-win-over-the-competition | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | #50 - How to protect your photos with license and copyright with Robert Finkelstein | 01:11:49 | |
You’re scrolling the internet and find your photo used where you didn’t approve.
We love creating photos for our clients. But what if a client requests something that you don't agree to? Even if you work with the most amazing clients, with the best mutual understanding, there are many situations where disagreement, miscommunication or misunderstandings can occur. What do you do then? How do you protect yourself? That’s where our friend, Rob Finkelstein enters. Rob is a lawyer and a food blogger. Like whaaa! In my conversation with Rob, we discuss everything needed to protect ourselves when working with clients. He talks about the importance of contracts, what should be included in a proposal, the difference between license and ownership, how to include the license fee, have the legal conversation with the client and what to be wary of on social media.
Bigger brands are usually equipped to handle lawsuits or legal issues. They usually have enough money to go the court route. If that happens to us, we have to either shell out enormous dollars to pursue the court case or back out knowing full well we were right and yet, on the losing end.
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| 26 Apr 2023 | #51 - Lost your creative fire? Hidden signs of burnout to watch out for. | 00:20:56 | |
Do you ever feel like you’re always doing so much, always working but it’s never enough? You don’t feel like picking up your camera. The thought of it makes you feel tired. You feel like you don’t have it in you anymore. You’ve lost your creativity, your passion, your fire, your desire. When you want to take a break, you feel guilty. You tell yourself, you’re being lazy. You never have time for anything. You’re constantly trying to catch up and yet, always behind with so much to do. But even though you feel tired, you ignore it and keep plowing through. Why am I bringing this up? ..Because I experienced all of those feelings recently. It is called burnout and it cannot be taken lightly. Almost every creative person who is crafting a hobby, juggling a full time job, building a business or balancing a family while pursuing their art, is prone to this. It can hit us at different times & in different ways. In this episode, I want to share the hidden signs of burnout you should watch out for if you feel like you’ve lost your creative spark. If you’ve not been motivated to pick up your camera, the thought of photography makes you feel tired or you’ve been feeling stuck, and taking a break has not helped …you might be burned out. Contrary to what most think, burnout is not a creative block or tiredness. It is more complex than that. Don’t assume it will never happen to you just because photography is not a business for you. Burnout hits creatives as hard as it hits businesses and Corporates. The hit is even worse when it is unexpected & we assume that our passion and love for photography is untouchable. Do you feel like you’ve lost your creative spark and nothing is helping? Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/51-lost-your-creative-fire-hidden-signs-of-burnout-to-watch-out-for | |||
| 02 May 2023 | #52 - Top tips from successful photographers & bloggers to create content for social media without overwhelm | 00:22:46 | |
What to post on my feed today? Omg! I have no new photos to post this week? I wish I could post more often. I wonder how other content creators post so frequently. Should creating content be this difficult? I feel so tired of keeping up with posting on instagram. Do these thoughts about posting on social media ever cross your mind? wha..Much too frequently? I get it. Whatever your relationship might be with social media, if you are sharing your photos or videos on it regularly, you know that it is not easy. There is so much work that goes into being regular and consistent in posting that often it is overwhelming, tiring, confusing & frustrating. In today’s podcast episode, we have 17 Pro food photographers & bloggers sharing their best strategies and top-tips to create content for social media. Consistency is a real toughie and so, these photographers share their best advice on how to create content without the strain, pressure and overwhelm that comes with it. They share what you can do to stay on top of content creation and create like a boss. Everytime I feel overwhelmed about posting, I remind myself of what it was like when I first got on Instagram. It was fun & exciting, just like the beginning of a romance. Just like we work on keeping the excitement alive in our romantic relationships, we need to do the same with social media too. Think of the beginning and why you fell in love with the platform. No matter how many times you post, how many followers you have, keep the love going with no expectations, if the platform still serves a purpose for you. What if you took away the pressure of posting and replaced it with the joy of sharing, just like when you started? Hear what our experts have to say about it. You’ll love it. I think. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/52-top-tips-from-successful-photographers-and-bloggers-to-create-content-for-social-media-without-overwhelm | |||
| 10 May 2023 | #53 - Backlight: When to use & avoid it in food photography | 00:21:44 | |
You know something is not working, but can’t put your finger on it. Well, more than 90% of the time, it is the same darn reason that gets us stuck. It is the troublemaker but also the knight in shining armor. Which means, it is the devil but can be the hero - depending on how we deal with it. You know what I'm talking about - That one reason that gets us stuck, is light. 90% of the time we get stuck because the light does not work as magically as we want it to. And instead of focussing on it, we start replacing the props, backdrops, the composition and totally underestimate that all it might actually need is just a slight tweaking of the light. But to tweak the light, we need to have an understanding of light. Lighting in food photography is different from portrait, product, landscape and even architectural photography. That’s why, in this week’s episode I'm sharing with you one of the most powerful lighting techniques in food photography - Backlight. Unlike other lighting directions, backlight is a tad bit tricky. I call it Mr. Hyde. …. Because it can be evil and vicious but it can also skyrocket our photo from good to Wow… as long as we can use it to our advantage. In this episode I’m sharing how to read backlight, when to use and when to avoid it ….so that you can not only create backlight but also quickly identify the problem if you get stuck. Having a grip on lighting in food photography not only helps to save time during a photoshoot but also propels our skills forward. Knowing different lighting techniques enables us to tap into the power of each light type and use it in a way that works perfectly for the mood and food we are working with. Back light is one of the most powerful lights to work with but it needs to be understood, adjusted and sometimes even tamed. It is aptly fitted for the title of “troublemaker” but also “knight in shining armor” – depending on how well we can work with it. Don’t be at the mercy of the light available to you. Work with backlight like a Pro and take your photography to the next level. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/53-backlight-when-to-use-avoid-it-in-food-photography/ | |||
| 17 May 2023 | #54 - How to start & grow a food photography business | 00:39:55 | |
Do you have a full-time job, but want to turn food photography into a full-time business? Are you a hobbyist who loves food photography and wonders what it would be like to take it up professionally? Are you a professional food photographer wondering how to book more clients and stand out from your competition? Last year, I was invited on the Eat Capture Share Podcast by food photographer, Kimberly Espinel to chat about all of that and much more. My chat with her was so power packed that I had to share it with you. We talked about pitching to clients, how to stand out, client experience and the critical breakthroughs in our creative lives that help to start a business, scale it and not quit. That’s key, right? My breakthroughs helped me take the leap from architecture to professional food photography, book prestigious clients inspite of limited experience and almost no connections, reach clients globally and win bids - I talk about how it was all possible. I want to share this with you because I know how overwhelming it can be if you’re thinking of switching to full-time food photography or trying to grow your current business. Our journeys are so similar that this conversation might help you take that next step you’ve been thinking about.
I’m sure you will relate to them & be able to apply them to skyrocket your own journey. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/54-how-to-start-grow-a-food-photography-business/ | |||
| 07 Jun 2023 | #55 - How to attract clients and build a community with a website with Madison Wetherill | 00:46:32 | |
What would happen if instagram closed down tomorrow? And facebook too? How would you share your work? Where would potential clients find you? Would you still be able to connect with a community of like-minded creators? And let’s say instagram didn’t close down, even then, what if you owned a platform that was stable and not affected by algorithm changes. This week I’m joined by podcaster & food blogger turned website developer at Grace and Vine Studios, Madison Wetherill who shares all about websites for food bloggers and photographers. Having a website is one thing but having an effective website that brings clients and builds a community, is another.
As visual creators we have the advantage of taking our website appeal up a notch with our powerful photos or videos that can potentially double entice an audience. It is natural to what we create. So, why not make use of it? Websites aren’t just for professionals. A website is YOUR space to showcase YOUR work. Whether you’re a hobbyist , professional photographer, food blogger, or any content creator, you need a website, a space that is truly your own. The power of a website has become diluted in today’s world of social media but that is what makes it even more important, even more essential. Do you have a website yet or looking to create one?
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/55-how-to-attract-clients-and-build-a-community-with-a-website | |||
| 14 Jun 2023 | #56 - Top 3 questions to ask a client on a discovery call | 00:34:17 | |
A brand is interested to work with you. They reach out to you asking for your fee or rate card. Tell me what would you do -
Which option did you choose? If you chose anything except option e) then you might be losing on to some big opportunities. We know that not every project is the same. The way we photograph for one brand and the amount of work it takes is different from the other. Then how can our fee be the same, if the work and scope is not the same?
I don’t say this about all episodes, but I curated this episode after 5 years of learning on the job, getting kicked in the ***, losing projects, being taken advantage of and feeling like a certain client did not deserve me. This week I’m sharing 3 top questions to ask a client on a discovery call. These questions have protected me in my business, the conversations on discovery calls have got me repeat clients, connections with potential clients have allowed me to expand my services to clients worldwide. And that has all been by asking the right questions - upfront! If you want to streamline your client booking process, make sure your fee is suited to the project, feel confident about sending your rate card and walk away feeling pumped to work with a brand - this episode is totally for you! If there is a way to feel confident about handling client enquiries, having conversations that lead to long-term client relationships and offering a fee that works for you & brings profit - then follow that path. Running a business and making money is tough work. You never want to feel like you lost out or got a raw deal. And the only person who can prevent that from happening is you. Take the right action by asking the right questions that will not only help your business make money but also establish you as a pro & everyone wants to work with pro, right? Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/56-top-3-questions-to-ask-a-client-on-a-discovery-call | |||
| 21 Jun 2023 | #57 - How to use flat lays to improve your photography skills | 00:24:23 | |
Do you get nervous if you’ve to shoot with a new light or new space? What if you need to work with a food you’ve not handled before? Does any of that make you nervous? What happens is that, when we begin with food photography, we want to jump into all different photography techniques, big compositions, think about props, spend money on backdrops & we want to do it all quickly. We see magnificent photos on social media, get inspired and all we want is to be able to create like them. And, we want to get there fast. But in this process, we often skip a few steps in our learning to fast track to creating “social-media” style photos. And that’s where the cracks begin to appear, the difference between those who are technically strong in their skills and those who are not. But what if there was a way to create those magnificent photos in a way that also made us focus on the technical aspects. That’s why in this week’s episode, I want to talk about a way for photographers to explore all the fun aspects of photography while working on strengthening technique and honing it. …by working on flatlay photography. I share why flatlays are different from other camera angles, how it can catapult your photography, and how you can utilize it to build specific skills as a photographer. Don’t skip a step in your learning, instead make that step exciting and fun to learn.
The good news is that honing your skills or practicing powerful photography techniques does not have to be serious and boring. Whether we are a beginner or have been photographing for a few years now, there are always areas that need work. Flatlays can be an effective way to pick out the skills that need extra attention and work on it. I share exactly what you can do and how you can take advantage of the power of flatlays so that no new situation or food phases you. You don’t get nervous, but instead tackle it like a pro. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/57-how-to-use-flat-lays-to-improve-your-photography-skills
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| 28 Jun 2023 | #58 - How to price your work as a food photographer with Joanie Simon - Part 1 | 00:45:31 | |
What was the first question you had when you decided to start working with clients? “How much should I charge?” “How do I know what to charge?” “What should be the fee?” Something to this effect, would you agree? Aren’t pricing and rates one of the toughest aspects of setting up a food blogging or photography business? Fee is the number#1 reason we are overwhelmed & nervous when starting out as a business. It gives us sleepless nights. That’s why I have our favorite food photographer, Joanie Simon joining us today to talk all about pricing your work as a food photographer. She walks us through all the different ways of setting our rates, how to approach pricing, which projects to take up, how to talk to clients, what to include in a proposal and how to address overtime work. If you’re a content creator working with clients or wish to work with clients, this episode is not to be missed. Money is an awkward topic, it is the toughest part to wrap around in your business. Joanie is a pro food photographer who has been in the market long enough to tell us the best way to approach pricing and the shortcut to doing it the right way because the last thing we want is the pressure of money to suck away the joy of creating. Good news is that business and creativity can co-exist and thrive too, as long as we know how to approach it.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/58-how-to-price-your-work-as-a-food-photographer-part-1
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| 06 Jul 2023 | #59 - How to price your work as a food photographer with Joanie Simon - part 2 | 00:46:27 | |
Tell me that you’ve never tried to find market rates for photography services. That you’ve never tried to google, “rates for food photography services.” That you’ve never been totally confused about the fee structure for photography. You have. Haven’t you? Because that's what happens with all of us. When we are starting out there is a huge question mark that appears in our minds and it’s all about money. Unfortunately, there are no benchmarks, no rules, no standards and no information available online or easily that we can use as a guide to price our work - which makes it crazy difficult to know whether we are doing it right or not. That’s why, today we continue our conversation with Joanie Simon on everything about pricing and setting our rates. This episode is part 2 of the pricing series and it is more power packed than you can imagine.
Oh and she shares an experience that completely changed the way she priced her work. Setting your fee when you’re starting out is as tough as increasing your fee as you move forward in your journey. At every stage of our creative business, we are posed with fee-related situations that require us to be strong and confident. As creative photographers, we just want to take pretty photos. Looking at rate cards or excel sheets or expenses isn’t exactly our favorite part. But the truth is that, if we are not making money, we cannot call ourselves a business. Money is as important as everything else and dealing with it with confidence is essential. It is not easy but also not tough. This episode will give you that boost and also a peek into the world of pricing in food photography.
https://myfoodlens.com/58-how-to-price-your-work-as-a-food-photographer-part-1/
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| 19 Jul 2023 | #60 – How to create powerful food photos by evoking emotion with Suze Morrison – Part 1 | 00:41:25 | |
The aroma of freshly baked bread The taste of that mango pickle The smell of coffee The sizzle of that barbeque Food either makes us happy, makes us hungry, takes us back to our grandma’s kitchen, has a cultural meaning or instills some or the other feelings in us. Food evokes emotions in us. And as photographers, food is our subject. So, imagine how incomplete a food photo would be if it did not evoke emotion. Food is connected to our physical and emotional health. Food brings pleasure. Food builds communities. It bonds children with parents. It has so many feelings attached to it. And yet, as food photographers we get so caught up in compositions and props that we forget to convey those feelings in our photos. In this week’s episode, Suze Morrison, award winning photographer and professional chef, tells us the power of evoking emotion through food photography. Suze has a signature style but each one of her works transports the viewer either into her world or a world of their own - the ultimate goal of a food photo. The sign of a successful photo. Suze shares why food photography is incomplete without the element of emotion, she explains how to bring emotion to storytelling and ways to find inspiration to take your photography to the next level. She shares how she broke away from a certain style of photography and how it helped her unlock her best work. If your photography is missing something, it might be this. Yes, we need strong technique, but oftentimes the idea of bringing emotion to our photos doesn’t strike us. It is ignored, underrated or not thought about at all. As food photographers, we want to create photos that not only look beautiful but instill emotions in the viewer and even warrant an action from them, like making a recipe or getting inspired by a photo or calling their mom to tell her how they miss her cooking. Powerful emotion in food photography is what makes one photo more successful than the other, it is more than meets the eye because emotions are all about feelings. Suze tells us all about it. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/60-how-to-create-powerful-food-photos-by-evoking-emotion-with-suze-morrison
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| 26 Jul 2023 | #61 - 6 ways to avoid & overcome burnout | 00:32:34 | |
You wake up tired. Even the smallest task feels burdensome. You don’t want to pick your camera. The thought of photography doesn’t feel exciting. You doubt yourself looking at others moving forward in their creative journeys. You’re snapping and angry at everyone at home. You feel tired, frustrated and unmotivated. If this sounds like you, you might be experiencing burnout. Photography and blogging might be creative fields but they can be very demanding. These careers not only require our mental energy, constantly churning out creative ideas but also the physical work of cooking, styling, executing photoshoots and editing. You and I both know how much time and energy it takes for constant content creation for social media, pitching to clients, creating work for ongoing clients, maintaining our business, family responsibilities and so forth. And the pressure to top it all. There is so much good work out there that we continuously push ourselves to create better and to create more. We keep stretching that rubber band until one day it snaps. That's when burnout sets in in full swing. And repairing that rubber band aka healing and overcoming burnout is a long drawn process. I’ve been there and I lost 6 months of my creative & personal life. In today’s episode, I want to share 6 effective ways that can help you come out of burnout. After many attempts of taking breaks, going on holidays and trying every other thing under the sun, I realized that coming out of a burnout takes a combination of different steps. And it is most definitely not a quick fix. It takes changes in our creative and personal lives to be able to emerge healthily out of it, without quitting or giving up our passion. I’m sharing the combination of steps that worked for me and helped me come out of this quicksand, called burnout. If you’ve been feeling tired and uneasy in your creative journey, watch out for hidden signs of stress and burnout because I call it the black smoke. Burnout creeps in like smoke, you hardly notice it and then it spreads until it completely chokes you. That’s how brutal it is. Hope these steps help you ignite your creative spark once again.
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| 31 Jul 2023 | #62 - How to find confidence to work with clients with Anja Burgar | 01:03:06 | |
There’s a food brand or a restaurant you absolutely love. You dream of photographing for them, to work with their products and earn some moolah too. But you think about it and say, “Nah! Why would they work with me?” And there.. your dreams never take shape. How often do we stop ourselves from sending out a pitch or reaching out to a client thinking that we’re not ready or we’re not good enough? And then, even if we reach out, how often do we lose hope when we don’t hear back from them? We think they didn’t like our work. And boom… all the courage we muster, comes crashing down.
In this week's episode we have the talented, Anja Burgar from @useyournoodles telling us all about finding confidence, staying confident and making money doing what we love. She talks about the reasons creators hesitate from reaching out to brands, the role of a streamlined process, how to deal with rejections, the importance of the right fee structure and much more. If you’re holding yourself back waiting to feel “ready” OR you feeling beaten up because of the way a client situation turned out, this episode is for you.
We all feel shaky when we are starting out or when situations don’t go our way. Every small and big situation either gives or takes away our confidence. Everything we encounter in our creative journey contributes to how confident and competent we feel. But most often when we feel we are not skilled enough, it is not really true. We are skilled enough, we just don’t have the confidence in ourselves. Processes and mindset, both play a huge role in helping us build the muscle of confidence. You just have to believe that you do. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
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| 08 Aug 2023 | #63 - Are you downgrading by becoming a photographer? | 00:28:16 | |
Few months ago, a food photographer reached out to me. She is a full-time architect and a passionate food photographer and blogger. She sent me a voice message with a question. When I heard that question I could not believe it. She was saying something I never had the courage to say out loud. You see, we all have thoughts. Some that we share and some that are so difficult that we can’t even say them out loud.
Will I be considered educated and intelligent enough if I’m just a photographer? Is this career switch a step up in life or step down? In this week’s podcast, I’m sharing big truth bombs about being a professional food photographer. It is a very raw and real episode, packed with realities of choosing a creative career. I talk about all the secret thoughts we have when considering food photography as a career and I also share what I did about those thoughts. I have never talked about this with anyone. Not even with my husband. This is the first time I’m laying it all straight up on the table. If you have ever considered leaving your 9-5 to start a creative career whether as a photographer or a blogger or stylist etc. then you most definitely have had some strong thoughts. There are so many doubts and insecurities associated with a career change especially if it is not a glamorous switch but rather a bold & brave switch. The question from that food photographer took me back to the time when I was stuck in a dilemma and had so many scary thoughts around food photography as a full-time job. Hope this open & honest episode helps you answer the doubts & address the insecurities you may be too scared to say out loud. Reach out if you’ve been going through similar thoughts. I know exactly what you feel. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/63-are-you-downgrading-by-becoming-a-photographer/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 23 Aug 2023 | #64 - How to create powerful food photos by evoking emotion with Suze Morrison - part 2 | 00:50:14 | |
Don’t you love it when someone says, “This photo reminds me of how my mom cooked.” “Your photo made me go and bake a chocolate cake.” “I can literally taste it just by looking at the photo.” These words are the result of the emotion your photo evokes in a viewer. As food photographers, we want to create photos that not only look beautiful but connect with the viewer at a deep emotional level. When viewers connect with a photo, they see the story, they interpret the art, and feel like they’ve been transported into it - that is the ultimate success of a food photo ..and it cannot happen without the secret ingredient of emotion.
In this part, Suze talks about finding your style through emotion, the relationship between storytelling and emotion in photography and how to create a photography process that is not only streamlined & efficient but also brings out your best work.
Art is also an emotion. And photography is art. That makes it even more essential to have a strong element of emotion in our photography to create a photo that moves the viewer. A successful photo is not only technically sound but has a strong element of emotion. Technique and emotion should balance each other and one without the other is incomplete. Start creating powerful food photos by evoking emotion. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/64-how-to-create-powerful-food-photos-by-evoking-emotion-with-suze-morrison-part-2/
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| 30 Aug 2023 | #65 - How to become a commercial food photographer with Mica McCook | 00:57:34 | |
Do you have a full-time job and wonder what it’ll take to switch to food photography? Do you have a new photography business & wonder what would be the next best steps to propel your business forward? Or perhaps You're already in the field but struggling to attract more clients and projects?
It can be very overwhelming because photography is only one part of it. Pitching, marketing, contracts, finances and network building are some of the other parts. Obviously it is a lot to take in and wrap our head around. Today we’ve Mica McCook, food photographer based in Austin, who switched many corporate & creative careers in the pursuit to find her calling & finally found herself in commercial food photography. She tells us what it takes to prepare for the real world and how to build a profitable career out of food photography. We dive into the basics of setting yourself up as a professional food photographer. We spill the beans on how to pick the right gear and talk about some game-changing tips to give your business a boost.
We don't always have to reinvent the wheel. We can learn from the experiences of others and fast forward our journey. We can avoid making the same mistakes and follow the tried and tested winning strategies of those who’ve already walked that path.
If you've ever wondered whether food photography could be more than a hobby or side gig OR if you're itching to know how to grow your food photography biz, you won't want to miss this episode. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/65-how-to-become-a-commercial-food-photographer/
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| 06 Sep 2023 | #66 - Does your photography style limit you from working with clients? | 00:22:54 | |
When we are exploring food photography as a hobby, pursuing it only for the joy of it, we create photos that speak to us, that portray our interpretation of the art. And in that process of exploring, somewhere along the way we start creating a specific style of photos. For some, it is minimalistic photography. For some, they’re large compositions. For some, it is harsh light only. For some, they’re monochromatic colors. We all have a different artistic expression in our photography and we take pride in creating it. But what happens when we want to work with clients? When we have a signature style of photography, how do we work with clients? Does it stop us from working with clients or does it open doors to opportunities? In this week’s podcast episode, we are talking all about the emphasis on finding our photography style and whether it helps us in building our photography business or stops us from moving forward. I share my unpopular opinion on the idea of finding our style, when it comes to our rescue, how to use it to our advantage and when to move past it. I’m sure when you first took on client projects, you doubted your ability to nail their vision. You questioned whether you were skilled enough to work with clients in the first place And even today, if a new project comes your way, it gets you a tad bit nervous esp. if the style of photography is different from what you usually create. Our style can be our biggest strength and it can also be our weakness, depending on the situation and our business goals. There’s no right or wrong but there’s definitely an efficient and smart way to broaden our client base while still having a signature style of photography. Just because we have a signature style doesn’t mean we aren’t versatile. Learn what it means to have a distinct style and still be able to create in a variety of different photography styles. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/66-does-your-photography-style-limit-you-from-working-with-clients/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | #67 - Grow your business with Pop Art photography & videography with Sean Misa | 00:44:40 | |
Do you want to try a new style of photography & videography to keep the romance alive in your craft? Or maybe you want to start offering more services to your clients so you can make more money in your business?
What if there was a style of photography that was fun, bold and absolutely a hot favorite with brands in the current times..
Imagine the opportunity to learn something cool that could bring in extra or new clients. In this week’s podcast, we have a special guest, Sean Misa, who has mastered the art of pop art photography and videography in the world of food and product photography. Stop motion expert, Sean, is based in Seattle & tells us all about the hot trend of Pop Art. Sean has established himself as a thought leader and specialist in stop motion videos, particularly in creating pop art style content for brands around the world. He shares everything about this style, how to create it, how to approach clients, become an expert, use this skill to grow your business & emerging photography trends to watch out for. Photography and videography go hand in hand and when we already know the basics of photography, learning a new style becomes easy and fun. If we can create the style of photos and videos that are trending with brands right now, we have a huge opportunity to expand our client base. Pop Art is a hot favourite with brands and has gained a lot of popularity because of the way it uses popping colors and light. In my experience as a commercial photographer, I have seen brands move massively towards this style because it looks so chic, cutting edge and captures the attention of the viewer in a minute. And boy, am I glad I knew how to create it because it saved my current clients from turning to other photographers and also brought in new clients for me. Pop art is definitely a show stopper and it’s pretty awesome to be able to create it. Learn all about this trending style and turn it into an opportunity to bring in additional dollars or to build the versatility of your skills. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/67-grow-your-business-with-pop-art-photography-videography-with-sean-misa/
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| 27 Sep 2023 | #68 - How to break free from those "zero-dollar" months in your business | 00:22:08 | |
“There are months when I’ve so much work and then there are months with absolutely no projects.” “The income is so inconsistent, it’s hard to predict how much money I’ll make in the next 3 months.” “Some months it rains dollars, other months are drought.” "I don’t know if I can really turn to full-time photography, it’s so unpredictable." Does any of this sound familiar? Do you struggle with irregular patterns of client work & income? This unpredictability can be nerve wrecking. Not knowing if we’ll be able to make rent next month, is unsettling. So unsettling, that it can begin to take a toll on our emotional health and even consider giving up food photography, thinking that it is not a financially viable career. When that is totally not true!
Food photography is most definitely a full-fledged viable career choice, but just like any other business, it depends a lot on us. That’s why in this week’s episode, I want to share a powerful way for you to create consistent income in your food photography business so that you have a regular cycle of client projects. I talk about what to change in your business workflow to be able to start tapping into clients and projects that you may already have. Just one additional step in your trajectory can be a complete game changer. A little work from your side can lead to years of assured income. It's time to take control of your photography business and move away from those dreaded zero-dollar months.
And that’s important because a high is not a high without a low. Ofcourse, going from high to higher to higher is the best but unrealistic too. So, it becomes highly important to equip ourselves such that our lows are never too low. And it's a no-brainer when we don’t need any extra gear or investment to be able to do that. Oh and also if we don’t need any additional years of experience either. Never stay guessing whether next month will be a high or a low. Be a confident photographer, always having a certain level of predictability of your monthly income so you have a secure bank balance, peace of mind and continue making money doing what you love.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/68-how-to-break-free-from-those-zero-dollar-months-in-your-business/ Episode 56 - https://myfoodlens.com/56-top-3-questions-to-ask-a-client-on-a-discovery-call/
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| 04 Oct 2023 | #69 - How to become a beverage photographer with Jordan Hughes | 01:16:43 | |
Which photography subject is just as interesting and powerful as food? Ok here’s a hint - Beverage Photography! It is just as interesting as food and by including it to the list of subjects we shoot, we can actually start adding it as an additional service we offer to our clients. When we talk about beverage photography, there’s no way we can't mention Jordan Hughes @highproofpreacher - the ultimate master of beverage photography & videography. He’s been featured in Forbes, AskMen, Liquor.com, VinePair & was awarded both the editor’s & reader’s choice for Best Drinks Instagram 2019 by Saveur Magazine. In this week’s podcast episode, Jordan talks about everything related to beverage photography, how to improve your drinks photography, how to find clients, the role of social media and how to take up beverage photography professionally. Oftentimes we get so hung up on only the food aspect of food photography that we forget to explore the other powerful subject this niche offers like beverages. Shooting drinks enriches our portfolio, shows versatility, sharpens our skills and allows us to broaden the range of clients we serve and boost our business. We strengthen our potential as a food photographer by exploring subjects that can be a differentiator for us. What’s not to love about beverage photography! Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/69-how-to-become-a-beverage-photographer-with-jordan-hughes/ Want to improve your beverage photography skills?
Don’t forget to use code MYFOODLENS for 20% off.
Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | #70 - Are you missing a step in your photography process? | 00:46:23 | |
Do your photos spark an action? Do your photos leave an impact? Does your photography solve a problem? And how can photos spark an action in the first place? Is it even possible? How can you tell if they do? I can almost hear you saying, "Isn't food photography all about making mouths water?" Truth is, creating delicious photos & making a viewer drool is just the first step. And it's not enough. The real purpose of a food photo comes into play after making the viewer drool. It is that next step that determines how impactful our photo is. And creating impactful photos is critical if we want to take our photography to the next level and work with clients. It’s almost a non-negotiable in food photography, whether hobby or business. And to be able to create a photo that influences and warrants action, we need a powerful photography process in place. This week’s podcast episode is a fun one. I’m sharing my guest interview on the show, The Vine Podcast hosted by Madison Wetherill. I’m sharing - Why you need to create impactful photos How to streamline your photography process When do our photos miss the mark The exact steps to save time and be efficient in a photoshoot, yet create an impactful photo
We also want to create those meaningful photos without spending endless hours. This episode will not only empower you to create purposeful photos in an efficient way, it will also show you how creating impactful photos can help grow your photography business and make photography even more joyful & fulfilling. Having a streamlined process that saves you time, enhances your efficiency, and also maximizes the impact of your work, is an absolute win.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/70-are-you-missing-a-step-in-your-photography-process/
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| 18 Oct 2023 | #71-How to create a resilient food photography business unaffected by social media changes with Madhushree & Anindya Basu | 00:51:53 | |
Instagram has gone through such massive changes in the last year that we food photographers & bloggers are finding it difficult to love it like before. Some creators are thriving. Some have left the platform. Some have distanced themselves. Some return only for the community and conversations. It has impacted almost all of us esp. those who depended on Instagram for collaborations, influencer work, driving traffic to their blog or getting discovered by clients. While we feel robbed of the joy we once felt sharing our work on the platform, our businesses have also been impacted. It’s not easy navigating through this phase of social media. It doesn’t really inspire us to share our work on it anymore like before. Tell me you feel so too. This week’s podcast is ultra-special because we have not one, but two special guests - husband-wife, Madhushree and Anindya Basu @pikturenama. Previously restaurateurs, now food bloggers, food influencers, food photographer & videographer, cookbook authors, food writers, together the duo runs a creative agency in India. While many creators are struggling in this social media climate, Madhu and Anindya are buzzing with their thriving food blogging and photography business.. ..And in this episode they share how it’s been possible inspite of social media changes. We talk about the impact of social media on the creative industry, how to diversify your business, how to promote your business outside of social media, get discovered by clients, a powerful practice to grow your business while staying unaffected by Instagram algorithms etc. As creators, we love connecting back to a community on social media and as business owners, we love how social media gives us access to potential clients and showcases our professional work. There are so many reasons for us to feel frustrated given how it has changed but hearing Madhu & Anindya will not only give hope but also leave you with fresh ideas on how to navigate through this phase. It’s time to embrace, adapt and pivot because it is totally possible to still find joy in sharing our work and also have a thriving business in spite of Instagram’s mood swings.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
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| 25 Oct 2023 | #72 – The #1 mistake to avoid when investing in a course | 00:21:30 | |
Have you ever bought a course, and then left it for some or the other reason without completing it? Have you ever bought a course, completed it but it never really gave you results. Didn’t help much. Most of us have invested in courses in our creative lives and gone through the pain of certain courses not working out for us. We buy courses but don't always get the results we expect. What happens when a course doesn’t work out for us? It feels like a waste of money. It feels like a waste of time. We doubt whether we’re the only ones who didn’t quite get it. We judge the course instructor thinking they didn’t do a good job. It makes us hesitant to invest in another course again. While there are many mediocre courses out there and any of the above can be true about a course, we rarely invest in courses that are truly mediocre. We buy courses after careful thought & consideration. But still they don’t work out. WHY does that happen and WHEN does that happen? Spoiler alert - it has nothing to do with money. In this week’s podcast episode I share the #1 mistake when buying a course. The top reason why a course doesn’t help us, why we don’t feel motivated to complete it and how it impacts our faith in our skills. Quite often it is neither the content of the course nor the course instructor. The mistake has to do with us. I’ll tell you how I wasted 1000s of dollars just because of this one reason & share how to save money, make the right choice when it comes to investing in a course and get the maximum results from that decision. There’s no guarantee that a $1000 course will work better than a $100 course. It depends on us. If our selection is not based on that one solid criteria, whether it's $1000 or $100, both courses will be a waste of money and time. We have so much to learn as photographers, it is a time-consuming and energy demanding passion. We need to make sure that if we spend time and energy on learning something new, it should inch us towards our photography goals. If it leaves us confused, frustrated or exactly where we were, that course was definitely not the right choice. There is a way to always know which course would be the best choice and where to make your investment. Don’t make the same mistake I made for years.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
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| 08 Nov 2023 | #73 - The #1 lighting mistake in moody photography | 00:22:27 | |
Let’s say you have a friend who loves your photography.. ..but they don’t really understand the technicalities. One day you post a moody photo And they absolutely love it. So they ask, “how did you create it?” And you get excited and start telling them all about light and how light creates mood. But how confident are you about your understanding of light in moody photography? What if I told you that the most common mistake photographers make while creating moody photography is in the lighting. And that is majorly because of one huge misconception that has risen from social media. Many photographers teach this technique to create moody photography and those who learn don’t even realize that the technique is not really accurate. This week’s episode is inspired by that one misleading advice about lighting in moody photography that we see all over the internet. In this episode I describe the different moods in food photography, what creates mood, lighting basics for creating mood and the biggest lighting mistake we make in moody food photography. Light is the backbone of photography and it is made up of a ton of subtleties. Having a good hold on these subtleties allows us to take our photography to the next level. Understanding brights, highlights, shadows and darks is essential to be able to create a powerful food photo especially, if we want to create a specific mood in that photo. When we have a deep understanding of the components of light we can create different moods with exactly the same composition by working on the lighting alone. And if someone asks “how did you create it?” We understand lighting for moody photography well enough to be able to answer in the most informed and technically correct way.. … And with full confidence! Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/73-the-1-lighting-mistake-in-moody-photography/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 15 Nov 2023 | #74 - How to create a resilient food photography business unaffected by social media changes with Madhushree & Anindya Basu - Part 2 | 00:36:43 | |
Would you like more followers on social media? More likes? More engagement? YES? Almost everyone wishes they had a larger following on social media. Infact, there are courses in the market on “How to get 300k followers in 30 days.” Sounds tempting, right? Who wouldn't want a larger community? Why not? But the question we really need to ask is, why? Why do we want a larger community? How does it help us or help them? Will it make us better photographers? Will it boom our business? Will it celebritize us in the industry? Will it bring more clients? Truth is, having a large following is very minutely linked to any of these. The celebritize part I would agree with but at the core of being photographers and business owners, social media only solves a certain purpose for us. This week on the podcast we continue our conversation on this hot topic with the power-duo, husband-wife team, Madhushree and Anindya Basu @pikturenama. Previously restaurateurs, now food bloggers, food influencers, food photographer & videographer, cookbook authors, food writers, together the duo runs a creative agency in India. Madhu and Anindya have a stunning social media presence and are driving a successful food blogging and photography business. ..And in this episode they share how it’s been possible inspite of social media changes. We discuss whether algorithm changes impact client work, When do the numbers on social media matter, Mistakes creators make, what it takes to create a robust presence on social media & the absolute needle moving effort that improves skills and brings business There is no denying that social media numbers are important but we need to have utmost clarity on how they’re working for us and why we should work on them. It is essential to take a step back and look at our clients or our revenue generators to see how much of it is really linked to social media. What would happen if our numbers didn’t grow? What would fall apart? This conversation with Madhu & Anindya is an eye opener. They’re practical about the value of social media but at the same time, they’ve taken steps to build a solid foundation for their business that does not get impacted by algorithm changes. If you’ve wondered whether it’s possible to thrive as a food photographer with a smaller following on social media or creating less content or being less present, this episode is for you. It will tell you exactly where numbers matter and where they don’t
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/74-how-to-create-a-resilient-food-photography-business-unaffected-by-social-media-changes-with-madhushree-anindya-basu-part-2/ | |||
| 22 Nov 2023 | #75- Not making enough money in food photography? 3 common mistakes to avoid | 00:18:32 | |
A few weeks ago someone on social media commented on one of my posts saying that in their opinion they didn’t believe that food photography could ever be a full-time career, that it could be profitable or be taken up professionally. I didn’t say much to this because we are all welcome to have our opinions and unfortunately, this is a common opinion about our industry. But between you and me, I completely disagree. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing in the world that cannot be a full-time profession, it all depends on us. And food photography, c’mon, we have so many success stories in front of us who are leading a thriving career in food photography. But I can also understand why someone might feel that food photography cannot be a full-time profession. I mean, do food photographers make enough money? Do you? The answer is Yes and No. I know many successful food photographers who are doing well financially because of the way they’ve shaped their creative career but I also know several who are struggling to make ends meet and questioning whether it was the right choice. If you fall in the latter category, I have something for you today. In this week's podcast episode, I’m sharing 3 simple yet big reasons why you might not be making enough money in your photography business. I’ve included immediate actionable steps that you can take today to change the way you might be bringing in revenue in your business. These might seem obvious but they’re highly overlooked and not applied, resulting in the frustration of pursuing a career that we dearly love but cannot sustain financially. The good news is that we can change that. This episode is for you if - You’re not making as much as you’d like in your photography business Or You’d like to make more than what you do right now Or You’re curious if you’re missing anything in your business workflow even though you’re pretty happy with what you’re making Money is not what got us into food photography so how can it be the reason to take us away from it. At the same time, we need to be practical. We've got to pay rent, our child's school fees, bills, and we deserve a comfortable life too… And if food photography is not bringing us that joy both emotionally and financially then it’s time to relook at the way we are driving it. Don’t fall for a stranger’s opinion on whether food photography is full-time worthy or not. Your financial freedom is in your hands.Do the work and bask in the success. Here are 3 simple practices to put the rein into your hands.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
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| 06 Dec 2023 | #76 - How to save time & money when investing in photography gear | 00:17:58 | |
I don’t know which camera to buy. Is this lens worth the cost? Should I go for flash or continuous lights? Deciding on which camera equipment to buy is never easy. It almost always comes down to our budget and whether it’s worth the investment. Have you ever bought a piece of gear and found that it wasn’t really worth buying, didn't improve your photography or was too inconvenient to use? We’ve all spent money on equipment we didn’t really need & we’ve all dreamt of certain equipment we wish we had in our collection. Photography is an expensive craft and we need to be extremely careful where we invest. In this week’s podcast episode, I’ll share one of the best ways to save time and money while investing in photography equipment. Sometimes we wish to upgrade our gear, sometimes we need to replace it and sometimes we are intrigued by a new technology in the market. If we can strengthen our selection process, it can actually save us dollars but also headache, frustration and stress. Here's a simple practice, no matter which stage of the creative journey you’re in, that can be a huge game-changer in our photography investment and skills improvement. The photography equipment we own depends a lot on our personal preferences, our workflow and the kind of work we create either for ourselves or for our clients. It takes many factors for a certain equipment to work for us and take our skills to the next level. One wrong choice can set us back hundreds and thousands of dollars. It can also set us back in our confidence and in feeling skillful - that’s how important it is to make our equipment choice wisely. There is a way for us to make an informed decision which has a 100% guarantee of working for us. If you’re wondering if that's really possible, I want to tell you, it absolutely is. Spend your money on the right equipment, save the headache of decision-making & become a more skillful photographer in the process. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
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| 13 Dec 2023 | #77 - How to take a cookbook shoot from start to finish with Diana Muresan - part 1 | 00:47:07 | |
Ever dreamt of shooting a cookbook? How would you feel seeing your work in print? How would you feel if you opened a cookbook and found your photos on large pages staring right back at you? I don’t think I’ve ever met a photographer who didn’t want to see their work in print, who wasn’t excited by the thought of photographing a cookbook and creating memories not only special for the author of the cookbook but also for themselves. That feeling is pretty priceless, I’ll say.
There are so many questions about cookbook photography projects that fill our minds that most of the time, the intimidation of the process itself stops us from signing up for a cookbook project, in spite of wanting it so badly. In this week’s episode, Diana Muresan, commercial & editorial food photographer, stylist, blogger and educator based in Canada, who has worked with cookbook authors, national and international food brands and marketing & PR agencies, shares the A-Z process of a cookbook shoot. In our conversation we cover everything from - Landing a cookbook project Questions to ask before quoting for the project Pricing for the project The styling & photography skills needed The team setup required …and basically the entire shebang of taking a cookbook shoot project from start to finish.
Even if there is a mention, there aren't enough details to be able to get a good grip on the entire process. A holistic picture of what this sort of a project entails is somewhat missing in our industry conversations. This episode gives complete insight on what a cookbook project looks like at every single stage. If you’ve ever wanted to photograph a cookbook or wondered what it is to take on such a project, this episode is for you.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/77-how-to-take-a-cookbook-shoot-from-start-to-finish/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | #78 – How to take a cookbook shoot from start to finish with Diana Muresan – part 2 | 00:45:39 | |
Few years ago I received an enquiry from a brand for a cookbook photoshoot. They had seen my work and wanted to know more about my process and also my rates for the project. I shrieked. I mean who doesn’t want to shoot a cookbook. Almost every photographer dreams of it. I did too. I was excited reading that email. But there was a minor problem. I had never done a cookbook shoot before. I had absolutely no idea what the process looked like and how I was supposed to charge for it. I mean it wasn’t a magazine, it was a cookbook. They’re both print media but are they really similar in process and pricing? My head was spinning. And so, I reached out to my dear friend in the industry, Diana muresan. Diana food photographer, stylist, blogger and educator, was also an experienced cookbook photographer & she came to my rescue. I bombarded her with questions and she answered each one of them patiently and with complete transparency. In this week’s podcast we continue our conversation with Diana Muresan about cookbook shoots and she shares all the tricky details. We talk about pricing the project confidently, credits to be included in such projects, curveballs to expect and how to cater for contingencies, how to keep such projects profitable and whether cookbook photography is lucrative enough. So, when I received that client enquiry, I had made a rough estimate of $5000 for the project but after my conversation with Diana, I realized how far off that was from what the project fee should have been. Based on the brief, it was easily a $12000 project. But I would’ve never known had I not spoken to someone about it. Imagine if I would’ve been hired for $5000 only to realize too late what the project fee should have actually been. Can you imagine the jolt to my confidence, passion and my desire to do a good job on the project? Leave all of that, imagine how unappreciated and unvalued it would’ve made me feel. We never want to be in that situation. If we run a photography business, it is always a good idea to know about the different kinds of projects in the industry, what it takes to execute them & how to quote for them so that if there is ever an opportunity, our decision to take it up or leave it is based on our interest it instead of our lack of knowledge about it. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/78-how-to-take-a-cookbook-shoot-from-start-to-finish-with-diana-muresan-part-2/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 10 Jan 2024 | #79 - How to find a higher purpose & make food photography more meaningful | 00:23:00 | |
Look at you stepping into the new year with a smile! Well, I hope you’re smiling because it's the time of the year when fresh starts and new beginnings feel a lot easier to make. I don’t know about your goals but a big goal for me last year and the year before was to not quit food photography. Yep! It was my goal to do what I’m doing in spite of things not going my way. It was a tough one no matter how easy it sounds. And a big part of trying to achieve my goal of not quitting was to be able to recenter myself and constantly remind myself of why I do what I do. Over and over again. A shocking realization in the process was that my love for food photography alone was not big enough to keep me in it. There had to be something more, something that would pull me out of the trenches every time I was sinking. And there was one thing that did exactly that over and over again. It was a huge part of bringing a sense of purpose and a higher meaning to my creative life. It kept me from giving up. In this week’s episode I’m sharing how to find that higher meaning and purpose in food photography. I share why we all need a higher purpose and need to make our photography journey more meaningful, how my entire way of thinking changed once I discovered this purpose, how a small simple step can change your life and others too.
But when I was on the verge of giving up and leaving food photography for good in 2021 that higher purpose grounded me. It saved me from making a decision I knew I would not be happy about. We as humans are always seeking meaning and also logic in everything we do. As passionate as we might be, as creatives we battle self-doubt, judgment, insecurity and sometimes, the feeling of not being seen as an equal to someone with a hot-shot corporate job. We work hard on our skills and business, but I think we work harder on our mindset. We work harder in trying to navigate the tough road of a creative life and an even tougher path of entrepreneurship. If there is a way to make it a tad easier for ourselves, a way for us to navigate this tough path with more strength, resilience and joy, then why not try it. I’m sharing an easy and simple way to create a deep-rooted sense of purpose in your creative lives. I can guarantee that once you find it, you’ll never see food photography the same way and no one around you will either.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/79-how-to-find-a-higher-purpose-make-food-photography-more-meaningful/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 17 Jan 2024 | #80 - How to build a photography business while balancing family - part 1 with Tessa Huff | 00:40:06 | |
If you had to uproot yourself and move to a new country, How would you feel at that point in life? Would you be excited at the prospect of building a new life and having a clean slate to start from? Or Would you be upset that you had to shut down your business and move to a completely unknown country and start building a life from scratch with such a huge life change on the way? Most of us would be pretty confused or pulled down. I know I would. And even if I would be okay with everything, willing to start a new business, the news of the baby would make me think. I would be excited but also wonder if it would be a good time to start a new business knowing full well how big mom commitments are. Why am I asking you this? Because this is the story of our podcast guest, Tessa Huff. Tessa had to overcome all those challenges that I mentioned above and in spite of it, she built a successful food blogging and photography business for herself. Tessa is a food photographer, blogger, professional cake designer, and cookbook author based in Canada. She’s worked with several big brands including food network Canada. In this week’s episode Tessa shares exactly how she built a business from scratch while taking care of 3 kids at home. She shares what it takes to uproot yourself and settle in a new country, how to set a niche for your business, food styling and content creation tips and how to set up an organized approach to build a successful business from the get go.
We often take challenges and life changes as setbacks but the truth is that these changes have the potential to shape a brighter future for us. Tessa’s opportunity to work with Food Network may or may not have happened had she not moved to Canada. A life change whether it's moving cities, having a baby or simply the idea of starting a business, tune in to learn how to accomplish everything without compromising on anything. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/80-how-to-build-a-photography-business-while-balancing-family-part-1-with-tessa-huff/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 24 Jan 2024 | #81 - Take your lighting to the next level in food photography | 00:21:07 | |
Have you ever taken a photo and thought - “Ughh! that looks dull” “Why does my photo look flat” “That food does not look delicious” “Why doesn’t my photo pop” “Ok, that looks good but I wish it was better” “Gosh! I did everything right but there’s still something missing” Truth is, 90% of the time that missing factor in our photos is the light. Most of us understand the basics of lighting in food photography but we are forever striving to take it to the next level. We are constantly working on building a better understanding of light and honing our technique so we can create more impactful and eye-catching food photos. But what does it take to create next-level lighting in our photos? How do we tell whether the light in our photos is powerful enough? In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing simple yet powerful techniques to take the lighting in our food photography to the next-level. I share some key considerations that can skyrocket the way we work with light & double the power of our photos by working with light in a very intentional way. In this episode, we go beyond lighting-101. It’s about thinking about light and working with it the way most professionals and experienced photographers do.
It doesn’t matter whether we work with artificial light or natural light, whether it's soft light or harsh light, once we have a solid grip on technique, it applies to anything and everything we create. This episode will give you insights into what to look for when you feel there's something missing in your photo. It will also help you look at light differently. It will help you get intimate with your light and really create a photo that meets your vision. We all want to create next-level photos and one of the most essential ways to get there is to deepen our understanding of light.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
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| 30 Jan 2024 | #82 - How to build a photography business while balancing family - part 2 with Tessa Huff | 00:37:04 | |
Being a full-time photographer and running a business can be very overwhelming.esp when everyone around is constantly hustling. Someone is working with food52 Someone is shooting for Delicious magazine Someone just made $500,000 by selling their online course Someone is talking about completing 10 years in food photography We hear them, we look at their photography businesses and go, “Sigh! I’m so behind. Everyone is doing so much. I need to work more, work harder.” Running a business is tough. But do you know what is the best part about having your own business? The best part is that your business is your own. It can be anything you want it to be and it does not need to be like anyone else’s. In this week’s episode, we continue our conversation with food photographer, blogger, professional cake designer, and cookbook author, Tessa Huff, who tells us all about how to create a business you love without compromising on your personal life. Tessa has 3 kids, moved countries, shut down a business and started a photography business from scratch only to go on to work with brands like Food network canada. The biggest step she took to set herself up for success was by creating a business unique to her and not influenced by how others were doing it in the industry. In this episode Tessa tells us her challenge of working with food network, how she continues to work with brands on an ongoing basis, how she wrote a cookbook while balancing a business and family and how to make photography a profitable business. The advantage of having our own business is that we can make it anything we like. It doesn’t have to look like someone else’s. We are unique as creatives, our lives are different from each other so how can our businesses look the same? If we can come to terms with this simple concept, it makes it so much easier to create a business around the life we have. Our personal commitments are as important, if not more, than our professional responsibilities. Oftentimes, life changes or starting from scratch makes us feel like we’ve fallen behind. But the truth is that there is no “behind” in life. The biggest advantage of having our own business is that we can set our own pace, milestones, deadlines, processes and definition of success. If you’ve been wondering whether your photography career will ever take off or are feeling behind because of personal commitments or you’re thinking about starting a new business, this episode is for you.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 07 Feb 2024 | #83 - Don’t lose a year. Make this easy goal setting tweak now | 00:18:35 | |
Whether it’s the start of the year or not, we all find ourselves at different points in our journey setting new goals, striving to achieve existing ones, or perhaps even questioning the necessity of setting goals altogether. Regardless of our stand on goal setting, we all have ambitions for our creative journey. It could be launching a new project, getting better at photography, growing our business, or simply finding more balance in our lives. Whether we set ambitious goals or avoid setting goals altogether to dodge the feeling of overwhelm, we have our own unique approach to move towards our creative aspirations. In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing what I wish I had done differently at the start of last year and how I’m approaching my goals this year. Whether you set goals or not, the idea that I’m sharing in this episode can be a game-changer in your creative journey.
Goal-setting is exactly like that. How can we reach somewhere if we don’t set a destination? In this episode I’m sharing a goal-setting tip that can change how much you achieve this year. Making that small tweak in the way you set goals is like picking your parking bay and reversing exactly between the 2 white lines. Perfectly.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
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| 21 Feb 2024 | #84 - How to know when to create large compositions | 00:25:23 | |
I can totally see why. First off, for the simple reason that composition is art. It is subjective and everyone’s style is different. So it really leaves a lot of grey area on whether a certain technique works or not. Secondly, because composition is an art, it is tough to learn it technically. Yes, we can understand guides and placement and general rules around composition but really, we all know that creating composition is like composing music. Thirdly, compositions are tough because there are so many choices. Any food can be photographed in infinite no. of ways. And because the choices are so vast, it often becomes a time struggle for us. In addition to the time we spend on creating the composition, theres so much decision making that has to be done to choose a composition style for our subject, ending up in taking up more time. What if there was a way to make that decision faster? What if you could look at a food subject and decide what composition style would suit it best? What if you could save all that time upfront? In this week’s episode, we discuss how to know when to create large compositions. We discuss the 3 categories of food that are worth spending the time to create elaborate compositions, how to use that to your advantage in client projects and how to work smartly to create simpler yet powerful compositions.
We are either disappointed or think that we don’t have the skills to envision the result upfront or we start over and recreate. None of these situations are preferable. Learn a simple way of identifying which food works best for larger compositions can help save time, develop the skill of envisioning the result upfront and also position us as experts in front of clients. Whether composition-creation is a struggle or not, here’s a simple way to work smarter with it.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/84-how-to-know-when-to-create-large-compositions/ Download free guide and workbook | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | #85 - The hidden realities of being a professional food photographer with Francesco Sapienza - part 1 | 00:49:44 | |
What do you think it takes to be a successful commercial food photographer? Excellent camera skills? High level of Creativity? Crazy passion for photography? Expensive photography equipment? What if I told you, none of the above are deal breakers to be a commercial photographer. It takes more than camera skills, creativity and passion to run a photography business. Most of us get into food photography because we love food or have a passion for photography but running a successful and profitable photography business is a completely different game and definitely not a piece of cake. In this week’s podcast we are getting as raw and real as it gets. We are peeling back the layers & sharing the truth of being a commercial food photographer with our guest, Francesco Sapienza, a food photographer based in NYC. He’s worked with huge names like the New York Times, Smithsonian Books, Rizzoli publications, Whole foods market etc. and is sharing how to build a photography business in a competitive market and the challenges to expect. We talk about the different kinds of projects under commercial food photography, how to transition from part-time to full-time photography, the secret ingredient to set up a business, how to add & price your services, rejection in business, whether to get an agent, how to market yourself in a competitive market etc. If you want a real peek into the opportunities and challenges of being a commercial food photographer, this episode is for you.
Ever seen an iceberg? We see a small part of the iceberg above water but the majority is below the surface. A food photography business is exactly like that. What we see on social media or hear professionals talk about is only the part of the business above the surface. There is a large part we don’t see or hear about. In this week’s episode, we’re pulling that large part of the iceberg out of the water so that you can see it in its entirety. Not to discourage you though but to prepare you. This episode is full of truth bombs that will help you in your journey and set you up for success. It will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and embrace change better.
Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/ Download free resources The 10-step photoshoot | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | #86 - Side Back light - When to use & avoid it in food photography | 00:18:10 | |
Have you ever been in a photoshoot and felt something was off, but you couldn't quite figure it out? Most of the time, it's because of one big reason – light. But instead of tackling light, our tendency is usually to start fussing with props and backdrops and composition, thinking that is the problem when actually sometimes all it needs is a tiny tweak in the light. But here's the deal – to tweak the light, we’ve got to know what to tweak. We’ve got to understand light. In this week’s podcast, I'm sharing all about one of the most dynamic lighting direction for food photography – Side Backlight. Yep, this kid of lighting is my absolute personal favourite and I share all the reasons why it is so powerful. In this episode I also talk about where this light might not be the best fit because that is part of understanding light. Not just where it works but also where it doesn’t so that not only can we create this awesome light, but also know what to do if we get stuck. The lighting techniques for food photography are not the same as other forms of photography. A solid grasp of lighting in food photography not only streamlines our photoshoot workflow but also propels our skills forward. Understanding various lighting techniques allows us to harness the unique strengths of each type of light, tailoring them to create the mood we want and make the food hero look like a million bucks. Infact, it is the #1 skill every food photographer needs - a good grip on lighting techniques & the ability to troubleshoot when needed. I personally think that side back light is a superhero, it is mine atleast & once you begin to use it, I’m certain this lighting style will totally wow you. Don’t be at the mercy of available light. Create light the way you want and take your photography to the next-level. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/86-side-back-light-when-to-use-avoid-it-in-food-photography/ Download free resources | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | #87 - The hidden realities of being a professional food photographer with Francesco Sapienza - Part 2 | 00:53:24 | |
Have you noticed that a basic food photographer can have a thriving business and Have you also noticed that a brilliant photographer may not really be making enough in their business? This is more common than you might think. Photography talent is very different from business acumen. They’re both completely different skill sets and just because we are good at photography doesn’t automatically imply we’ll have a profitable business. Yes, it begins with us falling in love with photography. That step is a must to be able to even start a business, but once we are in it, the real game begins. Just like any other business, the reality of running a photography business is more than meets the eye. It might look like all we have to do is take photos for clients, but that’s not what a successful photography business is only about. In this week’s episode, we continue our conversation with the NYC based Italian food photographer, Fracensco Sapienza, to learn more about the unseen realities of being a full-time food photographer. This episode is hot & fiery as we dive into pricing, scaling your business, how to make it bigger by working less, client work, pitching to big brands, how to meet the profit and success we dream of when we set up a business etc. If you’re thinking of moving to full-time photography or wanting to grow the business you already have, become informed about the path ahead and empower yourself for success. Just because there are challenges, doesn’t mean there aren't ways to overcome them. Being aware of those challenges and having realistic expectations is a large part of meeting success in our business. What looks easy on the outside is way more complicated on the inside. But there is no stopping if we decide that a photography business is what we want. Just like we build careers in the corporate world, it takes time and effort to build a career in the business world too. And just because we are artists, doesn't mean we are destined to live the image of the “starving artist”. Let’s be successful business owners and passionate artists. Learning from someone else’s struggles and being prepared for curveballs puts us in a strong position to live the dream we so badly desire. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/87-the-hidden-realities-of-being-a-professional-food-photographer-with-francesco-sapienza-part-2/ Download free resources The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/ | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | #88 - Why your photography business is not taking off | 00:23:11 | |
Have you ever looked at another photographer and wondered why they’re doing better than you? Why is their business more successful than yours? Why have they achieved what you’ve not? Why is your business not growing like theirs? Will your business ever look like theirs? Will you ever be as successful as them? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, then let me share with you that the reason why some businesses are more successful than others is because they have a secret hack. And no matter which industry it is, every successful person knows this secret and they’re using it to their advantage to build the business of their dreams. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the reason why your photography business is not taking off & the reason you’re not seeing results in spite of doing all the hard work. I share the secret hack that all successful entrepreneurs have which has helped them build their businesses and can help you build yours too. I share a simple way to incorporate this secret into your business to achieve success. It’s a teeny tiny hack that can make a big impact.
But also knowing fully well that your business should not look like anyone else’s. Not only because that’s what’ll make it unique but also because no two people are alike. So how can their businesses be alike? Your dreams for your business, your vision and your efforts will be very different from someone else's. But irrespective of what your vision for your creative journey is, there is a way to get to where you want to be. There is only one difference between those who are successful at what they set out to do and those who are not, and it is that one practice. If you’re feeling stuck or that your business is not taking off, this episode might change that.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/88-why-your-photography-business-is-not-taking-off/ Download free resources | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | How to create captivating food videos and monetize your content with Eva Kosmas Flores - Part 1 | 00:42:16 | |
The future is looking towards food in motion. I mean, look at social media. We’re seeing a surge in food videos. Look at client briefs. They want their products to be captured in action. Look at our potential of being able to convey a visual story of food way more powerfully through videos. There is no denying that photos will always hold their importance but the future will have a huge demand for videos. Now, I love creating photos but videos make me sweat. The amount of time, different set of technical skills, additional equipment, and then new editing applications, just totally overwhelms me. If you’re like me, you probably feel the same way that videos are too much work or perhaps, videos don't interest you at all. But the one thing I’ve discovered over the years of being a creative business owner is that our growth & success highly depend on our ability to adapt and pivot towards where the market is moving while staying true to our values and vision as a creative. If you want to ease into video creation, you want to tune into this week’s podcast episode with the Queen of Videography, Eva Kosmas Flores. Eva Kosmas Flores is a photographer, author, and educator based in Portland, Oregon. She teaches video and photography through her online courses and in-person workshops. She is an icon in the food photography industry & has been creating food videos for over a decade. She has stayed open to how the food content creation industry has evolved and has grown her business exponentially by offering photo and video content to clients.
Short videos can capture the audience on your food blog & increase traffic. A photo and video package offered as a service to brands can add scope and bring more revenue. And if you’re creating for passion, expressing food through movement can be a highly enriching & moving experience. If you’ve been thinking about growing your skills, expanding the range of services to brands, somersaulting your social media presence, or just exploring your creativity, this episode with Eva will ease you into the world of creating captivating food videos.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ | |||
| 11 Apr 2024 | #90 - 5 quick tips to improve the lighting in your food photography | 00:18:23 | |
This week on the podcast, I’ve 5 quick tips to improve the lighting in your food photography. There is always so much to learn about light. Small, subtle changes can completely change the feel of a photo. It can take a photo from realistic to artistic, with never-ending options. Flatlay photography, adding movement to photos, or a creative way to learn about lighting - this week’s tips will immediately tell you what might be missing or can be improved in your photos. It is the reminder we all need every once in a while to stay on top of our lighting game. The truth is that a simple composition with stunning light is way more powerful, than a large composition with beautiful props but okay light.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens Show notes available https://myfoodlens.com/5-quick-tips-to-improve-the-lighting-in-your-food-photography/ Download free resources | |||
| 17 Apr 2024 | #91 - How to create captivating food videos and monetize your content with Eva Kosmas Flores - Part 2 | 00:42:04 | |
Most photographers start a full-time or part-time business with passion and enthusiasm. But over time, when the rubber hits the road, they begin to run out of steam because they hit a roadblock - How to grow the business and make more $$ every month? How to scale the business, a natural progression? Where to go from here, what’s next? Staying in business, any business, not just photography, is a challenge. Building a sustainable business requires us to stay on top of market demands, continuously reinvent ourselves, and get smart about how we run the business so we don’t burn out. One of the ways food photographers can continue to do all of the above and stay in business is by adding a service for their clients - a service that is in hot demand and will only continue to get more attention in the future. It is the service of creating food videos. In this week’s podcast episode, we continue our conversation with the queen of videography, Eva Kosmas Flores. Eva is a photographer, author, and educator based in Portland, Oregon. She teaches video and photography through her online courses and in-person workshops. Eva has been creating food videos for over a decade & has grown her business exponentially by offering photo and video content to clients. She talks about the business side of food videos in part 2 of this episode covering how to price videos, licensing & copyright, pitching to clients, how to leverage videos to stand out from the competition, the style of videos for the future & much more.
Food videos can help you stay in business. Not only stay in business, but also skyrocket and catapult your business. Tune into the episode to learn what a successful & thriving food photography & videography business looks like.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/91-how-to-create-captivating-food-videos-and-monetize-your-content-with-eva-kosmas-flores-part-2/
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| 24 Apr 2024 | #92 - How to partner with brands for sponsored content with M. Aimee Tan - part 1 | 00:47:47 | |
This week on the podcast, M. Aimee Tan, a professional food and beverage photographer, food stylist, creative director, recipe developer, and content creator based in Canada, reveals everything you need to know about creating sponsored posts for brands. Aimee works with local, and global clientele as well as PR & marketing agencies. In this episode, she discusses how to get started with brand partnerships for social media content, how to pitch, the eligibility to approach brands, ways to position your value and offer a range of services under the realm of sponsored posts, and whether a large social media following and a media kit is needed.
Which means there is so much potential for us to add sponsored posts as a service to our businesses as a way to widen our client base and diversify our revenue streams. Don’t let myths and misconceptions hold you back from partnering with brands of your choice and portraying their products in your unique style. Whether you’re in Asia or Europe or anywhere else in the world, remember that we live in a global world & digitalization has dissolved boundaries.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/92-how-to-partner-with-brands-for-sponsored-content-with-m-aimee-part-1/
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| 08 May 2024 | #93 - 4 reasons why a food photography business may not be the right fit for you | 00:33:27 | |
In this week’s podcast, I’m sharing 4 practical reasons why pursuing food photography as a business may not be the right career choice for you. As someone who advocates turning your passion into your profession, I had a tough time creating this episode, but it was important to share the 4 main areas you need to keep an eye on if you want to start or grow your business. If you’re facing frustration, burnout, or self-doubt, this episode might tell you which areas of your business need attention.
Running a business is a tough journey but going in with our eyes wide open can help us recognize curveballs, stay vigilant, and deal with setbacks without burning out.
Just like we put on our seat belts before an airplane takes off to be steady during turbulence, we need to do the same in business too.
Take away unrealistic expectations, surprises, and misunderstandings from your creative journey. Tune in to find out whether a food photography business is the right fit for you.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/93-4-reasons-why-a-food-photography-business-may-not-be-the-right-fit-for-you/ | |||
| 15 May 2024 | #94 - How to partner with brands for sponsored content with M. Aimee Tan - Part 2 | 00:45:34 | |
This week on the podcast we continue our conversation with M. Aimee Tan, a professional food and beverage photographer, food stylist, creative director, recipe developer, and content creator based in Canada, who reveals everything you need to know about creating sponsored posts for brands.
Here's how to Create a streamlined and profitable process to work on sponsored content.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/94-how-to-partner-with-brands-for-sponsored-content-with-m-aimee-tan-part-2/ | |||
| 22 May 2024 | #95 - How to attract success without working more hours with Megan Porta - part 1 | 00:26:25 | |
If you’ve been working hard and not finding the success you desire, you might be missing the same piece of the puzzle as I was. We love learning about creativity and photography. We tend to invest our time and money in them thinking that getting better at those skills will pave the path for our success. And when someone tells us that we actually can attract success without working so hard, by just making small changes in our habits and behaviors, we tend to overlook that advice until we hit a roadblock. At that point when we hit rock bottom, it strikes that the only way to spring back is to think differently, focus our energy differently, and shift our mindset. The biggest piece of the puzzle in finding success was our mindset. What we think, what we say to ourselves, what we believe about ourselves and what we think about money has a huge role to play in how success reaches us. In this week’s podcast episode, Megan Porta, an OG food blogger and the founder of the Eat Blog Talk podcast talks about habits and thoughts that are essential to attract success as a Creative. She helps entrepreneurs who want to break through their limiting beliefs and achieve breakthrough results in their creative careers.
We love learning about creativity and photography. We tend to invest our time and money in them thinking that getting better at those skills will pave the path for our success. And when someone tells us that we actually can attract success without working so hard, by just making small changes in our habits and behaviors, we tend to overlook that advice until we hit a roadblock. At that point when we hit rock bottom, it strikes us that the only way to spring back is to think differently, focus our energy differently, and shift our mindset. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/95-how-to-attract-success-without-working-more-hours-with-megan-porta-part-1/ | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | #96 - How to attract success without working more hours with Megan Porta - part 2 | 00:37:47 | |
In this week’s podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Megan Porta, an OG food blogger and the founder of the Eat Blog Talk podcast. We talk about habits and thoughts essential to attract success as a Creative. Megan helps entrepreneurs break through their limiting beliefs and achieve breakthrough results in their creative careers. She shares unexpected ways to increase productivity, how to come out of your comfort zone to discover your full potential, how to get more results by working less, and tools and resources to avoid triggers and comparisons that bring negativity.
But overworking can actually repel success. When we begin to see beyond hard work and talent, we realize the untapped power of what lies within us to attract the success meant for us. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/96-how-to-attract-success-without-working-more-hours-with-megan-porta-part-2/ | |||
| 13 Jun 2024 | #97 - How to build a six-figure food photography business with Sam Adler - part 1 | 00:52:45 | |
When we see others finding a level of success that looks too far-fetched, we begin to believe that it is not possible for us. Instead, when we take the success of others as proof that it is indeed possible & tell ourselves that if others have achieved it, then it must be doable, we begin to make way for more joy, success, and money than we imagined… Because then we set a new limit for ourselves and start working towards it. Don’t miss out on opportunities, understand where to work hard & where to work smart, and tap into a revenue stream you may have been ignoring. I invite you to tune into this week’s podcast where Sam Adler, a food photographer, Saveur Blog Award winner, and food blogger talks about what it takes to become a 6-figure and 7-figure Creative. Sam already has a 6-figure food photography and blogging business. She also has 3 kids and aims to make a million dollars in revenue next year. She knows it’s going to happen. And she’s telling us everything about how we can make it happen for us too. Sam openly shares her $$ business revenue trajectory over the last few years, how her blog made over 100k when she took time off work as a new mom, how to book $20,000 photography projects, how to price, pitch, and find high- paying clients .. and much more. If you’re stuck, feel that you’re not making enough in your food photography business, or doubt that you could have a money-making profitable business - you have to tune in.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/97-how-to-build-a-six-figure-food-photography-business-with-sam-adler-part-1/ | |||
| 26 Jun 2024 | #98 - How to build a six-figure food photography business with Sam Adler - part 2 | 00:46:07 | |
In this week’s podcast, we continue our conversation with Sam Adler, a food photographer, Saveur Blog Award winner, and food blogger about what it takes to become a 6-figure food photographer. Sam already has a 6-figure food photography and blogging business. She also has 3 kids, and is aiming to make a million dollars in revenue next year. Being able to justify our rates, watch out for pricing mistakes, learn to negotiate, and find legitimate resources for industry standards are essential for building a robust, secure business. Sam shares how to find high-paying clients, industry standards for license fees, raise your rates regularly, make 100k with your food blog, negotiate when budgets don’t align etc. If you’re stuck, feel that you’re not making enough in your food photography business, or doubt that you could have a profitable business, learn how to navigate the challenges blocking your way to a six-figure business. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/98-how-to-build-a-six-figure-food-photography-business-with-sam-adler-part-2/ | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | #99 - 5 Professional Replies to Client requests for RAW Files without losing their trust | 00:30:03 | |
This week on the podcast, I’m sharing 5 reasons why you shouldn’t share RAW files with a client and how to communicate it professionally. I share 5 critical aspects of RAW file sharing that clients may not be aware of, and maybe you too. Even if you do, you may not be bringing it up with the client thinking it’s not important or they probably already know.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/99-5-professional-replies-to-client-requests-for-raw-files-without-losing-their-trust/ | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | #100 - 3 Surprising lessons every photographer needs for a successful business | 00:31:35 | |
Now, did you know that about 20% of all small businesses fail within the first year, half of the remaining fail within the first five years, and only about one in three get to the 10-year mark? In this week’s milestone episode, as we celebrate the 100th episode, I want to share the top 3 lessons that made this possible and kept me in business. I was on the verge of quitting at the 3-year mark but I didn’t and one of the lessons here came from that experience. In this episode, I share the conversation that shook me and changed my status to business owner. I also talk about the surprising investment I made to not quit food photography, and my biggest learning so far. Let my mistakes save you from tears, financial setbacks, and from giving up on your dreams. I’ve seen more businesses shut down than take off. I've seen food photographers give up their dreams and return to desk jobs they hate. I have friends who did not have the courage to follow their passion to run a business. I have seen the most talented photographers get crippled by the fear of failure and quit forever. Running a business or following a Creative career is not for the faint-hearted. We all know that. But there are small shifts in our thinking, professional practices and lifestyle that can make this path easier with a higher chance of success. Let’s be the one in three businesses that make it past the 10-year mark by learning from the surprising situations that our creative journey throws at us.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/surpising lessons every photographer needs for a successful business | |||
| 29 Aug 2024 | #101 - How to create a photography portfolio that grows your business with Lucia Marecak - part 1 | 00:50:32 | |
Our portfolio is a reflection of our skill, style, and aspiration as a photographer. So, the portfolio must be built with intention and strategy. The work in our portfolio must be cherry-picked and chosen strategically. It is the intention and strategy that brings results. Knowing how to create photos for a portfolio efficiently and effectively is essential for reaching more clients and increasing your chance of success with every outreach. If you haven't seen much success in your client outreach or closing deals with brands, it might be time to look at your portfolio, how you’re sharing it, what you’re sharing, and what your website represents.
Lucia shares everything from the kind of photos to include in a portfolio, the style of photography to follow, how to organize photos that work well for clients, how to create an SEO searchable online portfolio, the different ways to share your portfolio with clients, how to leverage social media to showcase your work, negotiate better rates, etc. Whether you already have a photography portfolio or are creating one, this conversation with Lucia is absolute gold. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/101-how-to-create-a-photography-portfolio-that-grows-your-business-with-lucia-marecak-part-1 | |||
| 11 Sep 2024 | #102- 3 Powerful Ways to Bounce Back from a creative block without sabotaging your self-esteem | 00:19:37 | |
This week on the podcast, I’m sharing 3 powerful ways to bounce back when you’re not loving your work. I share ways to shift your focus, your energy and your photography efforts when you’re feeling stuck or blocked. Some of the ways might feel counterintuitive but are highly effective. I share how to look at your work when you’re not loving it, what action to take with creations that are not up to your expectations, how to work smarter to actually start seeing improvements in your photography skills, how to get clarity and keep your creative energy flowing. Look at photographers who’ve been in the industry for over a decade and are still going strong. What do you think is their secret? Truth is, there is no Creative who is spared from low phases, from feeling discouraged, having self-doubt, and not liking what they create. Even the photographers who’ve been in the game long enough have experienced these phases. The only difference is that when they begin to feel the low point, they know how to address it. We can’t run away but we can definitely empower and prepare ourselves to deal with such phases to limit that spiral feeling, and come out of it stronger. And with time such blocks, or phases become easier to navigate through. Always remember that our mindset and actions can block creativity and growth. Creativity thrives in a light, nimble space, not one filled with self-criticism or pressure. Tune in to learn three ways to bounce back & continue creating beautiful work without sabotaging your creativity or self-esteem. Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available athttps://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/102-3-powerful-ways-to-bounce-back-from-a-creative-block-without-sabotaging-your-self-esteem | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | #103 - How to create a professional photography portfolio to grow your business - part 2 | 00:50:46 | |
Being laser-focused about where we want to take our business and working on the right aspects that will bring results. Creating a portfolio and marketing it, is a huge part of building a photography business. In fact, it is the key step in starting right because if the client does not like what they see, there’s no 2nd conversation from there. But when our portfolio is created the right way and shared the right way, it helps us work with better clients, negotiate better rates, and in fact, raise our rates. The secret lies not just in creating beautiful work but also in being smart and strategic about how we create, share, and update it. In this week’s podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Lucia Marecak, food photographer, food photography teacher, coach, and creative online business consultant based in Italy. Lucia shares everything about creating a powerful portfolio that brings clients, helps you raise your rates, and differentiates you from the competition. Lucia shares everything from creating separate portfolios, the different ways to market your portfolio, use it to attract clients, tips to present your portfolio in pitches, how to use it to raise your rates, and the importance of feedback to improve and upgrade your portfolio. We are always creating new content, new photos, new recipes, new videos. It’s so easy to start being strategic about our content creation anytime. We can start today. And if we already have a robust, well thought-out portfolio, then we can start sharing it in ways that all that hardwork can make the impact it truly deserves. And we start anytime, wherever we are in our journey. Basically, we can start today! The beauty of it is that it’s never too late. The train hasn’t left the station. As soon as we learn the power of creating and marketing it a portfolio, we can start right away.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/103-how-to-create-a-professional-photography-portfolio-to-grow-your-business-part-2 | |||
| 11 Oct 2024 | #104 - How to elevate your visual storytelling skills to hook your audience & attract clients | 00:57:54 | |
Food photographers are called visual storytellers for a reason. We are known to create photos that tell a story, and transport a viewer into the frame. Photos with powerful storytelling make an impact and bring results. But creating an impactful visual story every time isn’t always easy. We can run into an idea shortage or a creative block. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the technology side of photography that we miss the storytelling part. And other times, we underestimate the power of a strong story and don’t give it enough time and attention. Oh, and sometimes, we do create stories, but they don’t bring results, indicating a weak storyline. As simple, and fun as it sounds, storytelling can be our superpower but only when we know how to create it and it brings us some sort of results. In this week’s podcast, I’m sharing my guest appearance on the popular Eat Blog Talk podcast, where we dove deep into how to build a compelling visual story in food photography. Whether you're shooting recipes for brands or looking to improve your food photos, this episode is packed with practical tips, fresh perspectives, and ways to avoid common storytelling mistakes. I share how to craft compelling visual stories, even with the trickiest food subjects, why your photos might lack impact, how to create a "hook" in your images, break free from creative blocks, and easy ways to tap into viewers’ emotions and imagination and use it to attract clients. Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/104-how-to-elevate-your-visual-storytelling-skills-to-hook-your-audience-attract-clients | |||
| 08 Nov 2024 | #105 - How to create, pitch & monetize a cookbook without overwhelm with Jessie Sierra - Part 1 | 00:48:46 | |
What if creating our cookbook was the breakthrough we need in our business? What if Writing our cookbook is actually a gateway to bigger opportunities? Truth is, that creating your own cookbook is one of the most powerful ways to build credibility. No one ever takes a cookbook author lightly. There is so much weight in those words, whether you’re introducing yourself or pitching to a brand. It instantly sends the message that you’re a pro. It can seem daunting but the benefits of creating your cookbook overshadows that overwhelm.
She breaks down the entire process of creating a cookbook. From writing, photographing, pitching, working with an editor, marketing, promoting and monetizing the book - she shares it all. This episode will leave you inspired and motivated. If you have been considering writing a cookbook, this episode will give you all the information you need to get started. And if you haven’t thought about it yet, this episode will open a new way of thinking, introducing you to an idea that can be the pivotal point of your creative career.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/105-how-to-create-pitch-monetize-a-cookbook-without-overwhelm-with-jessie-sierra-ross-part-1 | |||
| 20 Nov 2024 | #106 - How to create, pitch & monetize a cookbook without overwhelm with Jessie Sierra Ross - Part 2 | 00:43:11 | |
This week on the podcast, Jessie Sierra Ross, Food blogger, TV personality, and cookbook author shares everything about writing your cookbook without overwhelm. In this part, she discusses writing, photographing, pitching, working with a publisher, the role of an editor, negotiating contracts, sequence of marketing activities, and ways to promote & monetize the book. It’s all about taking one step at a time & Jessie tells us how to do it without running out of steam.
A cookbook expands your reach, helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level, and creates a ripple effect of opportunities for your business. Yes, it’s not an overnight task. It takes a bit of time but the results are equally proportionate. The results are for life because once you write your cookbook, you become an author for the rest of your life. Imagine! Thinking of this alone, made me realize why even shark tank judges, who know so much about business, emphasize writing a book. Because they know that writing a book is more than a project; it’s a launchpad for your brand and career. Here’s the process of writing, photographing and monetizing your cook in the simplest way. It might seem like a lot of work but with the right mindset and approach, you can easily make it happen. Remember, a cookbook is a bridge to new opportunities and a game-changer for your business.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/106-how-to-create-pitch-monetize-a-cookbook-without-overwhelm-with-jessie-sierra-part-2 | |||
| 05 Dec 2024 | #107 - How to have a business breakthrough when you’re at your lowest | 00:58:30 | |
In this week’s podcast, grab a box of tissues and join me for an emotional yet powerful episode where I share how to turn your low point in life into a high point, How to have a breakthrough when you’re at your lowest & How to grow your business when you're going through a rough phase. I spent days thinking about how I had met big goals that had been sitting on my list for years during a time when I was at my weakest, most vulnerable, and had no drive or passion for anything. Despite being buried in grief, I had made thousands of dollars, grew my email subscriber list, diversified my business & established a higher credibility.
This episode will guide you on what to do during those rough phases of life.
Find strength when you’re weak. Stay creative when you’re exhausted. Guide yourself when you feel lost. Trust your decisions when you’re vulnerable. Make money in your business when you’re slow. Move forward even when you’re stuck. These are skills we all need so that every time life pulls us down, we bend a bit but can stand right back up because we know better. We know how to turn our low point in life into a high point.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/ Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/107-how-to-have-a-business-breakthrough-when-you-re-at-your-lowest | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | #108 - 3 questions you should be asking this year to grow your business | 00:29:10 | |
This week on the podcast, I’m sharing 3 questions you should be asking yourself this year if you want to grow your business. We all have a long wishlist or goals for the year but I’m giving you just 3 simple things to think about that will help you get laser-focused, give you direction, and make it easier for you to get started. It will simplify your decision-making process and help you take action with clarity … because we all know how difficult it is to take the right action when the options are endless. Even if you don’t have goals for this year, just hearing out these 3 questions will give you new ideas and the inspiration to progress forward with enthusiasm. Here are 3 essential questions to ask yourself this year to help you grow your business, increase your revenue, build confidence, and become a skilled Creative.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/108-3-questions-you-should-be-asking-this-year-to-grow-your-business Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 16 Jan 2025 | #109 - Pricing, Photography, Instagram - The Answers You Need to Grow Your Business | 00:23:09 | |
I’m not as good as the others. Why would a client work with me? I still don’t know my style. I’m so behind. Should I quote lower so I don’t lose the client? I post regularly on Instagram but no one engages with my content anymore. I feel so lonely on this journey. Who do I speak to? These are a few of the thoughts that keep us awake at night. Worst is, sometimes these thoughts get so loud in our heads that they amplify our doubt in ourselves, leading us to believe that we are not cut out for running a business. If you’ve any doubts about running or creating a business that trouble you, this week’s podcast episode is exactly what you need right now. Imagine hanging out with your favourite photographer or blogger and asking them the questions that make you doubt your future as a business owner. This episode is exactly that. It is a conversation with successful creatives about their biggest challenge while building a business and how they overcame it. Here’s a lineup of your favourites from Joanie Simon and Jordan Hughes to Suze Morrison and Anja Burgar etc. sharing how they overcame these hurdles in their journey. It’s the beginning of the year and a good time to cut our ties with self-doubt, pricing problems, confidence issues, tough money talks, and social media frustrations. This episode has answers for all of those. Challenges in business do not spare anyone. But the comforting part is that we all go through almost the same challenges, hiccups, and doubts. Which means, the answer to our question already exists. Someone already went through it and found a way to answer, tackle, and overcome it. Hear what our experts have to say. You’ll walk away feeling empowered & reassured of your value.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/109-pricing-photography-instagram-the-answers-you-need-to-grow-your-business Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 23 Jan 2025 | #110 - Pricing, Photography, Instagram - The Answers You Need to Grow Your Business - part 2 | 00:23:18 | |
In today’s podcast episode, we’re sharing game-changing advice from successful food photographers, bloggers, and creatives who’ve tackled these same challenges—and come out stronger. 💪✨ This isn’t just inspiration; it’s actionable advice from food photographers, bloggers, and creatives who’ve been where you are and found their way forward. How to price, how to pitch, ask for money, overcome self-doubt, find confidence, what to do when you hit rock bottom, and how to overcome the idea of being a starving artist. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
The solutions to most of our problems are actually easier than we think with the understanding that clearing doubts in business is always a work in progress. So, if a doubt has crossed your mind, know that you’re not alone. Almost every successful business owner has gone through it too. And here they are, sharing exactly what they did and how you can overcome it too. Don’t listen to others about how to value yourself but hear how they value themselves.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/110-pricing-photography-instagram-the-answers-you-need-to-grow-your-business-part-2 Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 04 Feb 2025 | #111 - Why creative retreats aren’t a luxury, but a necessity for business growth With Seema Rose - Part 1 | 00:42:36 | |
In this week’s episode, Seema Rose, a Food & lifestyle photographer, whose retreat invite changed my life and business, and who organizes the most magical creative retreats shares why we need to attend at least one retreat a year. She shares how retreats are complete game-changers, can help us find our creative style, give business ideas, lead to portfolio growth, and partnership opportunities, reignite our creativity, and boost our business. Why, rightfully so, retreats have become so popular now and more & more Creatives are attending at least one retreat a year. This is an eye-opening episode emphasizing that sometimes we need to step away from the daily hustle & immerse in experiences that changes our lives & businesses forever. I say by experience.
If you haven’t thought about it, do so now. If you haven’t planned one, do so now. If you haven’t attended one, do so now. Plan to attend a creative retreat this year & watch your life change. If you’re working hard but seeing fewer results, feeling uninspired, not on top of your creative spirit, looking for a break, or simply curious about retreats, tune in to find out why you need to attend at least one retreat this year. And why it should be the one Seema organizes. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/111-why-creative-retreats-aren-t-a-luxury-but-a-necessity-for-business-growth-with-seema-rose-part-1 Seema's Bali Retreat - https://www.seemarosephotography.com/creativeretreats Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 13 Feb 2025 | #112 - Why creative retreats aren’t a luxury, but a necessity for business growth with Seema Rose - Part 2 | 00:43:55 | |
In this week’s episode, Seema Rose, a Food & lifestyle photographer whose life’s purpose is to bring Creative communities together through her creative retreats, continues to share why retreats are complete game-changers for business and personal growth. She shares the transformation Creatives can expect from attending retreats, how to choose the right one for yourself, how it nourishes the mind, body & soul, boosts creativity, how to prepare for a retreat emotionally & financially, what to expect, and how bonds get stronger even after the retreat ends. We’re not meant to do this alone. Sharing ideas with like-minded creatives, hearing their struggles, and learning from their wins— having a community isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. If you’ve been feeling isolated or unsure, a creative retreat could be the community you didn’t know you needed because immersing yourself in a retreat pulls you out of your routine, eliminates distractions, and fast-tracks your growth. There’s a reason why retreats have become so popular now and more & more Creatives are attending at least one retreat a year …because it satisfies their single most desired craving - a no-judgement, safe & uplifting community.
Join a retreat and find the connection your creativity craves. Your people, your tribe are waiting for you. Read more at https://myfoodlens.com
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/112-why-creative-retreats-aren-t-a-luxury-but-a-necessity-for-business-growth-with-seema-rose-part-2 Seema's Bali Retreat - https://www.seemarosephotography.com/creativeretreats Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 25 Feb 2025 | #113 - 3 ways to confidently work with colour without using the colour wheel | 00:26:20 | |
The episode covers selecting the number of colours in a photo, working with neutrals and creating a striking multi-colour composition. I talk about strategic colour placements, absolute no-no’s for a cohesive, impactful palette, and an easy practice to include in your workflow to check if your colours work. If you've ever doubted your colour choices, struggled to choose a palette, or hesitated before introducing a bold new colour, allow me to share simple ways to work with colour easily, fearlessly, and intentionally .. and without the colour wheel.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/113-3-ways-to-confidently-work-with-colour-without-using-the-colour-wheel Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 13 Mar 2025 | #114 - Why collaboration is the secret sauce for business growth & improving photography skills with Aimee Twigger - part 1 | 00:30:33 | |
The struggle of feeling alone in business is real. We all wish for a listening ear, an accountability partner, or a mentor. In some way or the other, most of us wish we had a sounding board to encourage us and complement the gaps in our skills: a no-judgment person who shares the same passion for the mission. Collaboration is having a partner in crime or a partner in creativity so the journey feels supported, understood, less lonely, and fast-tracked to success. This week on the podcast, Aimee Twigger @twiggstudios shares how collaborations could be the secret sauce for growth in business. She shares how collaborations improve photography techniques and also lead the path to business success. She talks about the benefits of collaboration, how it takes skills up a notch, signs of successful collaboration, different types of collaborations, and what to look for in potential collaborators. Aimee has experienced personal and business success through several collaboration projects and shares how collaborations can change the course of the journey & even save Creatives from giving up on their passion.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/114-why-collaboration-is-the-secret-sauce-for-business-growth-improving-photography-skills-with-aimee-twigger-part-1 Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course : A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 26 Mar 2025 | #115 - Why collaboration is the secret sauce for business growth & improving photography skills with Aimee Twigger - part 2 | 00:28:55 | |
Collaborations are crazy effective, they double the results and double the impact but can go sideways, which can be detrimental to business growth, which makes it essential to approach them the right way. This week on the podcast, Aimee Twigger @twiggstudios discusses how collaborations could be the secret sauce for business growth. She explains how collaborations lead to business success and the best way to approach them to avoid partnerships going sideways. She talks about rewarding collaborations, how to reach new audiences, tackle challenges, resolve conflicts, and use collaborations to double the results you deserve. Collaborations are mighty powerful because 2 (or more) minds are better than one. Collective effort brings bigger results and nothing should stop us from tapping into the power of partnerships. If anything, we should take that leap because of the mighty results it brings. Many factors play a part in a successful collaboration, and we need to be aware of them because when collaborations don’t go well, they leave a bad taste, scar us, and shut us out of the idea of partnerships.
Collaboration is a powerful tool that completely changes the course of our business and creative journey. Welcome the opportunity to collaborate with open arms but also with eyes wide open.
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/115-how-to-use-collaboration-to-improve-your-photography-and-grow-your-business-with-aimee-twigger-part-2 Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course: A guide to diversifying your photography business
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| 03 Apr 2025 | #116 - How to use LinkedIn & video pitching to book more clients with less effort with Candice Ward - Part 1 | 00:47:04 | |
This week on the podcast, Candice Ward, a business coach for creatives, food photographer, dessert blogger, and online educator with a background in corporate sales, shares how to use LinkedIn powerfully to boost your leads without stress and overwhelm. She shares different ways to use LinkedIn, how to power it with chatGPT prompts, types of LinkedIn content that build credibility, how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract inbound leads, and the best way to turn a LinkedIn connection into a paying client without sounding salesy.
This episode is a conversation you will love. Bring a notebook and make tons of notes because the strategies discussed are absolute game-changers
Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/
Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/116-how-to-use-linkedin-video-pitching-to-book-more-clients-with-less-effort-with-candice-ward-part-1 Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE Mini-course: A guide to diversifying your photography business Pitch to profit playbook - https://candiceward.mykajabi.com/playbook
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