I got some new toys to play with several months ago, but never found the time to play with them. This is story of my stay-at-home-life. It’s no surprise, as a wife and mom, that I’m bottom on the family totem pole. When I was in high school, what seems like a lifetime ago, I wanted to be a photographer. Specifically, a sports photographer. These were the old days of film, LOL! I learned my way around a dark room, had my pictures photographed in the community paper. I was so proud seeing my name published under each photo. It was my high school mentorship at The Houston Chronicle where my eyes were opened by the staff photographers who took me with them, chasing down stories, from car accidents to college football games. These guys took me under their wing and gave me their sage advice: Don’t become a professional photographer.
Crazy, huh?
The life is hard and the pay sucks.
I kept photography as a hobby shortly after that.
And of all things, food photography is my latest poison. Photographing my kids is easy, but our dinner? With terrible light, a dark kitchen and a family eagerly waiting for their meal, I threw my hands up in defeat.
I give up! I give up!
A year ago in March I bought this umbrella light set, but never found the time to practice with it.
This past December I bought myself this 50mm lens, but never found the time to really practice with it.
I finally put my foot down this past month and spent some precious time to practice and practice. I emailed fellow food bloggers, sought advice from photography friends, and deleted hundreds of bad pictures until I got the hang of it.
At least now I’m happy with my night shots, especially my dinner shots. Not every meal can be photographed during the daylight hours.
My kids giggled with delight when they saw this Spatchcocked Chicken with Mint & Garlic on the table with a spotlight, mirror and foam board surrounding it. Such drama at the dinner table!
Now if I can only get used to photographing with a tripod…..
Hi! My name is Laura Bashar, recipe developer, graphic designer, photographer, food writer, wife & mom of three living in San Diego, CA. I'm on a mission to get families back at the dinner table by sharing 
It’s so frustrating getting new toys and having no time to play!
So glad you finally got to play with your light kit. It was definitely worth it because these pictures are gorgeous! I’m jealous of your styling ability! Great setting! The chicken looks good too! 
MY STYLING ABILITY? It’s called minimalism! LOL! Thank you!
Laura, these shots are amazing!!! Absolutely gorgeous and I assume you took these with the light set. WOW, it looks so natural and I loooooove the pictures! I use 50mm most of the time too and it’s been my main lens along with macro lens. I can’t believe you can take top down shot without tripod. I shake way too much I can’t take perfect shot like you did! I can imagine your kids watching you to take pictures of dinner. So cute! =) This chicken looks yum – I bet whole family enjoyed after the photo shoot!
I should have taken a picture of my set up, but I was in a rush. I’ve got a steady hand, but I always hold my breath when I push the button! My tripod is small and won’t do the crazy angles I shoot. I think I know what my next toy will be!!
Gorgeous! Sure beats my flash-in-the-kitchen attempts to photograph before we eat. I agree – I would love to have seen a picture of your set up. I’m glad you finally had a chance to test your new equipment.The results are just so cool!
Thanks, Jeanne! I also have a speedlight flash that I’ve been using, but it doesn’t give the picture character or shadows I sometimes want to get. It covers your object nicely with light, without those pesky white spots or washing it out like a pop-up flash does. The umbrella light is cheaper than the flash and the Lowel Ego Light a lot of bloggers like to use.
Dear Laura
Congratulations for your blog!
I’d like to talk to you about a recipe development opportunity you might be interested in.
Please contact me so I can let you know more about it.
Thanks!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards.
Sophie
Pics look great! As I’ve discovered-it’s a slow curve but worth it. The styling is nice, too.
Thanks! It is definitely a slow-learning curve!!!
This chicken is amazing and I love how you prepared it – but the color is what has me staring at the photos
Simply gorgeous… I am featuring this post in today’s Friday Food Fetish roundup (with a link-back and attribution), but please let me know if you have any objections. It’s a pleasure to be following your creations…
You are so sweet! I didn’t think a simple chicken recipe would get so much attention! I’m lovin’ my new light! Thank you for featuring me today in your Friday Food Fetish roundup!
What a gorgeous chicken dish…love the flavors!
You are so sweet! Your site is so beautiful and the pictures you take are all incredibly gorgeous!!!
I so feel u r talking about me here… Exactly not all dinners meals can b photographed… Its good to see u master the art… And u knw wat… I m seeking help from u now for these stunning shots!!!!!
Don’t get me wrong. I had to set up the scene (even minimal) quickly and photograph everything just as quickly. It doesn’t happen every night. I was too tired last night to set everything up for last night’s meal!
Lol!! Yea i understand….its must be hell of a task to keep away the hungry tummies while u click !!
Laura, this chicken looks delicious. Funny that I always spatchcock my turkey for Thanksgiving but never think to do it for a lowly chicken! I laughed reading your post, my husband has gotten accustomed to luke warm dinners due to the setting up of the light boxes and all! And I gave up on the tri-pod. Maybe I’ll try it again sometime but for now I’m working on holding really, really still!