So after completing a couple of photography courses I have decided that my point and shoot isn’t going to cut it anymore. It does the job, but good isn’t great, and I want quality over quantity. Canon 5D Mark III here we come! In the meantime, I have made it my job to find out as much about food styling and photography as humanly possible, and who better to teach it than photographer, food blogger and former Masterchef contestant Billy Law. Billy’s blog A Table for Two is really, really awesome, and the photos are crisp, perfectly styled and super inspiring. Plus, he has what I want, a book deal! So I headed to meet the master-chef to pick his brain and get some pointers on this niche subject on which there is just so much to know.
Billy brought along everything but the kitchen sink, (or was there one there? Could’ve been) to show us what can be done using simple props and, in some cases, this man’s treasures that literally used to be someone else’s trash, like old wooden boards and plywood. With a group of food bloggers and enthusiasts amongst us, everyone got right in there and set up some great shots. It was crazy fun playing around with all the bits and pieces of old crockery and bottles, my grandmothers would be proud.
At some stage some food was brought out, which we obviously spent more time photographing than eating. Held at Mumu Grill, Crows Nest, we actually got a great feed and some cool shots to take home with us. To find out more about the dishes, hold your mouse over the images. The Crispy Fried Spiced Cauliflower was divine, and the desserts were to die for! There were a few groups of blokes having lessons in beer at the surrounding tables, and I saw a poster for tapas cooking classes which sounded fun, Crows Nest actually seemed like a pretty cool place to hang out!
So as you can probably tell by my tone, the entire day was pretty exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. I learnt a lot about props and improvisation in the styling area, and got to meet some really cool, equally as geeky and in some cases even more eager amateur food photographers who would made you wait twice as long as I ever would to eat before I photograph it. See below for mandatory shot of me with my new idol. Thanks for an amazing day Billy, see you on the shelves in September!
Mumu Grill
70-76 Alexander Street Crows Nest NSW 2065
(02) 9460 6877
mumugrill.com.au
12 comments
Matthew Phelps | One Small Spoon says:
Mar 10, 2012
Good too see you pump this one out Kitti. Much more organised than I am, I have only not long got home and the camera has just been dumped on the couch haha.
Kitti says:
Mar 10, 2012
I knew if I didn’t do it this afternoon it may never get done. And way too exciting to not do ASAP. Your poor abandoned camera… Better give it some attention tomorrow at Taste of Sydney!
Miss Piggy says:
Mar 10, 2012
Wow, look at all those props, what fun! Looks like a great day. I did a similar course with Simon from The Heart of Food last year — great to get to know your DSLR.
Kitti says:
Mar 10, 2012
He had everything you could possibly need to make the most INCREDIBLE shots! That sounds like fun, I think I’m addicted. Shall have to look it up.
Simon Food Favourites says:
Mar 10, 2012
the pavlova at the end looks great although i think your cutlery just got sauced. i’d love a 5D III but they’re pretty expensive although i hear you can get a 5D II much cheaper now and they are an industry standard for many and you’d save a lot of money for a good lens too
Kitti says:
Mar 12, 2012
Yes I know, that old chestnut right? I am definitely thinking about doing the Mark II, the III is just so tempting… I have a Nikon D700 but I need video and it’s a little Mac vs. PC, if you get my drift. What do you use for your great photos?
Looking forward to seeing your Taste post!
Kitti.
Sophie @ teathyme says:
Mar 10, 2012
Hi Kitti! Wow, you’ve had this up so fast I’m yet to pilfer through my camera pics. I see myself in one of your photos! haha ;) nice blog look forward to seeing your other new posts.
Kitti says:
Mar 12, 2012
Hey Sophie,
I know so much to do so little time… I decided to get it up to make way for my next ventures. It seems there is a lot to do! Great to meet you. Teathyme looks awesome. Looking forward to seeing more.
Kitti.
Martyna@WholesomeCook says:
Mar 12, 2012
Great post Kitti – it was great meeting you and learning a few tips off Billy! I loved that we got a chance to photograph and style with props. Needless to say, I loved it so much, I was off to Bunnings this morning for some plywood…
Kitti says:
Mar 13, 2012
Good job! I shall be trawling the streets of Redfern most likely looking for some old boards to drag home… Vvery much looking forward to seeing more from Wholesome Cook. Excellent photos! Lovely to meet you too Martyna.
Kitti.
Justine says:
Mar 13, 2012
Was a brilliant day Kitti, so much to learn :) Good luck with the new canon !
Kitti says:
Mar 13, 2012
Thanks Justine. Just noticed your photos are up. Going to have a look through! Great to meet you. Looking forward to seeing what’s next from Small Fry.
Kitti.