For the past two weeks in my Photography Seminar class, we have been discussing different types of photography and the different techniques photographers use to better their pictures. When we were discussing food photography I have heard of a lot of the tricks that most food photographers use but it had made me realize that I usually never use any of those tricks. 

One thing that professional food photographers use, especially for advertising, are mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes help give dishes volume. For example, a roasted chicken, salad, or pasta. Below is an example that I did of a before and after picture of a simple bowl of pasta with tomato sauce.

 Before adding mashed potatoes:

After adding mashed potatoes:

I prepared the top dish exactly as I would for a quick dinner. Cooked for 11-12 minutes, drained, then I stirred in the sauce until all of the noodles were fully coated. For the second image, I prepared it completely differently. After placing the mashed potatoes on the bottom of the bowl, I cooked the noodles for about 3-5 minutes. I then added a small amount of sauce to them, stirred, and then I carefully placed them on top of the mashed potatoes. I then added some extra sauce on top.

Being able to actually see the difference between the two dishes makes me realize how much of a difference these techniques make, and I am excited to try out the other ones and share those results with you as well!

Confession; I used to be a picky eater.

The idea of having anything besides chicken or beef stressed me out. Seafood was never an option, pork was only acceptable if it was bacon, even my fruit and vegetable choices were pretty minimal. Now a days when I think of fried duck tongues my mouth starts to water, I prefer Pork Rinds over potato chips (especially if they are covered in chocolate), and I have eaten and enjoyed different internal organs of different animals. To say the least, my idea of comfort food has changed over the years.

With that being said, due to having a college student budget, it unfortunately isn't possible for me to be able eat those things everyday. So when I do get the chance to have something else besides ramen or frozen pizza for dinner, It makes those times that I am able to even more enjoyable.

Pictured above is a dish of local rabbit from Aquebogue, NY. It was served with a side of brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and red onion and finished with a sauce made from the rabbits bones. The rabbit was prepared by a very talented chef that I know... and just so happen to be living with. 

He started by spreading a pate of the rabbit's heart and liver on the belly, and then wrapping it around the loin. The whole bundle was then tightly rolled with plastic wrap and carefully poached in hot water. To complete the preparation, the rabbit was seared and basted with butter until it was cooked all the way through.

This image was taken with my 35mm lens with no studio lighting.

Just recently I started getting into Conceptual photography. I get a lot of my inspiration from the Modernist Cuisine as well as a Photographer I just recently discovered, Michael Crichton.

The flowers in this image are all edible. The orange flowers are calendulas and the little white flowers are cilantro flowers. They both are great for salads, to be used as garnishes, or even tea!

To capture this image I hot glued all of the flowers onto a foam ball. I then created a foam stand to stick the cone in so that it would stay upright. I used a tripod and a remote to help me take this photograph so that I was better able to pour the chocolate syrup. For my light source, I used two softboxes.

To view work from my two current inspirations go to these links:

http://modernistcuisine.com/books/the-photography-of-modernist-cuisine/

http://www.michaelcrichtonphoto.com

Hello! My name is Katelyn Luce. But you can just call me Kate. I am a photography major at Suffolk County Community College. Most of my work consists of Portraits...

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...And different styles of food photography.

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I started taking photography seriously around 2011 when I had decided to change my major from baking and pastry to Photography. Since then I have showed my work in an art gallery, one art show, Edible East End, and I also have taken pictures for different specialty stores, restaurants and families.

I have taken a little break from school to work as well as to travel around Europe, so I am very excited to be back and to continue my education as well as improve my work.

I can't wait to share my photography journey with everyone!

To view some of my most recent work:

KatelynLuce.com

HumansofLongIsland.com