I was on a week long cookbook shoot this past week and I admit I did not cook or bake much since I was surrounded daily with the most fabulous dishes that will be in Virginia Willis upcoming book Basic To Brilliant Ya'll published by Ten Speed Press and released next Fall. I am now in a few rounds of editing the manuscript for Foodography but I did not want to pass on the opportunities to upload a few phone snapshots from this past week.
I love photographing cookbooks. The dynamics are so completely different and crazy in their own way and I have been so very lucky to work with extremely talented cooks, writers and chefs who are passionate about their job as I am about mine. I LOVE my job! Not only do I get to play with my camera settings, lights, composition, styling all day long but I am also privileged to eat some wonderful dishes.
Virginia's recipes are no exception. I laughed every time Virginia graciously accepted my compliments about her dishes. Are you kidding me lady? Every bite that graced my lips warmed my soul and made my feet dance a little twist under the table. I can't wait for everyone to get this book in their home. Oh yes...
We shot Viriginia's cookbook in my studio and being stuck up there with the kitchen downstairs, I did not have the chance to take a picture of the unsung heroes of this shoot, Gena Berry and her crew of interns who made such beautiful foods and kept us well fed and rolling the whole time.
I admit I was in prop heaven when Angie unloaded what looked like another 10 houses worth of dishes and linens in the studio space. "Yes please!" were my words to having the space packed up with dishes. I was loving it...ah! It was so smooth and easy working with Angie which made the magnitude of the task at hand really enjoyable.
Finally, having Betsy from Ten Speed Press join us for the whole week was the icing on the cake. I particularly loved seeing her take on some Southern ways while down here. It's easy to fall in love with the South and its charming hospitality. I did.
It's easy to create wonderful recipes when there is such wonderful produce as Melissa's and Whole Foods in our baskets and no, they did not pay me to say that...!
An easy recipe combining good food, great people, great spirits and a love of a job well done.
I'll be back later this week with some exciting news to share!
44 comments:
OOOOH can't wait for the upcoming exciting news! :)
Thanks for the behind the scenes post. Congratulations! I can't wait to see the book!
Dreamy job! NEWS?
Thank you thank you thank you for all your hard work and amazing, amazing artistry. Not only did I find a new colleague to work with, I found a friend. X VA
I can feel the excitement! Can't wait for the big news :)
Looks like it was a fun week! I like the behind the scenes feel of this post.
I love the way your pictures capture the expression of focus and fulfillment.
Can't wait for more.
It's lovely to read about someone who loves their work as much as you do.
Hard job, but gorgeous at the same time...certainly you have an amazing job! Great team!
What a lovely read and it is great to see the process photos! How fun, it looks like you all had a great time. Congratulations on great camaraderie and all of you enjoying your work, even "wiggle butt".
You are just so inspiring Lady! I love it :) What a great time!
You guys look like you're having a ball on the job. Imagine waking up everyday and being excited about WORK! Looking forward to hearing what your good news is....and oh my.....I would be in prop heaven too with all that stuff!
Me ha encantado este post. Maravilloso! es el backstage.
I love it!!!!
You are wonderfully creative...it was so much fun to see you "at the office"!
The behind the scenes story is so fascinating. The photo of all the props was astounding. Please share more of that part of your work with us.
tyhankyou for the pics can't wait for the book to release
thankyou for the post i cant wait for the book to release . :)
How exciting! I hope you will share more behind-the-scenes posts in the future. And I have already pre-ordered your book at Amazon.
I love the behind the scenes shots and seeing how it all comes together.
Ah, Helene, I love hearing you talk about your work. You're just wonderful. Can't wait for your exciting news...
xo.
I love behind-the-scenes peeks! And seeing all the amazing props! Thanks for sharing.
Oh my, so many props. Heaven.
That was such a fun "behind the scenes" kind of post...loved it!
Can't wait for the exciting news..
Thank you for sharing the sneak peak of a Food Photographers love. That cake has my mouth watering!
Your work is so amazing!!
I always forget how time consuming and in depth food photography can be, it's actually really interesting!
can't wait to see the pics
xoxo
P&P
It looks like you had a lot of fun but also hard work I am sure. You are such an inspiration.
I have just discovered your blog and I'm in LOVE!! It is like when I first discovered the world of food-blogging. Your mousses look amazing, the photography is inspired, the flavour combos sound divine. So I've subscribed, spent precious hours browsing your recipes and pictures, and now here is my comment. Lots of love and luck from you new number one fan. Cat x
What fun!
And I am eagerly awaiting your news as well!! :)
How fun that looks. Will put this book on my wishlist - just look at that caramel cake!!!
So exciting!! I love that you showed the process!!
Such great creativity in that room. Wow girl I can feel the energy - love it. Shooting a book must be a blast, hard work. Well worth the efforts. Can't wait to see it & cook up those recipes.
Miss Wiggle Butt is super cute!
Such a nice blog! Greeting from Sweden!
Thanks for inspiration!
Thanks for inspiration!
Can't wait to get my hands on that caramel cake recipe! Alas will probably have to wait even longer to get it as am in the UK :-(
I really appreciated reading this post. I thought the baking and eating of all my chocolate creations was going to be the most enjoyable aspect of creating a blog, but to my surprise I equally enjoy the creative photographing process. The only hard part, and I'm being completely sincere here, is trying to keep my 2 year old from getting at it. He just doesn't grasp the concept of "wait until Mommy takes a picture".
Oh that looks like so much fun! can't wait to see the finished product!
Helene, thank you for such a fun post. I can't wait to see that book.
So happy to watch as your career unfolds in such beautiful ways.
such a exciting blog! like it so much....
Great post - thanks for sharing the experience with us. Your passion comes through!
Those props do look amazing to work with. Love you description of collaboration - thank you for sharing a peek into your (yummy) world.
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