
I have written and erased the first sentence of this post fifty times it seems.It makes me smile a little considering the number of sentences I started and erased fifty times more since last November. The best one I could think about today was "Thank you".
I have thought a few times about this week. Right here. Right now. The week when my first book, "Plate To Pixel. Digital Food Photography & Styling" is out into the world. From November to March, it was the hard work of a team that did not stop until it was right. This week the book is yours. Ours.
Wow... it still is just barely sinking in. Once the book in my hands, it took a full 24 hours for my shoulders to relax and a smile to timidly cross my lips. Then as I was standing there in the rain with Bailey, that smile grew to a stupidly wide expression of gratitude and excitement.
I bolted back inside to Taylor who was getting his video equipment together and said "let's do this! Let's show people how awesome food photography can be with a little help from a friend!"
And so we shot this video promo of "Plate To Pixel. Digital Food Photography & Styling". Words fall short to tell Taylor what an amazing job he did on it. Thank you dear friend!
I come from a family of crafters. My dad is a published author and a painter. My mom designs frames for other people's art. My brother Arnaud is constantly building and crafting objects and toys. My brother Thierry was a talented photographer. Writing this book feels a bit like my way of contributing to the family DNA!!
I loved working on this book so much! I wrote it with you in mind. And you is a lot of people with different likes and dislikes, different ways to go about life. But we all have the same goal. Take pictures of food and have a wonderful experience doing it.
Whether you need just a little push, a lot of help or just reinforcement that you are on the right track. I compiled information, hands-on visuals of bouncing, diffusing, white balances, exposures, depth of field, ... Composition and styling techniques, equipment setup so you can see the full how-tos of a picture, step by step styling demos...and the list goes on!
I will be doing fun giveaways in the coming weeks to express my thanks for your support and kind words these past few months and your enthusiasm these past few days.
But today is especially awesome to celebrate the release of the book. There won't be one lucky person but three!
- I am giving away 2 signed copies of Plate To Pixel and a little surprise inside...
- my super talented friend Asya from gleena.com who is the artist behind the numbered ceramic plates I love to use here, is giving away four white ceramic dessert plates numbered 1 through 4 (like the ones in the picture below)
All you have to do is leave a comment here between today, April 26th 2011 and Friday April 29th 2011, midnight Eastern time.
Guidelines: one entry per person, no anonymous comment, leave 24hrs for your name to appear in giveaway as I manually moderate entries.
Note: Plate to Pixel is currently available online on Amazon (US, UK, Germany, etc...), Wiley, Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Borders. It will be in stores in about 10 days or so!
Now...how about some Double Trouble Chocolate Cake to really celebrate?!!

Double Trouble Chocolate Cake:
Serves 10-12
For the cake:
1 stick (113gr) butter
1 cup (200gr) sugar
1/2 cup (45gr) natural cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup superfine rice flour
1/2 cup millet flour
1/2 cup gluten free oat flour
1 teaspoon (5gr) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5gr) instant coffee powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5gr) baking soda
1 cup (250ml) warm water
Note: for a non gluten free version, you can use 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour instead of the rice, millet and oat flours.
For the ganache:
12 oz bittersweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Prepare the cake:
Preheat oven to 325F. Butter one deep 9-inch round baking pans, sprinkle some rice flour into the pans, shake it around and tap the excess off. Line the bottoms with one 9-inch circle of parchment paper. Set aside.
In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar until light and creamy. On low speed, add the cocoa and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape the bowl with a spatula to make sure they are properly mixed in. Add the flours, baking powder, coffee powder and baking soda and mix on medium-low speed while slowly adding the warm water and mix until smooth. Pour the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature and unmold the cake. Divide in three horizontally.
Prepare the chocolate ganache:
Place the chocolate and salt in a non reactive bowl and set aside. In a heavy bottom saucepan set over high heat, bring the cream to almost boiling (really hot basically!). When hot, pour it over the chocolate and salt. Let stand for 5 minutes before slowly whisking the mixture to bring it together to a smooth and silky ganache. If it's not completely smooth, return to very low heat for a few seconds to melt the chocolate some more. Brands vary so this step may be necessary if the chocolate is not completely melted.
To assemble the cake:
Let stand the ganache about 15-20 minutes so it is thick enough to apply between the layers of chocolate cake. Leave about 1 to 1.5 cups for the top and sides and set and slightly warm it up a bit so it spreads more easily.
928 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 928 of 928 Newer› Newest»I ordered your book last week and just got it in the mail yesterday. It's stunning. Congrats!
Oh so lovely!
Congratulations for the book release!
Your work has really inspired me a lot and food styling artists who will share their knowledge are still rare here in France. I love the natural soft feel of your photography where we can almost smell the food. (Or is it maybe I'm reading the blog too close to my screen?) I think the trends in food styling in France is often too design and minimalist, therefore lacking authenticity of the food.
What I'd do to join one of your workshop! I'm definitely going to order the book!
Can't wait to see the book.
I am always inspired by your photography! I would love to win a copy of your book! (Of course, if I don't win one, I'll just have to go buy it myself, lol!)
Congrats! Love your blog and can't wait for the book!
Congratulations!!! I would love a copy of your book--it looks so beautiful~
Ahhh I want this so badly. Such a great resource!!
Congrats! I can't wait till it's finally available in Germany or UK and not only for pre-order.
Oh, and the video Taylor made is awesome, too!
Congratulations on the book! It must be an amazing feeling holding it in your hands finally. I love the video, and I can't wait to lay my hands on it, one way or another :)
Yay I love your blog! And the photography is inspirational. The books seems as if it's a perfect match.
Wow--that is one beautiful book. I definitely need this book.
oh my gosh, if I don't win, I'm totally buying your amazing book!!!! Wow! So beautiful!
Gorgeous plates! I would love to win a copy of your book!
What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment...congratulations! The movie is fantastic too and fun to watch.
This book sounds great! The promo video is fabulous! It is exciting to see a talented photographer/stylist share their art with others. So glad that you made a book! Congratulations!!
I so appreciate your recipes! I've got friends and family who are celiac and now I have choices of wonderful, tasty items to prepare for them.
Congratulations!!! Even if I don't win a signed copy this book will be highlighted,over-used and stored in my library. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Congratulationes!!! I would love a copy of your beautiful book, thanks for the inspiration, M.
Congrats! I can't wait to read it.
eunicelsq@hotmail.com
Your blog is wonderful! I can't wait to get this book. I love the little video as well. Thank you for your constant inspiration!
Congratulations, the book (and the cake!) look wonderful!
Congrats, congrats! I would love to have a little peek into your craft :)
Congratulations on your first book, I am sure there will be many more. Your family must be so proud. The video is fab too. Love Linda x
Congratulations! So excited to check out the book!!
Yay!!! Congratulations!!!!
(And chocolate cake too... does it get better than that?)
congratulations - your photos are absolutely gorgeous! i'm an aspiring food photographer and am heading to the international food photography and styling conference in june, and this will be the perfect addition to my book collection :) can't wait to pick a copy of this up!
A book like yours is much needed these days! Thousands of food bloggers constantly seek to improve their food photography, myself included, so I'm really excited!!!
Congratulations! I love this blog, the pictures are always so beautiful and the food always looks delicious :)
your photographs on the blog are fabulous, I can't imagine how fabulous the book is! I'm an art student, both fine arts (especially ceramics and photo) and baking pastry arts. Congrats on the book! Can't wait to view it!
congratulations!
The cake looks so tasty.
I would try the recipe on the weekend.
Btw, I love the pictures you took especially with fruit like pears.The light makes the pear vivid.
Keep going and look forward to seeing more your works.
Your book looks amazing! I have been looking for something exactly like this for a while now!
I have my own food/photography blog, but have been looking for way to improve my food photos!
I would love a signed copy of your book!
food blog- http://www.eatswiththepeeps.blogspot.com
info@ashnayler.com
thanks so much!
I am SO excited about this book, I have been eagerly awaiting it ever since you first mentioned it was in the works. I have already ordered a copy, but a signed one would be even better. That you so much for sharing your talent and hard work with us!
I can't wait to get this book! It looks so inspiring!
hooray! congratulations :)
I swear I've gained five pounds because of your blog
Congrats!!! I would LOVE to win your book!
Helene, Congrats on the book! Can't wait to read it.
I adore this! Growing up in a family of photographers, I simply adore reading about you! Gorgeous work! :) ~ Mariah
Perfect video!!! :)) And, I can't wait to get the book in my hands!! and here is toasting to many more successes! HUGS!! :))))))))))))
Amazing photos! Congratulations! Would love a copy :).
Wow! Congrats on the book! I love "trying" to duplicate your recipes and I love reading your blog!
When I first heard about your book, I was so excited because I only dream that someday I can be as talented as you. I know this book will only inspire and help in my own endeavors.
Congrats! I can't wait to read you book. :)
Many congratulations on your book....and for sharing your knowledge!
mmmm... chocolate cake.
Congratulations on a wonderful effort! I can't wait to pore through the lovely photos.
I love your food styling and photography, I'm very excited to hear about your book and can't wait to read it:) I would love to receive the book!!! Congratulations!
What an accomplishment, congratulations! It's lovely to feel part of something bigger than oneself,and what better than by contributing to the family DNA of creativity.
Congratulations! I'm a big fan of your blog and I can't wait to see your book.
Athena
Un grand bravo!
Le livre semble retranscrire un peu de l'atmosphère magique de ce blog, et cela donne très envie de le feuilleter. J'aime bien aussi la petite vidéo ^^
Congrats!
Congrats for your new book. The pictures are amazing, having the book would be a great present.
Yay for new book launch! Excited for you, and very generous of you to give out two books :)
Congratulations! I really like your blog.
Will make a big nice cake today, no celebration here, but just me, eating a cake, thinking about you, and smiling! Big job done, I guess you are proud, this is your little child. Just so cool, can't wait to read it! Enjoy being who you are, because you are amazing!
kerli.radvilavicius@mail.ee
The book looks so great! Congratulations, I can't wait to read it
Thanks for this cool website and hopefully i'll win a copy of your book =;o) ... have a nice weekend!
Congratulations! I am so eager to get my hands on a copy!
Loved the video and can't wait to read the book!
congratulations on your book! it looks absolutely amazing and I can't wait to devour the beautiful pictures as well as learn the tricks of the trade :)
Congratulations...how exciting! I'm sure it will be a great success! You are so talented and work so hard, it will all shine through. Thank you too for your inspiration!
Cheers!
Congrats Helene!
Lovely video, I'm sure the book looks superb. As an amateur photographer I surely appreciate an harmonious setting no matter what the subject is: food, objects, handmade soaps (my hobby), home interiors... Thank you for this chance to participate at this giveaway!
Wishing you all the best!
Congrats on your new book
Congrats! Can't wait to see the book!
Yay! Congratulations! For once I'm not trying to comment from my phone so I don't feel like I'm stalking you. I'm so very proud of you and can't wait to get the book which I'm entirely sure is fantastic!
I am so excited for you! Also super excited that you are mentoring my friends Joanne and Adam!
Congratulations on the book! I'm sure it is wonderful! And this chocolate cake looks delightful too!
Congrats on your new book. Really enjoy reading your blog. Can't wait to try this chocolate cake recipe. Thank you for sharing your recipes and tips.
I just found your blog today. I love your images and gluten free recipes. I too eat gluten free, not because of celiac, but due to my FSGS (kidney disease), which has improved since I took gluten and dairy out of my diet in December.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a book!
Congratulations! The cake looks like just what I need for my son's graduation dinner this weekend!
Congratulations on your new book! Your photography is so beautiful. I'll be picking it up if I don't win! ;-)
Such an incredible accomplishment!I'd love a copy of the book to continue to learn from your outstanding talent. Congratulations!
CONGRATS!!!!!!! :)
I really enjoy the photography on your blog! I'm sure the book is fabulous.
Congratulations! I hope one day to have something that contributes in such a way to the world. I love your website and the inspiration your graceful spirit and your beautiful site are to me!
Beautiful book, congratulations!
congratulations for finishing your first book, it looks really promising! good luck in the future with further projects. :)
Congrats on the new book! I can't wait to check it out. I'm sure it will be a great read and beautiful (like your website!).
The cake looks great. CONGRATS!
Wow! Congratulations! I just love your blog and the food and the amazing pictures! Cannot wait to see the book!
As a publisher and a food-blogger, this book makes all my dreams come true. I'm off to do some viral marketing on your behalf . . . Congratulations to you and may there be many more books to come!
Wow! Your pictures are amazing. Congratulations on the book!
All the best from sunny Barcelona.
Paula
I've been waiting for your book to come out! The photos you take are amazing. It'll be wonderful to hear what you have to say!
oh I just found out about your book through a favorite blog of mine ( creature comforts) and am blown away! I've wanted to learn food styling & food photography for a while, and this book looks soooo helpful! If I don't win, this is going to be on my to-buy list :) Congratulations on your book! you are amazing♥
Hooray! Love the plates. And congratulations!!!
Congratulations! A well deserved day, thank you for all you do!
Such an exciting time for you. Congrats!
I love your blog. Beautiful photographs of food and recipes too. Congratulations on your new book.
Congratulations, the video is a lovely look into the book and your work.
This the most fascinating and "must have" book! I'm so glad to have stumbled upon your blog through searching Amazon for a Macaron book!!
Best wishes in this endeavor!
What an achievement! Kudos to you for maintaining a lovely blog, photography gallery and writing a book as well! Congrats also on topping the list. Would love to have your book!
Helene,
Now that I have finally started my own blog, I have actually struck up the courage to start commenting on other people's. I really look forward to reading your book. You are one of the absolute best photographers in the blogosphere. Plus, no one creates better macaron flavors than you!
Congratulations! Your work is absolutely amazing. :) I definitely will invest in this book soon.
I'm very excited about your new book! Felecitations!
Yay! You look gorgeous!
Can't wait to get my copy in the mail
Congratulations!
xx
You are so talented!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!!!! Sending a big CONGRADS from NC!!!!!!
Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com
Hi ,
First time here...
My Heartiest congratulations!!!!!!!!
love to read ur book
What an awesome giveaway. congrats on the book it looks wonderful, and has been added to the top of my mother's day wish list (unless I'm lucky enough to actually win it).
congratulations! im so excited to get my copy..unless i win one, then i'll have 2 and be doubley excited!
thankyou for the inspiration your amazing photography has brought to me. I am now absorbed by food photography. I can hardly wait to get my hands on your book - I have put it on the top of my Mother's Day wish list! Congratulations on your achievement and I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful work and being inspired to learn more and do better!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your book! It's so exciting, and I'm definitely going to order a copy :)
my book it's on it's way, but if I win one, I would give it out to someone that I know it's just starting out...
Congratulations! If your book is as good as your workshops is like having you here ALL THE TIME! how cool is that? Very, very cool.
Congratulations, The book looks stunning.
Bobbie from bobbiebakingblog
I just ordered your book, it looks beautiful. Can't wait to find it in my mailbox!
Félicitations! J'imagine qu'il n'existe pas en français malheureusement! Encore bravo!
Congratulations. The video was excellent. I can't wait to see your book. The double trouble chocolate cake is sensational
Congratulations! Can't wait to see your book.
Congratulations with your book! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have this book. I have been surfing the internet for an hour but nowhere for sale in Europe! So disappointed... have to wait till the end of may....
This is Henry from Hong Kong and I'm thrilled to know the release of your book!
You know there just aren't much resources for people who love food styling and photography in my country...(it was so hard to find some decent plates or cutleries! i always buy mine when i travel)
You blog is just one of the biggest inspirations for someone like me who love to cook and also want to take good pictures about food
The books you can find on food photography are either too all-american / cliche or super technical to do...
I'm sure your book doesn't fall into these categories and I would love love love to read and learn from your new masterpiece! (i'm not even sure when I can buy your book in Hong Kong...!)
Take a look at my album if you have time...feel free to share your thoughts on them!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.13157082989.35052.773532989
Yay! My husband just ordered my copy for Mother's Day!
congratulations!!
i'm going to buy now!!
big hug
Beautiful pictures! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
it has been a long time since i've blogged, but i still keep up with your blog! i really love that you've written a book. i have seen your photography get better over the years and it's awesome that you are sharing that with us! best of luck. :-)
Congratulations on your first book, Helen!!
I just went to Amazon to order your book! It looks amazing.
This is so amazing, Helene. So so amazing. I feel so happy to see how you've paved the way for yourself... from when I first got to know of you during Daring Bakers till now. You inspire me.
Congratulations on the book. I really look forward to reading it. Thanks also for so many lovely recipes and photos. You're really an inspiration.
Wow, 900+ comments!! Congratulations. I am sure your book is going to be a HUGE hit. :)
Congratulations! I have been a big admirer of your gorgeous photography and food styling; I can't wait to get my hands on one of your books!
Helene!!!
I just placed an order to get your book !! I am so so so happy and excited !!!!!!!!
Best of luck on your book and thank you for your beautiful blog which inspires me constantly!
your blog is "killing" me :-)
I´ve never been in love with a food- and photography blog before...now I am! have a happy and creative day today!
First of all I would love to congratulate you on your book. It must a tremendous effort to compile all your technical knowledge into a book filled with useful information. I am a food photographer myself and still learning to take good shots. I hope to get your book one day to inspire me further in the art of food photography.
Just saw those flowers on Pinterest + they took my breath away :)
Your site is simply breathtaking and inspiring! Sincere congratulations on your wonderful new book - what an accomplishment! Take time in this journey to really enjoy the moment and know that we all appreciate your hard work!
Deborah
Deborah: thank you but the book has been out for a year already!
I got the book & it's AMAZING!!! I loved it & will write an article about it in my blog soon.
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