It’s not every week that I’m working on two cookbook photoshoots at the same time. I normally take some behind-the-scenes snapshots and then hold them for up to a year until the book is published to write a blog post. But it’s hard keeping things under wraps for so long, so here’s a sneak peek. I can’t say what the books are yet — hey, I can keep some secrets — so you’ll have to be patient. This is a photo-only recap (well, almost) which I hope you’ll enjoy.
I said “almost”… this photo makes me laugh. A good photographer (and assistant) will go to any lengths to get the shot just right.
I need to start a prop collection like this!
Incredible styling!
In total we produced at least 80 shots this week for two different books (with two different photo teams), and I ate a lot of good food. I have a couple more shout-outs…
First, thanks to Chef Jennifer Cole-Ruiz for showing off her skills at the Dish Food & Events Spring tasting menu party. That’s the Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Avocado Mousse, Tomato Coulis, and Red Watercress on the left, and the Pressed Berkshire Suckling Pig with Garlic Jus (nice!) on the right.
Lastly, have you ever tried these before? Blanca from Friends Eat brought them to the party. They’re sort of like marshmallows, but for a more adult palate, softer, a bit more delicate. I’ll have to see if I can find them in my local markets. Speaking of sweets, hopefully I’ll see everyone at the NYC Food Blogger Bake Sale on Saturday at Brooklyn Flea, 176 Lafayette Avenue from 10am to 5pm to support Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale!
Justin, this is a cool post. Interesting to see what happens behind the scenes at a shoot. PS Tish’s book is incredible. Very impressed.
thanks, Niko. i wish i could take credit for Tish’s book, but my colleagues produced that one. glad you like it so much though!
Now I know what I need, one of those attachments for my tripod!!! It sure would make overhead shots easier (and less dangerous than teetering on a ladder). Looks like great fun
right, i’m not sure if it’s an attachment or some tripods just come with that piece allowing them to turn the middle post at a 90-degree angle for overhead shots, but it’s amazingly useful.
I’m obsessed with those awesome fish cookies! They’re so great!
Also, how I wish I had time to go to the Flea this weekend: That bake sale sounds so fun.
the bake sale was great!
Are the cookie shots from Nancy Bagget’s new book?
No, we shot Nancy’s book quite some time ago… it’s going to be gorgeous.
I love these behind the scenes shots! Just like putting on makeup correctly to look naturally beautiful; it’s the same with cookbook shoot!
thanks, Gail