Cranberry Claufoutis copy

Cranberry Claufoutis copy
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Claufoutis day today! Used a modified version of Martha Stewart's recipe. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! Just saying.

I can haz blini? (Caviar and blini)

Today I went in a different direction and cooked up a ton of blini for this shot. Used James Beard's blini recipe, of course. http://jamesbeard.org/index.php?q=recipes/show/Blini_with_Caviar

Absolutely love how each caviar egg reflects the lights. Really happy with this image, but I think I'll try a red caviar next time for a bit of color.

Bon appetit!

Bowl of Cranberries

Bowl of Cranberries
Originally uploaded by pixelish

So here is a little bit of a different shot. I'll use this one in the book, I think. Beautiful light, unusual setting with lots of negative space. The "drabware" bowl really fits in with the environment here. Loving the light!

Oh, and my book... it's called Food Styling and Photography for Dummies (Wiley and sons Publishing). It's due out in April 2012 and is available for pre-order in Europe and Asia so far. Here's a link to the UK site - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Styling-Photography-Dummies-Alison-Parks-Whitfield/dp/111809719X

So excited!

0911SauvignonBlancGrapes_3380 copy

0911SauvignonBlancGrapes_3380 copy
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Beautiful stormy day last Saturday in the Santa Ynez valley. Led to some awesome light for these Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

0811TomatoPieP1000277 copy

0811TomatoPieP1000277 copy
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Friday, Friday, tomato pie day! Found some lovely summer tomatoes and dragged out my James Beard cookbook for the piecrust. After I rolled the dough out, I spread a little pesto sauce on the dough. Then spread a few basil leaves and topped with a bunch of the mixed tomatoes. Sprinkled with salt and pepper and baked. Absolutely delicious!

0511FruitTart_3650

0511FruitTart_3650
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Studio a la carte continues. This shot is a little soft but I really do love it.

So, found this fruit tart at our lovely local farmers market. Thought it was truly beautiful. Brought it home. Grabbed a dark wooden chair and put it by the window. Took the tart out of the box with the paper. Wrinkled the paper a little and started shooting. Really happy with the outcome. Oh... and the tart? Freaking delicious!

Earthy Inspiration

Was just telling my friend John - I woke up in a mood this morning, searching for inspiration. Where could I go to find interesting foods, beautiful light and a hell of a cup of coffee? Aha! The Ferry building in SF. Drove the 40 minutes into the city, past the world champion Giants flags, past the wacky bayfront sculptures, and landed at the ferry bldg. I lucked out! It was farmer's market day today, many many beautiful things to photograph. Tons of tasty foods to eat. And some of the best coffee in the world.

I am complete : )

Grilled Escolar Goes Wild

My favorite shot from the Grgich Hills Food Pairings shoot! This was a tough one as the black bowl the chef selected had an unusually reflective surface. I ended up shooting very close in to minimize the lighting issues, then focused on the frontmost grill lines.

Also love the quality of the ginger and the beautiful reflection in the sauce. woo!