Heart Shaped World

Ok, I'm sucking at posting! Let me catch you up on things.

Today I'm shooting cereal in a heart shaped bowl for a perspective client.

Last week I shot eight different vegan products for my very first packaging.

Yes, I've had my stuff in books, magazines, newspaper ads, lots of website ads, even a billboard (!) but never have I been lucky enough to shoot packaging. I'm so excited! But then, I'm easily amused... : )

I'm fortunate that I have the best day job in the world so I can continue on with my photography from time to time. Keeps me busy and (mostly) out of trouble!

Lobster Roll Maine

Lobster Roll Maine
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Wanted to share a photo of my first lobster roll ever. Yum! Thank you Gigi!

I love this photograph not only because of the scrumptious subject matter, but because of the coastal light coming in through the north facing windows.

Lightness obsession!

Pink Macaroon with Raspberries

Pink Macaroon with Raspberries
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Been a while, but I wanted to post one of the most delicious treats I've eaten all year. Raspberry macaroon with raspberries and stuff inside, and a sprinkling of candied violets. Paris. Yum.

A Perfect little studio

Hi all,

I've got a new little studio in San Francisco. It's in the wonderful Cow Hollow area - to me it's the best part of SF.

We ate brunch at Rose's cafe the other day. The light there is very similar to the light in the studio. Even the remnants of my french toast with apples looked good. It was delicious too!

I feel very lucky to have happened on to such a good situation. Peter and I painted the studio over the weekend. I'll bring the rest of the furniture up this week, and hopefully start shooting next weekend.

Ron Asheton

Just a moment away from the food side of things.

Ron Asheton of Iggy and the Stooges has passed away. My husband is sad. My daughter is sad. I am so freaking sad. He was the nicest guy. Quirky and nice.

Here is a photo from the weekend I met him at Eric and Christina's wedding. RIP Ron.

Studio on the run - Beech Mushrooms

Wow! It's been a while since I've written anything here. Work has been very busy, both my day job and my photography business. I'll try not to be so much of a slacker in '09.

So I found these outrageous beech mushrooms at Far West Fungi in San Francisco over xmas break. Far West is in the Ferry Building up there. My favorite place in the city.

I was on my way north, going on a jaunt up to the wine country. I purchased the yummable fungi and headed up the highway.

When I got to my hotel, I noticed this awesome filtered light streaming through the window. Before I even unpacked, I was setting up to shoot the mushrooms. (Screw the basics - photography is everything)!

I tried several backgrounds - first the side table, then the wrinkled paper bag on the side table, and then... I noticed the handy dandy tray under the ice bucket and glasses. (Do people ever really use those ice buckets? Just wondering).

The tray was a really great mat black color - the perfect background for the mushrooms lit by the window light.

I really love shooting food bathed in natural light when the opportunity presents itself.

This shot above is one of the rejects, but I think it's still pretty cool. I posted my favorite shot up on my site at www.alisonparkswhitfield.com

Cheers,

Alison

Food Illusions

Oh my gosh, the Lou Manna class in NYC was beyond awesome. I learned so much on every different aspect of food photography, lighting, placement, white balance, styling. We also learned a ton of food photography tricks, such as Elmer's glue being used in place of milk. I just tried that in this cereal image to the left. Not bad for a first try I guess.

We also learned some tips about business and file handling issues that I found incredibly helpful.

Lou was such a good teacher, so funny, helpful and approachable. I cannot recommend this class enough for those who are interested in this area of photography.

These workshops are handled through Adorama Camera in New York. Here is the link - http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=ws_SignUp

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