Good Afternoon Everybody,
What's the most inspiring thing that happened to you this week? While not trying to think about the current state of our economy and while looking forward to the presidential debates this evening, for me, it would be the inclusion of video on Canon and Nikon's new cameras. I was bummed to learn that the Nikon's video, even though lower res, didn't give us auto-focus. But heck, it's $1,600 less than the Canon.

Now, hold on one second before "flying off the handle" and saying, "I'm a photographer, I don't want to be a videographer too!" Hey gang, let me be clear, that is NOT my intention or the direction I'm coming from either. The last thing I want to be is a videographer. They know what their gig is and I know mine. But hey, they are always in our way anyway at a wedding - these new cameras might be just the ticket in solving that problem. Wait, wait - it was just a joke!

Anyway, let's get back on track here. Why do I think this is such an BIG - BIG - BIG thing for photographers? Just look at the last two Business Day Thursday posts. The bottom line is that we need to be offering our clients exciting products that the competition down the street is not. This new camera functionality points the way for innovative, forward thinking photographers to do...

I don't know how I found myself at the American Society Of Magazine Editors site, but once I got there, it was pretty cool. Hey, it's not wedding photography, but it has some great imagery by the top contenders in this year's competition. Here is the link. Wait, there's more. Also check out to the top magazine covers over the past 40 years - it's a nice peek at our society's history, our interests, current affairs at the time. It's a quick, fascinating and sometimes surprising look back. Here is the link.

If you want to see something really awesome, then check out TimeCatcher.com. It is a beautiful site with some outstanding photography. Here is the story. The site is supported by images of six photographers as they travel the world. Hit the Gallery tab, then click on any of the points on the map to see what images were captured there. The photographs are amazing. This is a great weekend diversion and very inspiring. Here is the link.

And last, but not least - check out Lance Burns Photography.com. Lance was one of the wild one's - I mean that in the most complimentary way, Lance - at...

If you haven’t seen Paul Lowe’s blog, Sweet Paul, you should definitely go check it out. I’ve been drooling over his photos for the past month now, waiting on pins and needles for each new post. However, Sabra, over at Cookbook Catchall, was lucky enough to sit in with Paul for day and kind enough to share some of what she learned. Check it out!

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A few weeks ago, I got a lovely piece of mail from a food stylist that I hadn’t known before. Actually, I had known him from his amazingly beautiful stylings in magazines like Sunset among countless others. In fact, you have most likely seen Randy Mon’s work before too without knowing it. Such seems to be the life of food stylists, staying hidden behind the scenes. After my jaw nearly dropped to the floor after seeing even the first shot on his portfolio of the most luscious looking radishes and herbs I’ve ever seen in my life, I quickly popped off a response to him to see if I could coax him to take a few (or more) minutes to share a little about himself with me and you guys. Amazingly, he generously obliged and not only sent me along a fantastic interview with wonderful insights into how he works… but also a lovely handful of photos showing his excellent work.

So, with that, here’s my virtual interview with Randy for you all to enjoy!

photo by Marshall Gordon

L: I love that you describe yourself on your about page as “a weird kid” who sculpted scrambled eggs and made dried fruit portraits. Thank goodness your had a friend who suggested you go into styling! Once you had that idea planted in your head, how did you make it happen, and get your first

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Clearly, you guys love to post to the Flickr Group. And I love to see your work! But, I am quite behind given the number of photos posted in the last 2 months and a bit of a freak amount of work in my day job in April.

This month, your challenge is… well, no challenge! For May, it’s a free for all! Post up to 3 photos of food shots you want to show. Anything you want!

However, I’m going to skip commenting this month. If you really want me to comment, please tag the photo “STWFeedbackPlease” and I’ll be sure to take a look and give you some feedback.

I’m also asking for help in future months. If you have an idea for a challenge, shoot me a piece of email and let me hear your suggestions! Or post ideas on the Future Theme Ideas thread. If you think you have time to help give feedback, let me know too. Of course everyone is welcome and encouraged to leave feedback on the photos in the group. The more we all get involved, the better.

If you’ve ever done any research into food photography and styling, then you know how few and far between the guides are. There are a couple of books that focus on lighting and some of the basics of photography when it comes to food… almost a laughable number given the overall quantities of books on general photography and photography software. For food styling, there has been even less. However, I just received my copy of Food Styling for Photographers by Linda Bellingham and Jean Ann Bybee and I’m thrilled to see this kind of information more readily available to photographers and people considering food styling.

“Food Styling for Photographers: A Guide to Creating Your Own Appetizing Art”
(Linda Bellingham, Jean Ann Bybee)

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