Thai Cookbook now in stores!
The Thai Cookbook I photographed last year is at long last out in stores. It is part of a really cool series of how to books from Knack Books, and includes 100 recipes shot by yours truly. In fact, there are so many photos (350 to be exact) that they highlight this on the back of the book. It was a laborious and delicious process and I am so excited to see it all come together in a gorgeous final product. Get it while it’s hot! Available on Amazon, BN.com and your local bookseller. I recommend the thai fresh rolls with dip (p. 98), drunken noodles (p. 164), or the easy fish curry (p. 176). Or for those more inclined toward instant gratification, pour over all the gorgeous photographs while enjoying Thai food from your local delivery place.
Writing with Syrup
Thanks to the advice of some folks on the linkedin food photography group, I was able to try writing a message in syrup. Here is one of my attempts that worked pretty well based on my very scientific (ha!) trial and error. I mostly used Jennifer’s tip of boiling Karo syrup. I then chilled it, cooked the pancakes, cooled the pancakes, layer of matte spray, then microwaved my syrup mixture very briefly, and voila…..I had some trouble under and overcooking the syrup but eventually got the mixture right. Delicious, no?
Reflections
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, otherwise known as the SFMOMA is a terrific museum and SF resource. They always put up interesting shows and have a great photography collection. They were actually one of the first museums to begin acquiring photography and to consider it a “fine” art. I am proud to say I am on the museum’s website. Ok, not my work but my picture. My friend Rachel and I enjoyed going to the 75th anniversary show opening party about a month ago. The line was around the block to get in but a waffle truck and pre-drinking helped to make it all the more fun. Once we got in we were greeted with free drinks, live bands, and a photo booth.
I happen to have stumbled upon our photo on their website when looking for this John Collier Jr photo which I fell in love with after my recent visit to the photography show, The View From Here. I highly recommend the show which is a well curated history of California and photography. And it is open until June 27th, so no excuses. There are so many gems in the show but this one stood out. It reminded me of the product photography job I was working on last week. Photography is all about light. Beautiful diffused window light seeping into the cracks of an old barn, yes.
But also damn reflections everywhere. Here are some unintentional self portraits of the artist at work.
30 second rule although I thought it was the 5 second rule
This is somewhat related to my previous post but funny and informative nonetheless. I found this handy diagram on the sf weekly foodie blog, and it details some decision making guidelines for when to eat food that has fallen on the floor. I am so glad to have some steadfast rules as I am scarily non germ phobic when it comes to food. To get a better look at it, click this link to check out the diagram on its original site.
Also in food news is that there are so many restaurants in San Francisco that I had to create a google document to keep track of all the new places I want to go. Just in case I find myself in the middle of the Mission trying to remember my list I published it online. More places to be added soon of course.
Happy Eating.
Some-mo’as
Location: The top of the trashcan on my corner.
Found: An entire case of Girl Scout Cookies.
I adore Girl Scout cookies, specifically Samoas. The donut shaped cookie drizzled in caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate is my idea of the perfect dessert. Samoa season only comes around once a year, so imagine my surprise to see a free case of cookies calling my name. The trashcan on my corner is the unofficial resting spot for free food as there are many hungry people in my neighborhood. Nothing ever stays there for too long and when I was working on the Thai cookbook it was a hotbed for Chicken Green Curry, and Shrimp Pad Thai. My theory on the cookies is that someone in the area took pity on the cute little scouts last year and bought way too many boxes of cookies. She is a local mom, eats mostly organic, so doesn’t let the kids eat too many sweets (like Samoas!). New Year’s rolls around and Mom is on a diet and cleaning house, thus the cookies get kicked to the curb. In my mind this proves that the cookies are fine to eat, and have of course not been tampered with. However, my roommates advice was to leave the cookies alone as one never knows where said sweets have been. I heeded the advice upon investigating the contents and realizing it was mostly Thin Mints and there were no Samoas. Looking forward to Samoa season this year. I think around February or March I’ll be stalking those little green salespeople.
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from Emily Click here to see the video!
It’s a Big Deal
A few weeks ago I shot headshots for a new web company’s “About Us” page. They just launched yesterday at Bigdeal.com! The headshots came out great and it was a fun excuse to use a ring flash. Check out their unique auction site and get some Big Deals before everyone hears about it…..or just go and admire the headshots. Have a great weekend.
Happy Halloween and Other News
Happy Halloween out there. Probably my favorite holiday as it is a great excuse to wear slutty outfits and eat lots of candy. It is prime candy corn season, and thus far I have eaten lots of candy corn as well as candy corn flavored dots. My official expert review: Good flavor, weird texture. The tried and true original candy corn has been around for over 100 years. Here is a link to a brief and nerdily fascinating history of its deliciousness on the National Confectioners website.
In other photo and food news, I have been shooting pictures of a Krispy Kreme Donuts shop for a new photo project. Thus far, it has involved two trips to said establishment in Daly City, California. It is amazing to witness the sugar glaze shower that enrobes each fried ring of goodness. I have been shooting film so it is yet to be seen whether the photos turned out well or a reshoot (ie re-donut eat) is required.
In addition, today I shot the “about us” portraits for the website of a new start-up here in San Francisco. I used a ring flash to create some fun and light hearted head shots. I think everyone will be pleased with how they came out.
And finally, I just unpacked my new LaCie terabyte hard drive. I am going to be so organized with all my little folders categorized into headings and master folders. Ooh it is fun to geek out on storage. I am even going to start backing up regularly. You should too.
Have a great Halloween and Mischief Night and Day of the Dead.
Cool new artist alert
I just stumbled upon Bill Sullivan’s work online and I’m in love. He is New York based and having a show at the Caption Gallery in Dumbo. I think the large scale is really stunning and I can imagine the overwhelming feeling of seeing all these people surrounding you. It is giving me a new perspective on my own eating portraits and I all of a sudden feel motivated to shoot some more. Thanks Bill. Check out his website for more info about his process and portrait theories.
all images ©2009 emily heller