|stillness in still life & doing what you love|

Who knew I would ever start taking pictures of food? I didn't.But then it came to me, naturally. If you're anyone that I've ever talked to about my photography, you know that I love every little thing about what I do. And most importantly to me, every day brings forward something a little bit different. In that, I continuously find balance, freedom, challenge, ease, and newness. I love the person to person interaction and getting to know people, having continued relationships with people after my camera hits my side, and creating from the ground up.I love the journalistic aspect of waiting for the moment, capturing a moment in time.. it all is really, really good!! And, despite all of what photographing people and the moments of life gives me, I find my zen in what photographing food brings me . A sense of back to basics. A literal sense of still-ness within still-life. I think back to the paintings and photographs once studied in art history class, the images that most any person would recognize. I think yes,perhaps these were about content, but equally about color, balance,dimension,depth, lighting and simplicity. And all in all...the still life creates a stillness at that moment of time. A moment to sip in your breath, and focus on the little details that lie in front of you.

I remember walking into one of the first restaurants I ever photographed; Bigelow Grille, where I photographed a pierogie like I had never seen before. It was seemingly different from my grandmothers pierogie, and yet it looked and tasted wonderful. This was not food how I knew it, but through my lens, I got to know it,again..paying attention to the color palette, texture, and all of the little things that made it perfect. And with this particular food, the light didn't just come with the food, but also the man behide the pierogie...Kevin Sousa.






It was these first photo sessions that gave me not just the sense of zen and beauty that photographing food can bring, but also the appreciation of those behind the creation of it. There is an art and science within creating and capturing, and in this particular moment, I caught glimpse of that. I reflected on the inspiration and encouragement of this man, so confident in what he does, and who he is, he wears it on his sleeves. There's a pride and love that goes into not just what you do, but who you you are. There's something about striving to be the best at what you do that encompasses your ability to take on what's next.




So, as the years have gone by, my love for food and the creation of it has grown has grown. I've had the experience to work with amazingly talented chefs and appreciate all of what they have to offer.My images have been a little bit of everywhere, locally and nationally, and most recently composed in Real Eats Magazine . Kevins new restaurant,Salt of the Earth , included, is one of my personal favorites, among the rest of the worlds...or so it seems! The food is like nothing I've ever tasted before, leaving the palate fulfilled having tasted so many flavors in just one bite alone. My taste buds yearn for more, and every time I eat there, I think I've had the best meal of my life. Frequent visits at times have my camera in tow, sitting at the counter to capture the colorful palate behind the line, doing what they do best. Everything so consisitant everytime. Every bite equally matching the next, yet a newness each time. So that said, as I like my photo sessions, I enjoy my food and dining experience just the same. A bit of still-ness to reflect on your moment, and to take it all in, but exciting and new too!