Simple Snack of Berries and Almond Butter-A Photography Camp

by Julie on May 11, 2011

I’m soooo sorry I missed being here last week.  I had every intention of posting a recipe for you but somehow life happened.  With plans for a weekend photography camp 3 flights from my home somehow I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was to leave my family at home.  So the post was going to happen while I was away, somewhere in between the workshop hours but it just didn’t happen, so I apologize and I promise I won’t abandon you again.  I really have to say that it was worth my while and your while cuz good things are in store for both of us as a result of this past weekend.

Here begins the journey where I feel giddy about what may be.  With my retail store now officially closed and a brand new digital SLR camera in hand with a macro lens-yeehaa!- I look for inspiration on how to grow my skills to the next level as I follow my passion of publishing this alkaline lifestyle blog.  When I found out about  Angela Ritchie’s ACE Photography Camp in Sante Fe, New Mexico with Helen Dujardin of Tartlette, I didn’t hesitate one second to register.

There is so much to learn about digital food photography; my camera, styling, lighting, composition, it goes on and on.  This past weekend revealed many ahaaa moments for me that will most certainly change the way I approach my passion for photography, in a good way.  Helene is a wealth of knowledge and shares it with such enthusiasm and with great patience.  I feel honoured to have learned some of her trade secrets-thank you Helene:)  And Angela sure puts on a fabulous weekend and she feeds us amazing delicious food, much of it alkaline in nature for my liking, and beautifully presented!  Thank you so very much Angela!!

Above is a shot from our first exercise of a favourite snack that my daughter and I often share, sometimes with a cup of herbal tea.  It kind of reminds me of an English tea sandwich.  My challenge for myself was to shoot with a darker background as I always shoot with a light, white backdrop.  I’m curious, what do you think? I will post the lighter background too at the bottom so you can see what you like best.  Photography is so subjective thus I wonder what you might prefer.

This is a very simplistic recipe today but I promise next week, I’ll post something you can really sink your teeth into.  In the meantime, if you don’t know what Manna Bread is you might like to check it out.  It is usually found in the freezer section with the exception of some Whole Foods Markets who carry it fresh in areas where it is popular.  It is a sprouted wheat loaf that is free of yeast.  It is quite pure and free of many nasties and makes a pretty natural healthy indulgent snack or treat that is low on the glycemic index and offers 6 grams of protein per slice.  The ingredients are all organic and include: sprouted wheat kernels, filtered water, raisins, dates, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, oat flour, cinnamon & nutmeg.  It isn’t totally alkaline but if you are having a pretty balanced day this is a fine treat along with some healthy raw almond butter.  I sometimes have it as a treat on Sunday morning after my green juice.

Berries & Almond Butter on Manna Bread
Yield: Serves 2
2 slices Fruit & Nut Manna Bread
3 tbsp raw almond butter
3 large strawberries, sliced
Method
Lightly toast Manna bread in toaster, then spread generously with almond butter. Top with sliced strawberries and enjoy with herbal tea.

So this is the white background.  They both look tasty but what’s your preference?  And here’s another shot below that I took as I attempt to take a different approach to styling fewer items in a shot, allowing more negative space in the frame.  Do you like this apple image at all? You’ll probably notice some improvements in my shots I hope but most of all I am feeling more confident as I approach photographing a wider variety of difficult to shoot food recipes.

Thanks for you patience with me and this blog, it’ll be worth it I promise.  I’m still out of town this week on a mini project but will return next week with something yummy!

Have a great week and I’ll see you soon.

Julie

Style Prop for this

melamine plate: Grøynlyk, Copenhagen, Denmark

pink leaf fabric: Purl Soho, NYC

all other items shared from fellow students in workshop

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{ 10 comments }

Zita May 12, 2011 at 12:08 am

Julie,

When I read the title of this post I thought you were writing about how to make almond butter. I would love to make it on my own and I’m looking for a great recipe. Anyway I found one after reading your post (http://bit.ly/jHzHRS).

It must have been an amazing experience to be on a workshop with Helene. I’m pretty sure you learned a lot from her. I think I’m going to feel the same in August after a workshop with Bea (http://bit.ly/m5cdlE) at FBC. This is one of my dreams to learn from these talented food bloggers and photographers. You are so inspiring for me too! There are really nice photographed food blogs in Hungary but all of the bloggers are meat eater. This is not a problem but I decided that I want my blog to be the nicest among the vegetarian, vegan blogs!!! It’s a big challenge for me but I’m not afraid to complete it! 🙂
My boyfriend will buy me (us!) a wonderful Canon DSLR camera in June and I’m so looking forward to learn food photography!!! He says, he wants to buy the camera because he knows it would help me to improve my photography skills! Awwww, I love him so much!!! 🙂

Anyway, thanks for sharing your healthy recipes and wonderful photos!

Zita

admin May 12, 2011 at 9:59 am

Zita, it’s easy to make almond butter if you have a high speed Vitamix blender. Be sure to use organic almonds and if you can soak them they will be even more nutritious. Just don’t make too much as the soaked nuts won’t keep too long, couple days only. Don’t soak if you wish to make a large batch. Yes I had lots of ahaaa moments learning from Helene that’s for sure. You will love using a good camera and your photos will look like you are a pro just because the camera is better. Your blog is already lovely so you are well on your way:) Hugs to you across the miles!

Britt May 12, 2011 at 6:13 am

Love the dark photo! It worked out really nicely, and the snack really pops of the plate. Also like the picture of the apple with the purple and green plate (my favourite combination of colours). Looking forward to the photos in your coming recipes 🙂

Julie May 12, 2011 at 9:50 am

Thanx Brit, hope you are well! I hope to experiment more with a variety of backdrops. Hugs to you:)

Leslie May 13, 2011 at 8:40 am

What a great weekend! Hope you have a safe trip home.
I am partial to the white background but I love both. That apple shot is totally incredible!!! I need to try something “inspired” by it! 🙂

Sherilyn May 15, 2011 at 12:56 pm

I love them both but I think my preference is the dark background. It just makes the snack stand out more. I am so envious of your experience. I am yet to find somewhere that offers this type of class in Australia. No such luck to date but will keep searching.

Zita May 19, 2011 at 2:28 am

Julie,
thanks for your tips and comment. 🙂

Helene July 17, 2011 at 8:55 am

I love what Helen does, I bought her book. What camera do you use? Really nice pics on your blog.

admin July 23, 2011 at 8:43 am

Hi Helen Thank you kindly. I use a Canon 5D that I just splurged on a few months ago. I had a Nikon DSLR prior.

Amber January 31, 2012 at 1:10 pm

I’ve just been devouring your website (literally, I guess..with all the recipes I’ve made) since I discovered it–but the information too. You are my new favorite blog. Anyway–I made Manna bread–based on the ingredients that you listed above. Mind you–I’ve never had it before so I really don’t know what it’s supposed to taste like. But what turned out of my oven is heavenly. If you ever want to try your hand at making your own, I would gladly share the recipe! 🙂

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