The radio has been on a lot this weekend. Partly, in order to distract myself as I scrubbed the kitchen. Which is what I was doing when a very appropriate piece of programming was aired. Radio 4 was talking about food photography - you can hear it here for the next 7 days.
One of my incentives in cleaning the kitchen is the possibility that I may want to take some photographs in there. Probably of food. Or someone eating it.
But it does seem a little bizarre, when you really examine it - taking pictures of your dinner. Why do we do it?
For me, the pictures of food are one way of documenting the passage of life. A way to celebrate the million little things we do for our families. One of the perks of a job which comes without paycheque or accolades, but is fulfilling, if we only take a moment to enjoy our achievements from time to time.
When I look through my archives, my foodie pictures are rather biassed towards baking. Possibly, because I am too greedy and impatient to eat the hot food before it goes cold, to take the time to photograph it.
But I am pleased that I do take the time to record the odd foodie moment. Just to see that sometimes do I produce something tangible with my days. Even if compiling the mosaic just really makes me want a cupcake right this minute.
I'm always in awe of photographers who make hot dishes actually look hot... Mine always seem to look rather unappetising and cold, for some reason.
Btw, now I fancy a cupcake...
Posted by: Dragonfly | 02 May 2010 at 23:05
I am so with you on this, Drew thinks nothing of me photographing it all now, but the boys make me so happy with food. I made cakes and buscuits with them this morning for our picnic, there are now bic's left now.
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 02 May 2010 at 23:20
I must have a listen. Feeling very uninspired recently. It might move me along a bit. A x
Posted by: little pink room | 02 May 2010 at 23:23
I usually don't want photographic evidence to exist of my culinary efforts. Luckily my daughter is only old enough to care that her birthday cake tasted ok, and not to question why the bottom half had broken in two...
I want a cupcake now.
Posted by: UK lass in US | 03 May 2010 at 03:30
yep, cupcake desire has kicked in here too - thanks to your delicious photos! Can't think of a better way to document family life.
Posted by: Julie | 03 May 2010 at 13:32
You have just reminded me how much I loved those Shaun the Sheep cupcakes. Must get round to making some myself.....
Posted by: Amaranthine | 03 May 2010 at 15:24
I always want a cupcake! Your selection does look pretty yummy though.
Most of my 'real life' friends are not bloggers so don't understand my desire to constantly photograph food before I eat it. My husband has got quite used to it though!
Posted by: domestikate | 03 May 2010 at 15:37
Funny, I have just been making iced cupcakes with the intention of photographing them for my blog. The cakes look great but the pictures don't. That's what you get for making something simply to photograph it and not for the simple pleasure of pleasing your family!
Posted by: Sue | 03 May 2010 at 17:52
yes, those cupcakes have an effect on me too!
stop it now.
Posted by: Monica | 03 May 2010 at 20:13
So which photo are you submitting?
Posted by: Alice | 03 May 2010 at 21:19
Oooh must have a listen to this! But sadly there isn't enough light in our kitchen for photographs. So must continue to hold the cupcake out the window or run downstairs to the front of the building--so embarrassing!
Posted by: kristina | 03 May 2010 at 21:20
Cakes always look so tempting so are appealing to photograph, when I take a picture of a stew or something like that it just looks like sludge!
Don't get drawn into too much cleaning, it only gets messy again!
Posted by: French Knots | 03 May 2010 at 21:23
Oooh, it makes me want a cupcake right now too! They looks fabulous. Thanks for the link!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 03 May 2010 at 22:43
Oh thanks for the link - will enjoying listening! I agree, I enjoy taking pictures of what I make/eat as part of the documentation of the small things in life that make me happy. Those cupcakes do indeed look very yummy!
Posted by: skirmishofwit | 03 May 2010 at 23:59
Hmmm. Food photography wouldn't work in this house - my husband's comment last night was that it looked like I had thrown the food onto the plate. And to be honest, I had to agree though I did suggest he might like to try serving it up next time ...
I can't have cupcakes for breakfast, much as your pictures are making me want to.
Posted by: dottycookie | 04 May 2010 at 07:16
Thanks for the link.. Your cupcakes look delicious!
I must admit I've thought of taking pictures of my dinner, but like you I'm too eager to dig in! LOL
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | 04 May 2010 at 18:00
yum.
well, baking photos are SO pretty and sweet usually.
you know i've been taking photos of the fam's lunches lately, and sometimes i do it for dinner for a joint food blog with my siblings.
and there IS something about food photos - it's good to do it sometimes.
now off to scrub my kitchen...
Posted by: kirsten | 05 May 2010 at 17:02
perhaps because the beauty of what we have made only lasts momentarily before being consumed and gone forever. taking food photos of dinner is difficult when you have a family and the evening light isn't so good.
i've always loved your cupcakes.
Posted by: Tiel | 14 May 2010 at 22:25
hi there,
Can you tell me where to buy the fancy paper cases?
Posted by: anita | 01 June 2010 at 17:52