Food Photography

Got food? This category may or may not stick. I’m not a food blogger, per se, but I’ve taken a few food photos for business and pleasure, so for now, it’s here. Personally, I think shooting food is actually hard work! You’d think a subject that doesn’t move (hopefully) would make for a pretty easy photo, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Sushi and Ramen and Saké (oh my!)

I’m not a food blogger, and I rarely take photos of my food (it gets cold!). But I may make an exception when I’m on vacation and I already have my camera with me. And I definitely make an exception when I’m in Vancouver and eating omakase-style at Tojo’s.

The light is difficult, and the focal-point is razor thin, but Tojo-san and his kitchen do such marvelous, innovate things with Japanese cuisine that I almost feel like I can even capture the taste and aroma of each of his dishes if I remember to snap a few shots before I take a bite. Sadly, that’s not the case, and we find ourselves returning every time we visit Vancouver.

If you have the appetite and the inclination to splurge a little, I definitely recommend making a reservation and sitting in front of him. Let him choose your menu for the evening. He’ll go on and on about how his local ingredients are the best anywhere, but prod him for stories about the craziness of the Olympic Games, and how he had to kick several heads of state out of the restaurant after two hours so more people could sit down.

Other culinary highlights of the trip: Ramen at Benkei, dim sum at Fisherman’s Terrace in Richmond (new to us and very good), and of course, incomparable Indian food at the famous Vij’s.

Veena’s Market

Veena Prasad runs a very exciting and mouthwatering business: Simplifying the process of cooking ethnic food in at home by preparing recipe kits for tasty Indian cuisine. Just add your own fresh ingredients to the pre-measured spices and grains, and voila! Authentic chickpea curry or tandoori chicken! Even I can do it!

Taking photos of her food had its challenges, mostly because I kept getting distracted by the delicious smells wafting around the room. But the vibrancy of her dishes’ colors made for some great photos.

Please check out her website, Veena’s Market, and also look for her at the Fremont Farmer’s Market on a bi-monthly basis!