Stani's Blog

Pro Tips: How To Take A Perfect Food Picture

I'd long admired Matt Armendariz and his food photography on his site, Matt Bites, where you can practically taste the stunning pictures he takes for cookbooks, magazines, and advertisements. With the holidays just around the bend and the deluge of celebratory photos flooding social media, I gathered his pro tips on how to orchestrate the best food photograph.

Style matters: "Never underestimate style when it comes to your photos. It's not just as quick and simple as throwing a plate down on the ground and snapping a shot of it overhead. It's careful planning, selection of plates, and tables that can elevate a basic food photo to something with more aspiration. When it comes to food photography, it's all in the details."

Use less light: "Don't be afraid of shadows and less light, in fact it can create striking images that you may not be able to see immediately with your eye. Remember, the camera sees things differently and sometimes it's alright to let it do its job. Also, you might need a tripod or another way to secure your smart phone if you go this route."

Or, use more light: "Again, sometimes flooding an area with light might be necessary, just be aware that things may be too contrast-y. You'll need to work on your exposure, i.e. the actual camera or your phone’s settings."

It takes a village: "Not only do I rely on a team of people to execute the perfect food shoot, but I really appreciate and enjoy the team effort. Food stylists, prop stylists, art directors, it's a collaborative effort that results in a perfect food shot."

Use the absolute best and freshest ingredients you can: "Starting with a pristine, fresh subject (herbs, cake, holiday dishes, etc.) gets you that much closer to a perfect food shot. The food hasn't oxidized, wilted, deflated, congealed, changed colors around the edges, and looks like it's just come from the oven and ready to eat. You can get to this step much easier if you use a stand-in or have your camera and set or table completely ready to go while the food is cooking. It's all about being prepared and letting the food be the hero!"

*image via

Men's Gift Guide 2014

Here's my annual installment of gift recommendations for that special guy (or guys) in your life. Happy Holidays!

1. Aether Pinnacle Jacket ($445) - I have a thing for urban sportswear. The guys at Aether are the best at merging design with tactical materials to create updated versions of classic outerwear.

2. Denim Wash ($20) - Some guys won't wash their jeans for months, much to the chagrin of their loved ones. If you have a denim devotee who's trying to wear-in their raw, selvedge jeans to perfection, this wash may be in order. Designed to maintain color and denim condition, this enzyme-free wash won't ruin months of dirty dedication.

3. APC Formal Chinos ($235) The name of these pants is kind of an oxymoron. The tailored cut is sleeker than most cotton chinos, while also having a little stretch, to help keep their form.

4. Baxter of California Travel Kit ($50) - Most hotel toiletries are kind of harsh, so treat your man to a little luxury on his next trip.

5. Harry's Shave (various rates) - Razors are confusingly expensive, especially if you shave regularly. This service, created by guys from Warby Parker, provides high quality blades, creams and balms for a fraction of the price of retail razors. They also tailor their subscription offers based on how often you shave.

6. Guanto Formentera Minimalist Gloves ($80) - In the age of smartphones and tablets, providing access to your fingertips has become a necessity. While there are tech gloves designed for touch screens, don't turn your guy into that nerd. These Italian wool hand warmers are functional and stylish.

7. Apolis Market Bag ($58) - This bag supports a group of artisans from emerging markets, to provide employment, education and social advocacy.

1. ROK Espresso Maker ($190) - Home espresso makers have evolved over the years, from smaller versions of professional machines, to simplified single-serving machines (i.e. Nespresso). While I love the simplicity of the single serve machines, I've always found the pre-packaged flavors to be lacking. This streamlined maker uses hand pressure to force the water through the grounds, creating a more authentic espresso pull, while also looking great on your countertop.

2. Crane Grater ($40) - Most kitchen tools are built solely for function, but this copper grater is not only useful, but one of the most beautiful pieces I've seen.

3. Carry On Cocktail Kit ($24) - Unless you're flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, the chances of getting a specialty cocktail during your flight are pretty slim. This small kit provides all the necessary ingredients (except the alcohol) to make a classic old fashioned.

4. OCD Chef Cutting Board ($20) - If you've ever looked at a recipe that calls for a 1/4" diced onion and wanted it to be perfect, this cutting board is for you. Showcasing a precise grid and measurement tools, you'll always have perfectly sized ingredients.

5. Benton's Bacon ($30 for 4 lbs) - I used to think all bacon was pretty much the same, until I tried this speciality version from the hills of Tennessee. They use a slow dry-cure method and hickory smoke to create a flavor that has incredible depth and the right balance of savoriness. It can be used as the base for soups and dishes that need a little extra flavor, but it's also amazing as a breakfast side. Note, they usually take 10-15 days to ship.

6. The Innovators ($21) - From the man who brought you the Steve Jobs' biography, this book tracks the history of the digital revolution, showing how 19th visionaries to the the leaders of modern day Silicon Valley, helped shape our modern world.

1. Ryobi Phone Works ($20 - $130) - These attachable devices turn your smart phone into a variety of specialty tools, including a stud sensor, laser level, inspection scope, infrared thermometer and more.

2. Go Pro Hero 4 ($400) - The leader in first-person video capturing and action shots, their new camera offers updated controls and functions, to produce cinema quality videos.

3. Native Union Night Cable ($40) - This simple device provides a solution to a problem many people have experienced, keeping their phones cable on the desk/nightstand. With a longer cord and weighted knot, that can be moved up and down the length of the cord, you'll always know where your charger is located.

4. Phantom 2 Vision Drone ($1,300) - This is one of the those grown up toys that a lot of guys want, but don't need. However, if the man in your life is looking to start an arial film hobby, or if you want to take your home movies to the next level, this is one of the best drones on the market.

5. Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard ($45) - Connect your phone and tablet into the same keyboard and switch seamlessly between each device while typing. Featuring a built in cradle that will hold multiple devices in landscape or portrait mode, this might be a great solution for people who are looking to ditch their laptop.