Francesca's Restaurant

I finally just recently finished editing my images from my spit fire photo shoot last week at Francesca's restaurant in Forest Park. I was asked by their PR firm to take some quick head shots of the executives, and a few images of their salad and pasta dishes that are going to be a special. This is a new adventure working with this PR firm, and it seems like it may be a good mix. Very "fly by the seat of your pants" atmosphere, but that is what I enjoy, and work the best at. It is really nice to walk into a restaurant and have things be ready, and quick. The chef made these dishes in 5 minutes, and the executives were ready to get their pictures taken. Granted, it was so fast because they all had many other things to do in their day. I was just one appointment on their busy list of demands. Although, it was quick, and I didn't even have my lights or typical set up with me, I think I got some decent shots. I completely forget what they called the pasta dish, to tell the truth, it was an Italian word that I couldn't spell let alone pronounce, but the salad was the signature "Francesca Salad" I believe. It was delicious, because naturally we all had a bite after the shoot, because we were starving. I said it then, and I will say it now..when Italian food is done right, it is SO good. Amazing! This was my first experience with Francesca's restaurant, although there are many in Chicago, and I was very impressed. The atmosphere was decorated and designed very well, the lighting was moody, but not too dark, there was a patio to dine outside, and the food was fantastic. I am definitely going to explore more Francesca restaurants. But in order to do that, I have to finish my job and deliver the images!

Food is Art is Life

Market Days

Since we are deep into summer, I have found myself constantly surrounded by street markets and festivals. That is one of the best atributes of Chicago summers. Every neighborhood here has a street festival at one point, and a fresh fruit market. I recently went on an interview with a PR firm to help them with their photography, and after the interview I felt I deserved a slow meander through a local market. I noticed that the items have changed since the last time I was at the market. I suppose that is only natural, while the summer is progressing. There were many other new vendors as well. The newest, and most interesting product was the Gooseberry. They were everywhere, and I was excited to see them, because I barely know anything about them. I talked to one of the local farmers about them, and she let me taste it, and it was a very nice eye opening experience. The farmer explained to me that it is a sweet and tart kind of berry, that takes little to prepare. She said that most people make jams, and tarts out of them. She said that really in most recipes it just involves, Gooseberries, Sugar, and Flour. So naturally I was in. I bought some, and I am still experimenting with them. They are very intriguing and I always like a new challenge. Only time will tell what I come up with for those berries.

And as for the interview, it went well and I took some pictures of a chef at Francesca's yesterday for the PR firm. I am editing them today, stay tuned for the images soon!

Food is Art is Life

Photography Workshops

Recently I have been feeling as if my photography needs a boost. I have been attempting to do as many test shoots as possible while keeping up with the rest of my life. I have a growing list of ideas next to my desk, it is just a matter of finding the time to shoot all the ideas. A friend of mine just recently told me about the Maine Photography Workshops, and how they are doing a food class this summer. I have looked into it, and I feel it would be a great way to get a great way to get inspiration, and education. I have heard many good things about the Maine workshops, and I am going to attempt to steal some time away from the city to attend the food photography class. It has always been a fantasy of mine to spend time in Maine. I really like the idea of the coast, the fishing, the fishermen, and the boats. There is something romantic about all of that, in my mind, and adding my photography to that fantasy would just make it that much more enjoyable. My work situation currently is not as flexible as I would prefer, but I am hoping that with some talking, and arranging, I may be able to run away. Moral of the story is, I suggest anyone that is interested in photography, to click the link above and check out the workshops. They have hundreds of them it seems, and they are a great investment to anyone's photography career.

Food is Art is Life