NYC Food Blogger: Photo Branding

Nothing makes me happier than to watch someone carry out their bliss.  I follow my own bliss through the photographs I capture.  This past weekend, I was fortunate to photograph my good friend, Valerie, in her happiest place: her kitchen.

Valerie is an aspiring chef, currently trailing in Marco Canora’s kitchen at the famed restaurant, Hearth, and heading to culinary school in Italy very soon. During our photo shoot, Valerie created her own signature cocktail for our fabulous shoot assistant (shout out to Allison!) and me to sip on.  (Ok, ok, we each had two. They were amazing!)  She then rolled up her sleeves and got down to business, slicing and sautéing and skewering, all the while laughing with and entertaining us. Valerie gave off such a mellow, happy vibe throughout her time in the kitchen; she made all the incredible work that went into creating her delicious meal seem effortless and fun.

I had so much fun photographing Valerie preparing our meal, as well as the amazing finished product. The menu consisted of a super yummy cucumber-basil-grey goose cocktail, an amazingly fresh watermelon, feta, and mint salad, polenta cakes topped with sherried mushrooms (which I devoured, despite the fact that I don’t usually care for the ‘shrooms), and perfectly grilled steak kabobs!

Valerie, thank you so much for allowing me into your kitchen to document you following your bliss!  I am so excited to watch you on your journey from your tiny kitchen (we live in NYC people, no one has normal-sized kitchens here!) to your own wonderful restaurant one day!  Cheers!