Plate to Pixel

When I get behind the lens of my camera, I’m like a toddler getting behind the wheel of a car.  The child pushes every button, switch and gear on the dashboard, with no idea of what those controls can do. 
Calling myself an amateur photographer would be a compliment, because I haven’t even achieved that level of photography skill yet.
 I recently needed to take photos of my kitchen, and they had to be the best quality possible.  I spent 4 of the longest days of my life trying to get those shots, because I had no idea how to control my camera to get results I wanted and needed.
Have you ever tried keeping your family from making ANY mess in a kitchen for 4 days?
Let me tell you, it’s nearly impossible, and if I only knew what I was doing, it wouldn’t have taken 4 days or been such an ordeal.  If only….

In steps Serendipity…
Remember the Wooden Mantel Backdrops I made and showed you recently?

Well, it just so happens that the woman who bought 2 of those backdrops is Helene Dujardin, a well-known food photographer, blogger, and the published author of Plate to Pixel.

She’d purchased some wood from me several years ago (the same wood planks I used to create my mantel backdrops), but I had no idea what she was using it for.  As it turns out, she used it as the backdrop for the beautiful photo of the apples above.

I was thrilled to see my pretty old wooden planks being used by a professional photographer, and decided to contact her.   Helene graciously connected me with her publisher, Courtney Allen, who sent me Plate to Pixel, so I could read and review it myself.

While Helene specializes in food photography, I soon realized her book will help all photographers improve their skills, and it’s written in a very easy to understand way, with tons of photos, illustrations, examples, and instructions.  It’s exactly the book I wish I had in my hands when I was trying to take the photos in my kitchen.

While reading through the book, I am taking notes – especially in the areas that have had me completely stumped (and there are many).  I feel like there’s hope that I may actually figure out how to correctly “ask” my camera to perform for me, instead of torturing it with my ignorance.

Aside from being an incredible instructional book, you will thoroughly enjoy all the many, many stunning photos throughout it.  Those photos alone really inspire me to shoot at different angles, at various times of day, and with a variety of backdrops.

I received no compensation for writing this post, other than receiving the book.  I just know I desperately need some education, yet don’t have the time to attend a class at this point, and believe some of you have the same problem.  If you’ve been struggling with photography or the use of your camera, regardless of what it is you are trying to photograph, get this book.  It’s worth every penny and is much less expensive than taking a class (less than $17 on Amazon).  You can read it at your leisure, and practice your skills with the book right in front of you as a help.  

Thank you Helene, for writing such an easy to understand and visually beautiful book, and thank you Courtney for sending it to me.  Perhaps my camera and I can have a good relationship now!

Visit Helene’s blog, Tartelette and prepare to start drooling.
Plate to Pixel can be purchased HERE.

Blessings,

Angie