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Houston’s SmartFood Photography at Bazille



Cajun Shrimp & Grits -photo by Shahir A

What happens when you combine food + smartphones? #FoodPorn! The popular Nordstrom restaurant, Bazille, hosted Yelp Houston’s first ever Smart Food Photography Mixer on January 31st. Elites enjoyed an 11-course tasting prepared by Bazille Chef Randy Pinney and his team – think Vegetarian Mushroom Risotto, Bazille Balls, Korean BBQ Short Ribs – as they mixed and mingled with five of H-town’s most inspiring food photographers and bloggers, learning tips and tricks of smartphone food photography. Elites also got glammed by Nordstrom beauty stylists, sampled coffees from Nordstrom’s Ebar, won prizes and even walked away with goodie bags. Check out event reviews and photos here, along with pro party pics captured by Clear Shutter Photos. Big thanks to Bazille, Nordstrom, Ebar and our beloved bloggers.

Featured food photographers and bloggers
Dat Food PornHaloodie | HTX Always Hungry | That Boy Asad | The Hungry Petite

Smartphone Food Photography Tips from the featured food bloggers
1. Lighting is key.

  • Natural light works best. When dining at a restaurant, ask to be seated by a window, or take your dish outside to photograph if the indoor lighting is bad. Don’t feel embarrassed.
  • If natural light isn’t available (eg: nighttime) whip out your portable ring light, or borrow your friend’s smartphone flashlight. But don’t ever use your camera flash – ever.

2. Implement the Rule of Thirds. It’s a simple but useful concept (a suggestion more than an actual rule).

3. Plate it. Stage it.

  • Hold your foods and/or drink. With a friend? Ask them to hold the plates/food for you.
  • When taking “food in the air” shots, be mindful of the background.

4. Stay focused. Simply tap the subject area on your screen and it will focus and change the exposure.

5. Snap steady. With a still hand, take multiple shots, select the best, and edit your photos – but don’t over edit.

6. Don’t be skurd. It’s okay to be “that person.” Once over the fear of judgement and embarrassment, your pictures will get better – as well as your creativity.

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