Announcing…..The Food Photography Book! 180 pages of practical “how tos” and jam packed with all my game changing tips, including my Secret Lighting Test that I haven’t even told my friends!
Well, this is a first! The first non-recipe post I have ever done! I was going to incorporate this into a recipe. But then I thought about the hundreds and hundreds (probably thousands) of hours I spent on the book and decided it deserved a post of its own. π
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK
And wait…there’s more!
To celebrate the launch of The Food Photography Book, I’m giving away TWO Personal Food Photography Coaching Packages worth over $500 each! Click here to enter!
My Story
In my former life, I worked in corporate finance. Every day, I put on a suit, straightened my hair, piled on make up, drove into the city (Sydney, Australia) and strode into the office in red patent leather high heels. I flew around the world “on the job” and worked long hours, 7 days a week.
As unappealing as that sounds, I loved it. I really did love my job. The people, the business, the pressure.
And yet, I walked away from it. Because I realised that one day, I would be 70 and would look back on my life with regret if I didn’t at least try to take the plunge to follow my passion for food.
So I started RecipeTin Eats. Creating and sharing food that I love is what makes me happy. It always has. When I get a message from a reader in Holland saying he loved my Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks, I grin from ear to ear. When a reader tells me they are new to cooking and asks for help on things that most people might take for granted as obvious, I am truly happy to help.
I picked up a DSLR Camera for the first time in May 2014 which is when I started RecipeTin Eats. Just shy of 1 year later, I am so fortunate that I can say I was making a living from this blog and related activities, including recipe development and shooting for clients.
People Always Ask Me…
I regularly get asked how I “did it”. Meaning, how did I go from zero to making a living from my blog in less than a year. There’s so much to share on that topic that I actually created an entire new website called Food Bloggers Central which is where I share all my blogging tips and help other bloggers by sharing what I know.
Of all the things that I “did” to get to where I am today, there is no doubt in my mind that the speed at which I was able to learn food photography made a huge difference.
Some people have commented that I’m a natural at food photography and I am always quick to disagree! Believe me, I wasn’t! I just worked darn hard to learn, and most importantly, practice, practice, practice.
The Food Photography Book
In all honesty, photography started out as a necessary evil that came with starting a food blog. Today, I enjoy photography almost as much as I do the food part. I say almost, because it doesn’t compare to being with family and friends around a table laden with home cooked food!!
And that’s why I created The Food Photography Book, to help others interested in capturing photos of their food so it looks as good as it tastes.
It is a comprehensive resource for those starting out, or those who have been photographing for a while and want to take their photos to the next step!
The Food Photography Book is so much more than just tips.
It is highly practical and focusses on “how tos”, including diagrams, set up shots, very exact “do this, do that” guidance.
It contains all my game changing tips, the little things that make all the difference. Including my Secret Lighting Test. It’s my secret weapon that I haven’t told anyone – not even my closest friends!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK
THANK YOU FOR READING
Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me, my background and The Food Photography Book. It means a great deal to me, a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into that book!
– Nagi x
lindsay Cotter says
this is so awesome! congrats Nagi!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thank you SO MUCH Lindsay!! I’m beyond excited! π N x
Mel says
Nagi, you have so many talents. I keep getting blown away! The fact you did not even own a DSLR camera a few months ago is leaving me completely speechless. Your photos are always so professional-looking, I actually thought you were a trained photographer. The corporate world must be crying now they’ve lost you. The world of food blogging has certainly won a huge asset with you my lovely! I have just bought my copy of the book and it is downloading now. x
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh yay yay yay! I do hope you love it Mel! And PS I am about as far from a professional photographer background as you can be! So I do hope you find my shortcut tips in the book useful! N x
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
Got my copy today and it’s GREAT! Can’t wait to practice what I’ve learned – The secret lighting test is genius π
Nagi | RecipeTin says
OMG! I was waiting to hear what people thought about my Secret Lighting Test!! Not sure how genius it is…given the WEIRD tool I use…but hey! It works, it costs nothing and that’s what matters! π Can’t wait to see your photos in the coming weeks…. N x
Ashley Tukiainen says
oooh! I’m so glad I saw this! I’m a newbie at food photography (was taking blog pictures with m phone last year!) Now am using my husbands DSLR but am still in point and shoot mode. Can’t wait to learn more π
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Ashley! The timing is perfect then!! I’ve written the book so it’s easy for beginners and so you’ll be comfortable getting out of point and shoot mode. Just wait! You will be AMAZED how your photos change when you switch into manual setting! N x
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says
Congrats Nagi – this book looks great – will definitely be buying a copy. Love reading your story and having had a career in food myself I’m sure when you are 70 you will be so pleased you made the change. I always feel so lucky to have had a career that was based around my passion.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Rachel! Hearing this just inspires me even more to make this “work” forever π When I see the food you make, your incredible creativity in the kitchen and your ability to make the most of the best produce – well, that’s what I want to be and do! π N x
Susan says
Congratulations on the new book! You are clearly a very focused person, and I’m very happy for your success. I’m especially happy with all the recipes you publish, because like you, I really enjoy the good, home-cooked food.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a lovely message for me even though this is not a recipe! I truly appreciate it. π I know you love good home cooked food as much as I do! Boy would we be dangerous in the kitchen together!! N x
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This is amazing, Nagi! I’m so excited for the book! I’m looking forward to learning some tips! Your photography is stunning and always inspires me! π
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Aww, thanks so much Jess! You’re embarrassing me. π I hope you love the book!! I’ve got all my secrets in it!!! π N x
KatieP says
This looks to be a fantastic book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Katie! Actually, I was giving away coaching sessions, not the book! Though now that you ask, I have no idea why on earth I did not offer some to giveaway!! π
Laura Mack says
Congratulations! I just bought the book. Can’t wait to absorb all of the info.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thank you Laura! I do hope you enjoy it – and please do shout out if you have any questions! N x
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Nagi!!
Congratulations!!!
I just know that this is going to be a winner, even without reading it … but of course I can’t wait to!
Thank you so much … I’ve already learnt so much from you, but I know that this is going to make me adore you even more! π
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Right back at you Helen! You’re one of the first bloggers who took the time to befriend me and I will always remember that. You ROCK Helen! π N x
Jen @ Carlsbad Cravings says
AMAZING!! Congratulations! You are my food blogger, photographer, work ethic, kindest person ever IDOL! LOVE YOU!!!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh shush, Jen! You’re embarrassing me! Especially coming from one of my all time fave blogs. π Thank you so much, I really appreciate your lovely message. Hope you have an awesome weekend lined up!! N x
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Nagi! I am sure this book is just like your recipes – thorough and detailed! You must be very proud to have accomplished all that you have! I’ll bet your are also very happy that you don’t have to wear those heels any more! BTW, you have several recipes on MSN food and Drink again! π
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Dorothy! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a message even thought it’s not a RECIPE!! π And believe me, I do NOT miss those heels…oi, they were so painful!! Hope you have a lovely weekend! And popping over to MSN to see what’s going on….N x
Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says
Nagi, this is so amazing, I am ordering it today and can’t wait to read and learn from it more. You are such a fabulous food blogger and human being, so talented and kind, I honestly wish you all the best!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks so much for your lovely message Katalina, and for getting my book! I do hope you enjoy it! π
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
Nagi, you are simply phenomenal!!! I can’t wait to dive into the 180 pages of food photography gold tips & instructions! π Just in time for my long flight to LA in couple of days. I am sure I will be rereading your book several times.
I truly admire your passion and determination, very inspiring! Especially since I am in the finance field as well. It motivates me to do my best and do better every single day & every time I post. Thank You for publishing this book. Would LOVE to win the coaching package as well and get my photography to the next level!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you win Neli, I would LOVE to coach you!! π Thank you for purchasing my book and I do hope you enjoy it! And just holler if you have any questions at all. π N x
Kevin | keviniscooking says
I am so happy for you – and all of us! π
Congratulations on this labor of love. I just downloaded it and can’t wait read it over the weekend. I got to jet up to LA for a meeting today (somebody’s got to keep these dogs in the kibble and treats they’ve become accustomed to).
You’re such a wonderful, genuine person. So glad we’ve met.
xoxo Kevin #FoodBloggersRock
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Yay yay yay!! I hope you enjoy the read – all 180 pages of it! π So looking forward to meeting in person! N x
Sam @ SugarSpunRun says
Nagi this is so exciting, i have been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it on the facebook group! I loved reading your story, all that you have accomplished is so impressive and inspiring. Can’t wait to buy your book (which has to wait til my next paycheck, but I will be getting it!)! π
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Sam! Thank you so much for your lovely message! I hope you love it – and just holler if you have any questions at all! N x
Shobelyn says
Was gonna buy but all my 3 cards do not work in the purchase; I wonder why . I will have my husband try his card extension and see if it is only in my end and I will let you know . So excited for this book, Nagi and more success to you!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Shobelyn! Hope it worked out but just contact me directly if you’re still having trouble and I’ll figure a way round it for you! π N x