Few months back, I met Simi Jois over facebook. She is a gem who shares the same passion as me – food and photography. She is a famous blogger and the owner of ‘turmeric n spice‘. Whenever I had questions, I asked her, and she responded with her unique solution even if she is crazy busy. If my photography has improved even a bit, it’s because of her. I have seen in the blogging world; people try to pull other down, criticize about others in forums. Simi is not one of them. She always helps people no matter she met or not!!
Not to mention, her sweet and helping behavior made me respect more and more every day. Few weeks back, I asked her if she would like to do a guest post in my blog. And thankfully, she said “yes”. I am very new to photography. So I thought this post might be helpful for people like me!!
Here is my interview with Simi. All photographs are by Simi too.
Hello Simi. Please tell us a little bit turmeric n’ spice.
Turmeric N spice was born from a need to document my recipes. I was tired of writing recipes down and constantly searching for recipes in my big (read giant) folder. I thought if I could write it up online and have it searchable it will save me a lot of time. Little did I know that, this was going to open up so many creative doors for me. From recipes, to photography, it’s been an amazing journey.
How long have you been a photographer?
Believe it or not the blog has been around for four years but my love for photography started in April, 2013 after I enrolled for Neel’s 30 days to better your food photography workshop.That’s where the magic happened. I took the workshop very seriously and worked on all my assignments. I learnt how to read light and understand it. I met some amazing people and needless to say learnt a LOT. From then, each day my passion grew, i can’t wait to see how the next few years will unfold.
What type of cameras do you use? What kind of lens do you use?
Mirrorless – Sony Nex6
lens – 16-50mm
50mm
Dreaming of a full frame.
What lighting equipment do you use to shoot?
Natural light
What props do you use?
Anything and everything. I collect props and am crazy about it. I am always looking for things and sometimes sneaking into my friends’ kitchen I have been very lucky to have had friends who are generous with parting away with stuff. My eyes are always looking for props.
How do you approach food styling?
For me Dolphia it is all about story telling. The light, props and styling just adds to the story. So for example, if it is a bright sunny day story of a picnic, i will shoot outdoors and try and use bright light and bright props.
If It is soups, I will try to shoot moody, portraying a cold kind of day, I will try and use moody light and to compliment that will do rustic props. If it is something like a masala, will try and make it look homely. I like to make a connection with the viewer, something that he/she can relate to. I like to keep it casual and real. I don’t like to make it perfect, that’s not me. In fact there is a lot of beauty in imperfection.
What do you think about in regards to composition and framing?
Composition is very personal and that is where you can really bring in your own personal style. If you want to shoot a curry there are so many ways to do that, you could do a close up macro shot or you could do a table setting, it is your vision how you compose your shot to bring the hero ( curry) into limelight. Farming is one of the most important aspect of photography what you want to include in the frame and what you want to exclude. Sometimes you don’t want to include a whole lot in a frame, it creates a mystery. Sometimes the same image can have different look, depending on the framing. Framing is fun too, it opens up so many possibilities of composition. It’s a great tool if used with thought. Don’t get me started, I can talk for hours about framing.
What is your post-production (editing) process?
No image is complete without the final touch and the same with me, am not heavy into PP, only because I do not know so much, it’s a learning curve and everyday I learn something new. I use photoshop elements. With each image it is a different treatment, it’s really not one formula for all. I do try and make the image as close to my vision in camera, as I really don’t like to spends hours on the computer.
What do you want to advise to new food photographer/bloggers? How can they get started?
Am not very old in the field and am equally new. I wish I was in the position to answer this. Am learning every day and I do hope it never stops, I just love every moment of it. I believe, “ Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it” – Julia Child
What’s your favorite food to photograph?
Fresh produce, love to capture the textures, colors, everything about it.
Which book/blog/photographer inspire you?
There are soooo many, it’s so hard to mention a few. I will try …
Andrew Scrivani
Penny de Los Santos
Helene Dujardin
Ilva Beretta
Teri Campbell
Michael Graydon
Lucas Zarebinsk
Nicole S. Young
Melina Hammer
These are just a few of the many inspiring food photographers out there.
Once again, Thank you Simi for taking some time out from your busy schedule and do this for me. All pictures are shot by Simi and copyright by her.
Thank you so much for sharing this post… I have pinned it so I can come back and re-read it soon.
Excellent post with great advice. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for having me over at your space. Loved doing this post for you. I loved working on all the questions and picking the images for you.
I am not sure if I deserve the kind words, I have been very fortunate to have some amazing mentors in my life and have had people go out of the way to help me, all am doing is playing it forward. I am so glad I have been ably to help you, even though am still learning and evolving as a photographer. Am not sure am famous…but hopefully one day 🙂
Thanks again. Enjoy what you do and keep taking amazing pictures, it fills your life with joy.
Simi Jois, You can’t believe how much did you help. It is very hard for anyone to start doing food photography. When I first started, I remember how hard was it to shoot food. I still think it’s hard, but at least I know where I am making mistakes. It was great working with you. I am blessed that you took time from your busy schedule to work with me. Your posts inspire me, your photos teach me new things. You are my inspiration Simi 🙂
Thanks and love you.
Simi’s food photography is always an inspiration. Great interview!
Loved the post Simi…! And Dolphia thanks for bringing this to us darling… Needless to say love ya 🙂
I hv soo much to learn abt photography..ESP abt the moody pics u do… I think thts phenomenal… Also loved the read list! 🙂 Thanks girls… The pleasure has been entirely ours <3
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This post made me hungry! Incredible work! I was just wondering what do you think of the relationship between objects when taking photos? How aware should you be of that to get the perfect shot? Thanks!
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