My gear list and other
frequently asked questions…

 

1. What camera and lens do you use?

I used a second hand Canon 500D when I started the blog in May, 2014. I upgraded to a Canon 70D in January 2016 and in January 2018 I switched to a Canon 5D Mark iii.  As of August 2021, I also shoot with the Canon 5D Mark iv in addition to my Canon 5D Mark iii. In early 2024 I also acquired a Sony ZV-E1 which I use solely for creating video content.

As for lenses, I used a Canon 50mm f1.8 when I started and changed to a Sigma 35mm f1.4 in January 2015. In July 2017 I added the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 to my kit and in July 2018 I added the Canon 100mm f2.8 L-series as well.

In October 2018 I traded in my Tamron 24-70mm lens for a brand new Canon 24-70mm lens and couldn’t be happier. Finally, in November 2019 I also purchased the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens and I feel my pack is now complete!

I use the Manfrotto 058b tripod, together with the Manfrotto 131DB arm and Manfrotto 410 Junior most of the time and also have a Manfrotto 190 tripod.

I shoot using natural light 99% of the time, but also own a GODOX AD600pro flash light with a GODOX transmitter and a GODOX UL150 which I mainly use for restaurant or Winter time shoots. I also use this Neewer rectangular softbox and this Pixapro 120cm Octagonal Softbox.

To create short form video content I often use my iPhone 12 Max Pro, a JOBY microphone, Ailun tripod mount, the Arkon phone stand (code TLPcreate will get you 20% off!) and occasionally this phone gimbal.

I have recently added this Neewer collapsible light stand to my gear collection, which is also compatible with phone attachments and several other studio devices, as well as this AnkePower flexible travel tripod for cameras and phones and this Joby GripTight Pro TelePod with flexible legs.

2. How do you edit your images?

I mainly use Lightroom and Photoshop to edit my images. 

I generally edit my images in the exact same way and have created a handful of presets. You can get more details about them and purchase them HERE. 

Image of a bright and airy room with a woman sitting at a desk looking at a large screen. On the desk are a camera, some books and some flowers.
 
 
Image of a woman leaning over a breakfast setting taking a photo while standing on a stool.

Why not attend a food photography workshop?

 3. Have you got any food photography tips for new food bloggers?

I sure do and hope they are helpful :).

  • Regularly pick up your camera, preferably daily! It is and always will be the best way to improve your photography and find your style. Practice does make perfect so please keep working hard, you WILL get better. On that note and if you like, you can join one of my FREE Instagram photography challenges and start practicing like no one’s business.

  • Invest in your learning! I invested in my learning and attended a group class and then subsequently a 1-2-1 class, both were immensely helpful and allowed me to take my skills to the next level. Because I believe in the power of workshops, I currently teach 1-2-1 and group classes as well as number of online classes to help those interested in improving their skills. If you feel you have reached a plateau in your photography and styling, please get in touch or check out my food photography workshops page for more details.

  • Get some great food photography props. I posted a blog post HERE all about how to get started and created a free PDF HERE with some great prop hot spots.

  • Create stunning and interesting backdrops. It helps so, so much. I posted a blog post HERE and another one HERE and yet another one HERE on what to look for when it comes to backdrops. I hope you find these tips helpful.

  • I share some more food photography tips in the numerous interviews I have done on other blogs and websites. You can find the links to all of these interviews below.

 

4.  How do you make a living as a food blogger?

I wrote a blog post with some basic ideas here. It is worth a quick read ,). But in summary it's important not to put your eggs in one basket and make sure that you have a number of different income sources. Personally, I make a living by teaching food photography and food styling workshops, photographing and styling work for clients, sponsored posts, selling digital and physical products and mentoring fellow food bloggers and food photographers. It is a lot to keep on top of, but I love it all!

5. How do you find clients, set your price and work with brands?

I wrote a blog post here and another long one here, which should answer some of your questions.

Apart from that I get a lot of work through my Instagram page, which I use as my second portfolio; it is a very powerful marketing tool so make sure you get yours right. Please note that I provide online mentoring sessions to those looking to improve their Instagram page and get clients through their social media channels. If you'd like more information, do check out this page here for further details. 

Image of some pretty plates and cutlery on a linen table cloth
 

6. May I assist you?

Thank you so much for offering. I'm honoured and grateful and in awe that you put yourself out there and asked me this question. 

However to manage all the requests I get, I now only take on assistants who have attended my workshops, who I have worked with in the past and or those I have met at any of my other events. It just means that I know they have a good understanding of how I work and what my expectations are. It also means I know we get on, which is important when working together so closely.  

Thank you for understanding.  

 

Please know that I have used affiliate links on this page meaning that when you buy something using these links I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.