In the process of writing book #2 (somebody pinch me!!), I’m working on my food styling and photography skills. Middle son Kevin and I had a terrific time working on the photos for the first book (http://bit.ly/d0yvW), and we are looking forward to even better shots for The I Love Entertaining with Trader Joe’s book (Ulysses Press, available for purchase in time for holidays 2010). But, Kevin is a busy guy, and just in case I need to step up with the camera, I’m playing with the food and f-stops in order to make the photos in the new book drool-worthy. As a bonus, looking at food through the lens is really improving my food styling skills.

I had a blast attending a Food Styling and Photography Workshop a few weeks ago, presented by the ever-dynamic Denise Vivaldo and her vivacious partner-in-crime, Cindie Flannigan (www.foodfanatics.com) on the styling side, and the amazingly talented and generous photographer Matt Armendariz (www.mattbites.com), and his partner and stylist Adam Pearson. The two day workshop was crazy-fun, and I learned as much by watching other participants style and shoot their projects as I did working on my own! I left with visions of food-styled sugarplums dancing in my head! If you’d like to attend one of these terrifically informative workshops, they’re holding another one soon.

http://www.culinaryentrepreneurship.com/bloggers.htm

The photo is a tasty blood orange and marcona almond salad from the Spanish Evening theme of the upcoming book. Simple, and so pretty, si?