I will cut to the chase and just say, if you don’t already have this book and you’re the least bit interested in food photography, Plate to Pixel should be on your ‘must have’ list. As a newbie to the world of photography, I tend to look at my camera more with fear and trepidation than I do with assurance and confidence . . . although I do love my camera and getting goods photos for Smith Bites is really important. And honestly, with Plate to Pixel, getting a great shot is within your reach!
I am very fortunate to call Helene Dujardin friend, and I’ve also been fortunate to see her in action as she walked a group of us through two of her sessions: the first teaching us about light and how to use it, the second was in styling a shot – props to use, how to use color and then again reinforcing how you can use light to your advantage. Helene’s writing has a way of putting you at ease, encourages you from the pages she’s written and it’s almost as if she’s standing over your shoulder walking you through each step.
And the best part? She’s nice. She’s generous. Ask her a question on twitter and she’ll answer it; send her an email asking for pointers and she’ll tell you the truth . . . I speak from experience. Want proof of her talent? Head over to her gorgeous blog, Tartelette, and take a look at her photos – every single photo is stunning.
I want you to enjoy the book as much as I do – so I’m giving away a copy of Plate to Pixel, plus a set of the diffusers Helene recommended at her workshop – at my own expense. I purchased a set these diffusers for myself and have used them for nearly every shot I’ve taken since they arrived – they’re terrific! And when I contacted Helene to let her know I was doing this giveaway, she graciously said she wants to send the winner a free 8×10 print of one of her photos – I told you she was nice!!
TO ENTER: leave me a comment and answer this question: ‘What do you love about photography?’
EXTRA CHANCES: Follow me on twitter and/or ‘like’ me on Facebook; leave me a separate comment for each – easy, peasy!
One winner will receive a copy of Plate to Pixel plus a set of diffusers and an 8×10 print of one of Helene’s photos; comments will be accepted until midnight Tuesday, June 14, 11:59pm Eastern Daylight Time. Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by email so be sure I have an email address (which will not be published – DO NOT leave email addy in comment section – just make sure you list it in your contact info). Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is open to anyone with a US mailing address.
My husband minored in photography in college and we have both been interested in all aspects of it, ever since. We used to have a home darkroom but since everything has gone digital now we use the computers and digital cameras. Love Photoshop!
Now following you on twitter! @jimplaster
I love how much you can learn from one photo. There is so much information to be mined in an image. I am not the best photographer,clearly, but I am trying to get better and Plate to Pixel would definitely help.
The book is great – I had a flick through it last week – packed with practical info. I love photography because it gives somebody like me who can’t draw stick men the opportunity to be visually creative.
Finding Joy in My Kitchen likes you on Facebook!
I love seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Just followed you on Twitter! I’m @LaurelofLeaves.
I love love love shooting pictures of the food I create. The world of digital photography is especially wonderful–I can learn as I go and get better at capturing a moment in time. Often photos are the only thing you can take away from an experience (a vacation, wedding, the muffins I bake before I devour them all!)
I’d love to learn more from Plate to Pixel–this book has been on my wishlist for a while now! 😉
I followed you on twitter!
I love that in photography you can capture the close up textures of things that in real life you might not ever see or notice (like the crumb of a cake or specks on the rind of an apple).
I became a fan on Facebook too!
I’m following you on Twitter!
Photography is magical. I love how you can capture a moment and preserve it forever.
There is something romantic about a moment captured in a still photograph. I especially love looking at the photos that captured the unexpected and serendipitous moments.
I’m following you on twitter!
I liked you on facebook!
I love how photography is more than capturing an image… it can capture impressions, feelings and emotions!
Argh… I just realised I’m not eligible because I don’t live in the US. *sniff*
Oh well. I still do love photography and Helene’s book, though! 🙂 Best of luck to everyone!
I love photography because it gives me the ability to capture fleeting moments and share them with others, so that they can see what I saw… a picture really is worth a thousand words sometimes.
And I’d dearly love a copy of Helene’s book. I’ve been angling to get a copy for my birthday, but winning one would be even better! 🙂
But just “liked” you on Facebook!
Already following you on Twitter!
I love how one image can tell a story – complex or simple.
And of course we chat on Twitter!
Of course I like you on FB:)
It tells a story with not a single word being spoken.
I just liked you on facebook!
I just followed you on Twitter!
I love how photography captures small moments from our lives and preserves them for the future.
We have been FB friends for ages:) (I am under my “real name” Svetlana Watkins:)
Twitter? From the beginning!
I can tackle the world with my words, I can sing fairly well (at least I could – it’s been a while:), but photography is still a big challenge for my creativity. I am intimidated, and at the same time determined to learn as much as I can in order to enjoy it thoroughly. I love the unpredictable factor that never ceases to surprise me:)
I love that it makes you see the world differently.
I just “liked” you on Facebook!
Debra, I would love to read Helene’s photography book. I am pretty new to photography as well and love the challenge of trying to improve my food composition and photos.
I love that I can capture all of my favorite moments so that they never slip away.
I love that photography taught me to be creative again. And that it can make a beautiful moment even more beautiful in retrospect.
Oh heck yes I follow you on twitter!
I love the fact that it freezes a moment in time. So many wonderful memories captured in a few clicks.
I love letting others see things the way I do.
I love photography because it is a great way to capture the emotions on people’s faces, the feeling in a room around the holidays, and gorgeous food that you know someone put a lot of love into.
I also follow you on Twitter, @livelovepasta… fingers crossed!
I fell in love with photography when I took a course when I was a freshman in high school, I think the ability to capture a moment with the click of a button is what I love most.
I’m a visual learner, without photography, I’m not sure if I would dare try any new dish. Photos are my culinary security blanket.
Debra, you’re awesome! And I’ll bite.
The thing I love about photography is that it is a form of art very accessible to almost everyone — and there is always infinite room for improvement, no matter your skill level.
Debra, this is a great giveaway. I`d be very fortunate to have this book in my hands. What do I love about photography? The creative freedom to pursue an artform that resonates with people. Every image has the potential to cause an emotional reaction within people. Love that.
As a foodie, a chef, a person who is so passionate for life. Pictures help me to share my loves. To give people a window into my world. And yes I could really use the help that I think this book could offer.
…and follow you on Twitter. 🙂
Of course I’ve liked you on Facebook!
How generous of you to do a giveaway. 🙂
I love that photography is a form of art; it’s a medium for people to express themselves. I can almost tell what a person is like, just by looking at their photos.
If I don’t win; it’s ok, because I’ll go buy the book anyway.
[K]
Food Photography is a perfect antidote for a tortured soul. Its a ‘pick-me-up’ at the end of the day.
I of course like you on FB and surely were one of the first few people i was following on twitter. 🙂