My Food Lens

What if creating our cookbook was the breakthrough we need in our business? What if Writing our cookbook is actually a gateway to bigger opportunities?
What if it is actually the missing piece of the puzzle that can set us up for the success we are looking for? 

Truth is, that creating your own cookbook is one of the most powerful ways to build credibility. No one ever takes a cookbook author lightly. There is so much weight in those words, whether you’re introducing yourself or pitching to a brand.  It instantly sends the message that you’re a pro. 
Creating a cookbook can also be the most joyful, soulful, and creatively fulfilling experience in your journey. 

It can seem daunting but the benefits of creating your cookbook overshadows that overwhelm.

In this 2-part series,  Jessie Sierra Ross, Food blogger, TV personality and cookbook author shares everything about writing your cookbook. 

She breaks down the entire process of creating a cookbook. From writing,  photographing,  pitching, working with an editor, marketing, promoting and monetizing the book - she shares it all.
From concept creation to digital applications to visual design and food styling, Jessie opens up about every step involved in writing a cookbook.

This episode will leave you inspired and motivated. 

A cookbook has the potential to bring results for years to come. It works as a long game but the impact is absolutely life-changing.

If you have been considering writing a cookbook, this episode will give you all the information you need to get started.

And if you haven’t thought about it yet, this episode will open a new way of thinking, introducing you to an idea that can be the pivotal point of your creative career. 

Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/105-how-to-create-pitch-monetize-a-cookbook-without-overwhelm-with-jessie-sierra-ross-part-1

Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

Food photographers are called visual storytellers for a reason. We are known to create photos that tell a story, and transport a viewer into the frame.

The best part is that we can tell if our photos have a strong storytelling element in them or not because it shows. It shows in the results that they bring. They either attract more clients, bring more traffic to our blog, captivate a viewer, garner beautiful comments on Instagram or win awards.

Photos with powerful storytelling make an impact and bring results.

But creating an impactful visual story every time isn’t always easy. We can run into an idea shortage or a creative block. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the technology side of photography that we miss the storytelling part. And other times, we underestimate the power of a strong story and don’t give it enough time and attention. Oh, and sometimes, we do create stories, but they don’t bring results, indicating a weak storyline.

As simple, and fun as it sounds, storytelling can be our superpower but only when we know how to create it and it brings us some sort of results. 

In this week’s podcast, I’m sharing my guest appearance on the popular Eat Blog Talk podcast, where we dove deep into how to build a compelling visual story in food photography. 

Whether you're shooting recipes for brands or looking to improve your food photos, this episode is packed with practical tips, fresh perspectives, and ways to avoid common storytelling mistakes. 

I share how to craft compelling visual stories, even with the trickiest food subjects, why your photos might lack impact, how to create a "hook" in your images, break free from creative blocks, and easy ways to tap into viewers’ emotions and imagination and use it to attract clients. 

Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/104-how-to-elevate-your-visual-storytelling-skills-to-hook-your-audience-attract-clients

Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

Being laser-focused about where we want to take our business and working on the right aspects that will bring results.

Creating a portfolio and marketing it, is a huge part of building a photography business. 

In fact, it is the key step in starting right because if the client does not like what they see, there’s no 2nd conversation from there.

But when our portfolio is created the right way and shared the right way, it helps us work with better clients, negotiate better rates, and in fact, raise our rates. 

The secret lies not just in creating beautiful work but also in being smart and strategic about how we create, share, and update it. 

In this week’s podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Lucia Marecak, food photographer, food photography teacher, coach, and creative online business consultant based in Italy. Lucia shares everything about creating a powerful portfolio that brings clients, helps you raise your rates, and differentiates you from the competition.

Lucia shares everything from creating separate portfolios, the different ways to market your portfolio, use it to attract clients, tips to present your portfolio in pitches, how to use it to raise your rates, and the importance of feedback to improve and upgrade your portfolio.

We are always creating new content, new photos, new recipes, new videos. It’s so easy to start being strategic about our content creation anytime.

We can start today.

And if we already have a robust, well thought-out portfolio, then we can start sharing it in ways that all that hardwork can make the impact it truly deserves. And we start anytime, wherever we are in our journey. Basically, we can start today!

The beauty of it is that it’s never too late. The train hasn’t left the station. As soon as we learn the power of creating and marketing it a portfolio, we can start right away.

Here’s how to create a photography portfolio that brings results. 

Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/103-how-to-create-a-professional-photography-portfolio-to-grow-your-business-part-2

Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing 3 powerful ways to bounce back when you’re not loving your work. 

I share ways to shift your focus, your energy and your photography efforts when you’re feeling stuck or blocked. Some of the ways might feel counterintuitive but are highly effective.

I share how to look at your work when you’re not loving it, what action to take with creations that are not up to your expectations, how to work smarter to actually start seeing improvements in your photography skills, how to get clarity and keep your creative energy flowing. 

Look at photographers who’ve been in the industry for over a decade and are still going strong. What do you think is their secret? 

Truth is, there is no Creative who is spared from low phases, from feeling discouraged, having self-doubt, and not liking what they create. Even the photographers who’ve been in the game long enough have experienced these phases. The only difference is that when they begin to feel the low point, they know how to address it. 

We can’t run away but we can definitely empower and prepare ourselves to deal with such phases to limit that spiral feeling, and come out of it stronger. And with time such blocks, or phases become easier to navigate through.

Always remember that our mindset and actions can block creativity and growth. Creativity thrives in a light, nimble space, not one filled with self-criticism or pressure. 

Tune in to learn three ways to bounce back & continue creating beautiful work without sabotaging your creativity or self-esteem. 



Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available athttps://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/102-3-powerful-ways-to-bounce-back-from-a-creative-block-without-sabotaging-your-self-esteem


Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

Our portfolio is a reflection of our skill, style, and aspiration as a photographer. So, the portfolio must be built with intention and strategy. The work in our portfolio must be cherry-picked and chosen strategically.  

It is the intention and strategy that brings results. 

Knowing how to create photos for a portfolio efficiently and effectively is essential for reaching more clients and increasing your chance of success with every outreach. If you haven't seen much success in your client outreach or closing deals with brands, it might be time to look at your portfolio, how you’re sharing it, what you’re sharing, and what your website represents. 

In this week’s podcast episode, Lucia Marecak, food photographer, food photography teacher, coach, and creative online business consultant based in Italy, tells us everything about creating a powerful portfolio that brings clients, helps you raise your rates, and establishes you as a professional in the market.

Lucia shares everything from the kind of photos to include in a portfolio, the style of photography to follow, how to organize photos that work well for clients, how to create an SEO searchable online portfolio, the different ways to share your portfolio with clients, how to leverage social media to showcase your work, negotiate better rates, etc. 

Whether you already have a photography portfolio or are creating one, this conversation with Lucia is absolute gold.




Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/101-how-to-create-a-photography-portfolio-that-grows-your-business-with-lucia-marecak-part-1

Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

Now, did you know that about 20% of all small businesses fail within the first year, half of the remaining fail within the first five years, and only about one in three get to the 10-year mark?

In this week’s milestone episode, as we celebrate the 100th episode,  I want to share the top 3 lessons that made this possible and kept me in business. I was on the verge of quitting at the 3-year mark but I didn’t and one of the lessons here came from that experience. 

In this episode, I share the conversation that shook me and changed my status to business owner. I also talk about the surprising investment I made to not quit food photography, and my biggest learning so far. 

Let my mistakes save you from tears, financial setbacks, and from giving up on your dreams.

I’ve seen more businesses shut down than take off. 

I've seen food photographers give up their dreams and return to desk jobs they hate. 

I have friends who did not have the courage to follow their passion to run a business.

I have seen the most talented photographers get crippled by the fear of failure and quit forever.

Running a business or following a Creative career is not for the faint-hearted. We all know that. But there are small shifts in our thinking, professional practices and lifestyle that can make this path easier with a higher chance of success.

Let’s be the one in three businesses that make it past the 10-year mark by learning from the surprising situations that our creative journey throws at us. 

Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://www.myfoodlens.com/blog/surpising lessons every photographer needs for a successful business

Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing 5 reasons why you shouldn’t share RAW files with a client and how to communicate it professionally. 

I share 5 critical aspects of RAW file sharing that clients may not be aware of, and maybe you too. Even if you do, you may not be bringing it up with the client thinking it’s not important or they probably already know.

But more often than not, clients who request RAW files do so out of ignorance. A bit of education and sensitivity to their requirements is all it takes to easily cruise through this tough conversation... as long as we know what to say and how to say it.

We build trust and establish long-term working relationships by educating our clients. If a client insists on RAW files, make sure your contract reflects this, and price it appropriately as this should be a premium service.

Discussing RAW file sharing this way with the client will put you in the expert's chair and make the client feel that they’ve picked a knowledgeable professional who understands their requirements and presents solutions in their best interest.

Never be out of ideas or words to communicate to a client about your professional practice of sharing RAW files.  Sharing or not is your decision but it’s important to understand the implications of the decisions. The better we understand, the better we communicate. 

Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/99-5-professional-replies-to-client-requests-for-raw-files-without-losing-their-trust/

Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

In this week’s podcast, we continue our conversation with Sam Adler, a food photographer, Saveur Blog Award winner, and food blogger about what it takes to become a 6-figure food photographer. 

Sam already has a 6-figure food photography and blogging business. She also has 3 kids, and is aiming to make a million dollars in revenue next year. 

Being able to justify our rates, watch out for pricing mistakes, learn to negotiate, and find legitimate resources for industry standards are essential for building a robust, secure business. 

Sam shares how to find high-paying clients, industry standards for license fees, raise your rates regularly, make 100k with your food blog, negotiate when budgets don’t align etc. 

If you’re stuck, feel that you’re not making enough in your food photography business, or doubt that you could have a profitable business, learn how to navigate the challenges blocking your way to a six-figure business.


Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/98-how-to-build-a-six-figure-food-photography-business-with-sam-adler-part-2/


Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

When we see others finding a level of success that looks too far-fetched, we begin to believe that it is not possible for us. 

Instead, when we take the success of others as proof that it is indeed possible & tell ourselves that if others have achieved it, then it must be doable, we begin to make way for more joy, success, and money than we imagined… Because then we set a new limit for ourselves and start working towards it.

Don’t miss out on opportunities, understand where to work hard & where to work smart, and tap into a revenue stream you may have been ignoring. 

I invite you to tune into this week’s podcast where Sam Adler, a food photographer, Saveur Blog Award winner, and food blogger talks about what it takes to become a 6-figure and 7-figure Creative. 

Sam already has a 6-figure food photography and blogging business. She also has 3 kids and aims to make a million dollars in revenue next year. She knows it’s going to happen.

And she’s telling us everything about how we can make it happen for us too. 

Sam openly shares her $$ business revenue trajectory over the last few years, how her blog made over 100k when she took time off work as a new mom, how to book $20,000 photography projects, how to price, pitch, and find high- paying clients .. and much more.

If you’re stuck, feel that you’re not making enough in your food photography business, or doubt that you could have a money-making profitable business - you have to tune in. 

Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/97-how-to-build-a-six-figure-food-photography-business-with-sam-adler-part-1/


Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/

In this week’s podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Megan Porta, an OG food blogger and the founder of the Eat Blog Talk podcast. We talk about habits and thoughts essential to attract success as a Creative. 

Megan helps entrepreneurs break through their limiting beliefs and achieve breakthrough results in their creative careers. 

She shares unexpected ways to increase productivity, how to come out of your comfort zone to discover your full potential, how to get more results by working less, and tools and resources to avoid triggers and comparisons that bring negativity.

If hard work was the only requisite for success, everyone would be successful because none of us shy away from working hard.

But overworking can actually repel success. 

When we begin to see beyond hard work and talent, we realize the untapped power of what lies within us to attract the success meant for us.


Have a question? Submit it as a voice note to be featured on the My Food Lens Podcast HERE

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

 Follow Dyutima on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyutima_myfoodlens/

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/96-how-to-attract-success-without-working-more-hours-with-megan-porta-part-2/


Download free resources
The 5 steps to visual storytelling https://myfoodlens.ck.page/b0ea86cef6
The 10-step photoshoot https://myfoodlens.com/the-10-step-photoshoot-guide/