We all love experiences, don’t we? 

When we walk into a restaurant we look forward to delicious food  but also, good ambience, music & lighting. 

We want the servers to be friendly, the manager to ask if we are comfortable and top notch service that makes us feel special. 
When we leave, we don’t just judge the food, but we judge the whole experience. 

And that is exactly how it works with our clients too. 

They want  the best end-to-end experience, each stage of their journey smooth  and exceptional, with a photographer who is confident in what they are offering. 

By elevating the client experience, we can stand out, attract clients and turn them into returning clients. 

And there's no better person than the fabulous Fanette Rickert, food and product photographer & the ‘queen of systems’, to talk about 3 foundational practices that can help to improve our skills, have a ‘CEO mindset’, work with dream clients and create a profitable and successful business. 

As creatives, systems and tech might not be our strength, or a part of our business that we enjoy. However, with the right know-how, we can really elevate our client’s experience… and importantly, keep them coming back for more! 

Elevate your client’s experience & your business too.
Learn how to enhance, grow and stand out from the crowd.

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/19-how-to-turn-clients-into-returning-clients 

Are you a props hoarder?

As food photographers we just love props, don’t we? We see potential props everywhere, from discarded wooden boards on the street to our friend’s tableware. 

There are never enough props in our cupboards and as we continue on our journey, all we do is buy more and more and more. 

So while we love our props, it is important to be mindful of what we buy. Not just to save money, but what if I told you that choosing the right props can help find your style and also improve your photography. 

In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing the key considerations for choosing props for food photography. What kind of props catch the light, which ones make good compositions, what creates harmony, and what hones your skills  – I share it all.

Believe it or not, this is one of my most frequently asked  questions.

I wish I had thought about this at the start of my journey and not ended with cupboards full of props that don’t work. Save money, save space and improve your photography -  all by choosing the right props. 

Buy what actually works. Happy prop shopping… or not!

I always love hearing from you so, if you enjoyed this episode or have any questions please do let me know. 

Read more about Dyutima at www.myfoodlens.com

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

Podcast show notes over at https://myfoodlens.com/18-how-to-choose-props-for-food-photography/

Are you looking to collaborate with a brand?  Wouldn’t you love to get into their minds and crack the code?  

What qualities do they look for in  social media influencers? 

What “qualifications” make the cut?

How many followers should you have?

In the big ocean of social media, how do you make yourself “visible” to them? 

How do you stand out?

What is a successful collaboration? 

What will make them work with you again? 

In this week’s podcast, I’m getting into the mind of Katherine Braha, co-owner of one of Singapore’s leading salad chains, and also my client. 

Katherine works closely with influencers and while most F&B brands slowed down during Covid, Katherine catapulted her business. Working with Social media influencers was a large part of their marketing strategy and in this episode, she shares how brands want to collaborate with influencers. 

This episode is a fresh take on social media partnerships and I thought it would be powerful to see it from the client’s perspective. 

In this episode, Katherine spills the beans on likes and engagement and whether that plays a role. 

She also has some amazing tips for influencers. 

So, the next time you’re partnering with a brand, keep those pointers handy. Every brand is different but what they are looking for is  somewhat similar. 

Have fun cracking the code.

As always, I love hearing from you so, if you enjoyed this episode or have any questions please do let me know. 

Read more at  https://myfoodlens.com

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

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/17-what-do-brands-look-for-in-social-media-influencers/

You have the skills, the passion, and you’ve found your dream client. 

You feel excitement at the prospect of working with them. You reach out but feel frustrated because you don’t hear back. 

I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve spoken to photographers with new businesses and been discouraged by the pitching process. 

Has that happened to you? 

It’s happened to me, and many others. It can be draining and disheartening, but there is a way to change that. 

My business totally somersaulted once I started pitching right and I want to share my top tip with you so that the next time you reach out to a client, you say, “bring it on!”. 

Take away the overwhelm and disappointment, listen to how you can write a compelling business pitch for your dream client and feel excited about contacting your favourite brands. 

In this episode, I’m sharing my biggest secret which has been a complete game changer. It has had such a deep impact on how I pitch to clients that I have to share it with you.

As we start the new year, tap in to the endless possibilities of working with any brand you wish to. 

Send out that email confidently, feel pumped and work with your dream clients. 

Happy pitching!

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com 

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

Blog post available at https://myfoodlens.com/16-the-key-to-pitch-yourself-to-a-client/

You are at a restaurant.

You are seated on a lovely table with beautiful sunlight  filtering through the trees.

You order your favorite dish on the menu and sip on a refreshing glass of lemonade as you wait.

The food arrives but instead of digging in, you bring out your phone, turn the plate so that the sun falls on the right spots and start taking photos from every angle. 

You even stand up in your place to make sure you capture that beautiful overhead shot.

Doesn’t matter if the food turns cold, it must serve the camera before it serves the belly.

Did I describe that accurately?

This is how most of us started our food photography journeys. We took photos with our phones and they were so good that it ignited the desire to move to a DSLR. And even though we might have a DSLR, we still use our phones for food photography today.

Which is why you’ll love my conversation with Lily Morello @lilybubbletea – a professional phone food photographer. 

I swear, when you look at her photos you cannot tell they were taken with a phone. 

She is a master at food photography and is sharing her top tips to rock your food photos using just your phone. Lily will also share the challenges of using a phone, how it impacts brand work but also how she has built her business of working with brands on the foundation of professional food photography taken with a phone.   

 At the end of the day, or rather since the beginning of the day, we have all been phone photographers and shall remain so even if we rock DSLRs. 

Taking food photos is a natural behavior for most of us and wouldn’t we love to learn how to photograph like a pro - Using. Just. a. Phone.


Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

Show Notes at https://myfoodlens.com/15-tips-for-professional-food-photography-using-your-phone/

If I’m not wrong, you have either a list of goals and resolutions for yourself this year OR you’re one of those who do not believe in setting resolutions. 

 I totally get it.

Honestly, setting goals is the easy part. We can set as many goals as we want.

Achieving those goals is the tough part. 

I know!

Often, we set goals and when we look at those goals, a tsunami of pressure follows, the stress of reaching that mammoth of a goal stresses us out 

and insane amount of overwhelm overcomes us. 

 …And it is that overwhelm that stops us from following through & reaching our goals. 

We either give up midway or get distracted and derailed.

 Sounds familiar? 

 I’ve been there too and that’s why I want to let you know that reaching your goals does not have to be this difficult. 

You have the power to do what you decide, to unleash your full potential and get to where you want to be.

Join me as I share straightforward and practical practices that have helped me reach my goals without giving up, without overwhelm and with joy.

 Set yourself up for success. 

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

 Show notes available at  https://myfoodlens.com/14-achieve-your-goals-without-overwhelm/

It is that time of the year when we look back..

…but also look forward.

How about you? Are you putting your journey in perspective this December or planning resolutions for a rocking 2022?

 For me, the road ahead is what I’ve been thinking of, but it is incomplete without looking back at 2021.

Which is why, I’ve a short and sweet bonus episode for you, looking back at the podcast so far and what I’ll be striving for in 2022.

There is also an announcement regarding the podcast schedule and my personal reason behind it. 

As always, please continue to send me your thoughts, suggests and feedback. I would love to hear what topics you would like to listen to in 2022. They’re welcome at any time of the year 

Have a fabulous December and a wonderful start to the New Year. 

Wishing you warm and heartfelt season’s greetings. 

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

 Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com

"Are you a food photographer or a food stylist? You can only be one or the other” 

– Do you hear this all the time? 

And every time you plate food for the camera OR pitch to a client OR reach out to a brand OR create a recipe for your blog, you debate over what to call yourself? 

Then, you go ahead and call yourself both, food stylist and food photographer. 

But is that technically correct?

Join me as I speak to Suzy Eaton, a food styling GURU, in the latest episode of the podcast.

Suzy has nearly 20 years of experience, and styles for HOLLYWOOD among other world-renowned chefs, award-winning restaurants, and food & media organizations.

She’s definitely keeping it raw and real, dropping truth bombs about food styling in this episode. 

She defines food styling in the true sense, tells us what it takes to be a food stylist and what are the different kinds of food styling.

She even tells us how client projects are organized, the responsibilities of a stylist on set and how they work with a photographer.

Suzy takes us through the entire journey of a food stylist, right from pre-shoot to shoot day to after the shoot is done. 

Ooh, and I made her spill a few food styling secrets about ice creams and drinks and much more, you wouldn’t want to miss.

This episode is loaded with the ins and outs of food styling and what it means to be a food stylist in the real world.

Have a listen so that you’re never on the threshold and know whether you’re a food stylist or a food photographer or both.


Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/13-what-is-food-styling-with-suzy-eaton/

How many times have you been asked, “so, what’s your story here?”

All the time.

How many times have you heard the term storytelling in photography?

Lost count.

 What do most of our mentor photographers have in common?

Strong visual storytelling skills.

 Apart from technical skills, which other skill has the power to differentiate us from the competition? 

Unique storytelling skills.

Aside from lighting, what’s the next biggest struggle in photography?

Composition and storytelling.

I apologize for answering on your behalf, but the truth is that these answers are common to most of us in food photography, and I say that from experience.

 Until a few years ago I didn’t even know what visual storytelling meant in photography. 

I struggled when someone looked at my photo and asked, “What’s the story you’re trying to tell?”

 And today, I hear from you all the time how you love the vivid storytelling in my photography. Clients hire me for that skill. 

Having good storytelling skills is a real strength because it is one thing to be technically sound as a photographer but you’re a complete package when you can also transport your audience into a picture by telling a story with it.

Which is why, I’m sharing with you my practical, simple, and uncomplicated step-by-step approach to create powerful visual storytelling in food photography so that you can bring the concept of storytelling to your photos and replicate your vision – every time!

Stop winging it. Leave the hit and trial behind. Take full control of your art and create your vision exactly how you want your audience to experience it. 

 Let your photo tell the story exactly like you want it told.

 

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

Show notes available at  https://myfoodlens.com/12-powerful-visual-storytelling-in-food-photography/

If you’ve wondered whether it’s worth creating a photography portfolio, and what to do after, join me as I speak to Shelly Waldman, a commercial and editorial photographer based in the San Francisco Bay area, and get blown-away hear her talk about the power of creating portfolios and the practice of getting a portfolio review.

In this latest episode of the podcast, Shelly talks about how portfolio reviews land you in front of huge commercial clients and magazines. 

She shares how portfolio reviews were a catalyst in bringing her to where she is in the photography industry today, running a photography business and a successful mentorship program.

And also, how networking with creatives during portfolio reviews can open doors to incredible opportunities & friendships.

It is an energetic episode that is loaded with pow-packed tips on how to leverage portfolio reviews to find and connect to global clients, expand networks and also, hone photography skills.

• All links are in the show notes.

Read more at https://myfoodlens.com

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

Show notes available at https://myfoodlens.com/11-portfolio-reviews-with-shelly-waldman/