Yes, There’s More to Photo-Ready Food Than Wank
Preparing Photo-Ready Food is an Expression of Self Love
I used to think photographing food for social shares was salacious self-interest. (Aka: wankerish.) But now, I see getting my food photo-ready as an expression of love. Yes, love. More illicit still: self-love.
Yes — I’ve become one of those people. Those people who photograph their food. Then post it on social media.
Yes — I picked the sprig of rosemary for garnish just because I thought it would make the picture below look nicer. My rosemary is in full flower, and I was right: it lifts the picture, and made the simple stew look much more appetising.
I grow a few herbs. My son likes to use it as wordplay: “Hmm, we need more thyme. Get it, mum? We grow more time in our garden.” I think I like his image of me being a mother-earth figure, weaving time (and thyme) in with my cooking.
I Don’t Photograph Every Meal
Making your meal photo-ready isn’t just wank. You can turn it into a quick, easy self-care ritual. Which actually sounds pretty wanky in itself, if you feel, as I do at times, that we have mindfulness shoved down our necks these days.
As I took the photo of my Beef and Dark Ale Stew (I say ‘my’ really it was Jamie Oliver’s), I realised something. Taking a few minutes to present a beautiful meal for yourself in a considered, loving manner — like you might for a loved one on a special occasion — really is an easy form of self-love and self-care. It can be easy to put everyone else first, especially when you’re a Mother. Get your food photo-ready and enjoy a meal which feeds all of your senses and looks as good as it tastes.
People talk about setting your intentions for productivity for the day. Making your food photographable — even when you don’t take the photo — is about taking time for yourself and making your day a bit more magical.
Food Photography: Less Wank, More Self-Love
Not having much time to myself is just part of my reality for now. Most of the time, my breakfast is the most peaceful, satisfying meal of my day. I break my fast after my elder 2 children are at school, and before my toddler wakes up (if I can). That way, as I sit and eat the food, I’m able to enjoy each mouthful more. I’m able to enjoy silence and be more present in the flavours, aromas, and the feeling of my body being nurtured and nourished. I don’t talk about mindfulness much, but when it comes to enjoying food, I’m on board.
So I propose: food photography purely for social media— maybe slightly wanky. If you’re going to go all ‘glass half-empty’ on me. Turn that cynical thought on its head, and turn good food presentation an easy ritual of self-love.
How will your self-care happen today?
