The Makings of a Cookbook Photo Shoot
Early last week brought longer days than usual, a bit of a commute downtown, parking garages, to-go coffees and take-out lunches. It brought a complete lack of yoga, a few more glasses of wine in the evenings, and immense difficulty sleeping. All of this thanks to the photo shoot for my cookbook, Whole-Grain Mornings. I entered into the week nervous and apprehensive: what if for some reason the recipes don’t look photo-worthy? What if the many personalities on set (photographer, food stylist, Ten Speed art director, myself) don’t all mesh? What will be on the cover? What if, what if, what if. It turned out all those worries were for naught and I really could’ve slept a bit more, and perhaps had one fewer glass of wine.
The photo shoot was in downtown Seattle at Clare Barboza’s light-drenched studio. I was matched up with Clare months ago, and couldn’t feel more lucky. She gets my aesthetic — we talked about food styling and keeping everything very loose and spare with a soft, neutral color palette. I brought many of my own dishes and linens from home and Clare was happy to use them (although, as you can see, she’s really not lacking in amazing props). The cookbook itself is going to be highly visual with all of the plated/styled shots by Clare and a number of other photos by me. They’ll be of our Seattle life, our house, garden, and farmer’s market. At first, I was concerned that the images would feel disjointed and wondered why I’d agreed on structuring the book in such a way. But now, when I look at all of the images together, it’s a seamless fit — I can’t wait to show you!
Julie Hopper is Clare’s incredible food stylist and she made my recipes look stunning (for those of you who don’t know, the food stylist prepares all of the recipes and helps style them for the photo). I actually don’t quite know what she did to the tops of my Pear Muffins, but they were perfectly domed with just the right amount of nuts scattered in every little nook and cranny. Julie was a joy to work with, has an enviable collection of sweet aprons and stylish boots, and a calm disposition as she set out using her medical tweezers to move little bits of thyme around a plate. She’d often call me over to the kitchen to ask how I felt about the way something looked or ask questions about whole-grain cook times. In this way, the three-day shoot felt more collaborative than I could’ve ever hoped and, at least for me, celebratory. I left each evening smiling big.
During the shoot itself, there was a lot of downtime while the recipes were prepped and while Clare and Julie set up the initial shots. There was email-checking, tea-making, clementine-snacking, and a lot of general gawking. There were so many surreal moments like the one above where a recipe I worked on for months was being seriously discussed by two smart, talented, professional women and we were all weighing in on angles, the perfect amount of crumbs and messiness, and whether or not it was a cover candidate. Betsy, the art director from Ten Speed, would take each finished photo and plunk it into a working PDF; seeing the photos side by side in the order in which they’d appear in the book was pretty incredible — equal parts validation and relief. After all that worry, it was really all coming together.
The toughest part of the shoot was the debate over the cover image. Weeks before we all met, my editor and I talked about potential recipes for the cover and flagged them — so during our shoot, we all knew which recipes were cover candidates and they were given lots of extra attention in terms of spacing, where we could fit the type, and what would be the perfect crop. I have a breakfast cobbler recipe that I think we worked on for over 3 hours — and it didn’t end up getting approved. So there are ups and downs: moments when everyone in the room is jazzed about a potentially beautiful cover but it turns out that the publisher doesn’t think it’s a good fit. Or vise versa. We’re still working out what will be on the cover. In the meantime, I’ve decided to go back to yoga and real life has crept back in. As it usually does. I made 100 pounds of Marge granola yesterday morning and shipped out boxes to 8 different states. I’ve got deadlines and dinner plans and a hike on the calendar this Saturday. So life goes on.
For those of you who are regular readers, you know that the book is coming out this December, 2013. It’s a seasonal cookbook focusing on a fresh new approach to breakfasts featuring many of my favorite whole-grains. One of the things I’m most excited about is the organization (which my friend Shauna helped me think through): you know how what we eat for breakfast on, say, a busy Wednesday usually looks quite different from what we eat on a lazy Sunday? I wanted to recognize those differences and allow this book to be not just a pretty cookbook, but a refreshingly useful one as well. So each season is split up into sections representative of the different kinds of mornings we all have; you’ll be able to flip to a recipe that speaks to the way you want to do breakfast on any given day.
I have to admit: I’ve been cooking from the cookbook a great deal ever since I turned it in. Sam’s started to put in requests. We’re enjoying living with the recipes and really letting them settle into our household. I’m even finding myself tweak and adapt them further which is to be expected, I suppose. I truly can’t wait to share it with you later this year and to see which recipes you allow to settle into your own household.
Healthy Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn't heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I'd start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we'd never travel internationally again or have a sit-down meal in our dining room. Would I ever eat a cardamom bun in Sweden? Soak in Iceland? I loved the heck out of our tiny Oliver, but man what had we done?! Friends would swoop in and reassure us that this was just a season, a blip in the big picture of it all. They promised we'd likely not even remember walking around the house in circles singing made-up songs while eating freezer burritos at odd hours of the day (or night). And it's true.
Oliver is turning two next month, and those all-encompassing baby days feel like a different time, a different Us. In many ways, dare I say it, Toddlerhood actually feels a bit harder. Lately Oliver has become extremely opinionated about what he will and will not wear -- and he enforces these opinions with fervor. Don't get near the kid with a button-down shirt. This week at least. He's obsessed with his rain boots and if it were up to him, he'd keep them on at all times, especially during meals. He insists on ketchup with everything (I created a damn monster), has learned the word "trash" and insists on throwing found items away on his own that really, truly are not trash. I came to pick him up from daycare the other day and he was randomly wearing a bike helmet -- his teacher mentioned he'd had it on most of the day and really, really didn't want to take it off. The kid has FEELINGS. I love that about him, and wouldn't want it any other way. But, man it's also exhausting.
Cheesy Quinoa Cauliflower Bake
I just finished washing out Oliver's lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable dance party or band practice that precedes the bedtime routine lately. Before becoming pregnant for the second time, I'd have had a glass of wine with the back door propped open right about now -- these days though, I have sparkling water or occasionally take a sip from one of Sam's hard ciders. Except now the back door's closed and we even turned on the heat for the first time yesterday. The racing to water the lawn and clean the grill have been replaced by cozier dinners at home and longer baths in the evening. You blink and it's the first day of fall.
Stuffed Shells with Fennel and Radicchio
I'd heard from many friends that buying a house wasn't for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I've started (and stopped) writing this post a good fifteen times which may indicate something. BUT! First thing's first: we bought a house! I think! I'm pretty sure! We're still waiting for some tax transcripts to come through and barring any hiccough with that, we'll be moving out of our beloved craftsman in a few weeks and down the block to a great, brick Tudor house that we wanted the second we laid eyes on it. The only problem: it seemed everyone else in Seattle had also laid eyes on it, and wanted it equally as much. I'm not really sure why the homeowner chose us in the end. Our offer actually wasn't the highest, but apparently there were some issues with a few of them. We wrote a letter introducing ourselves and describing why we'd be the best candidates and why we were so drawn to the house; we have a really wonderful broker who pulled out all the stops, and after sifting through 10 offers and spending a number of hours deliberating, they ended up going with ours. We were at a friend's book event at the time when Sam showed me the text from our broker and I kind of just collapsed into his arms. We were both in ecstatic denial (wait, is this real?! Did we just buy a house?) and celebrated by getting chicken salad and potato salad from the neighborhood grocery store and eating it, dazed, on our living room floor. Potato salad never tasted so good.
Smoky Butternut Squash and Three Bean Chili
If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn't our most inspired in terms of cooking. We're all suffering from the post-election blues -- the sole upside being Oliver's decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he's trying to tell us that pulling the covers over our heads and hibernating for awhile is ok. It's half-convincing. For much of the week, instead of cooking, there'd been takeout pizza and canned soup before, at week's end, I decided it was time to pour a glass of wine and get back into the kitchen. I was craving something hearty and comforting that we could eat for a few days. Something that wouldn't remind me too much of Thanksgiving because, frankly, I can't quite gather the steam to start planning for that yet. It was time for a big bowl of chili.
To Talk Porridge
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it's true. It doesn't have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn't have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn't crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery shards like a well-made croissant. But when you wake up and it's 17 degrees outside (as it has been, give or take a few, for the last week), there's nothing that satisfies like a bowl of porridge or oatmeal. It's warm and hearty and can be made sweet or savory with any number of toppings. The problem? Over the years, it's gotten a bad rap as gluey or gummy or just downright boring or dutiful -- and it's because not everyone knows the secrets to making a great pot of warm morning cereal. So let's talk porridge (also: my cookbook comes out this month! So let's take a peek inside, shall we?)
nicole
I love this! Your book is going to be so beautiful, I can tell just by these few photos. And as someone who eats oatmeal nearly every. single. day (happily, but boringly), I am very much looking forward to the inspiration to jazz up my usual standby. Congrats!!
megang
Yes, N, we are breakfast sisters ... I often think this when I look at your Instagrams. I sort of want to write a whole book on morning cereals but I suppose not everyone is equally as passionate? Happy writing to you, friend! You're almost there. xo
Mark Schueler
Thanks for the behind the scenes peek and the lovely write up. It must be exciting to have a cookbook coming out--can't wait to see the finished product.
sara forte
i just want to give you a gigantic hug. so happy.
Danielle
I absolutely cannot wait to buy my copies and share them with friends!!! I assume CA will be a pit stop on your fabulous book tour yes yes yes? So happy for you!
Ashley
Love this update and I'm so glad it went so well!! I'd love to meet up in real life soon - I have some fun news to tell you about and seek your guidance. :)
thelittleloaf
Just look at all those props!! You must have had SO much fun...can't wait to see the finished product :-)
Nicole
Love this sneek peek! Thanks for sharing some behind-the-scenes shots from your cookbook journey. :)
Freddi
This is a great post! And just confirms how I feel about my future career path! Thankyou and good luck with your book!
Shanna
So exciting! Can't wait to see the cookbook myself!
Anne Zimmerman
Congrats to you! This is such a cool, behind the scenes post.
Marie @ Little Kitchie
Looks absolutely gorgeous! Bet this was so much fun!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
There's no such thing as too many glasses of wine, in my opinion. ;) This looks so exciting - can't wait to see the book in all its glory!
Stacy
What an exciting time! I would have worried and struggled to sleep, too, so I do not fault you the extra glasses of wine. Not one bit. Congrats to you, lady!
Abby
Thanks for sharing this inside look! I'm super excited for your cookbook, since breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day. Good luck with the rest of the prep and launch!
Courtney
Thanks for letting us have a little peek at the process! I'm loving the fact that you separated the book not only by season, but by the kind of morning! Looking forward to it's release :)
leela
so proud of you and cannot wait to see the finished product!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen
Sharing this post with your readers is so amazing. I love cookbooks, and whole grains, and breakfast food so much I can´t wait for it to be out!
katy
I used to hate breakfast when I was a teenager, but now I'm all about it. I find it to be one of the meals I'm most excited about--I think because it can really set the tone for my day. On that note, I'm really looking forward to your book; I recently tried your popped amaranth with grapefruit, coconut and yogurt and it's been brightening up my mornings. Thank you!
Denise | Chez Danisse
Great idea, recipes for different types of mornings. Looking forward to it, Megan.
Kristin
I can't wait to start cooking from it, too! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into what must have been an incredible experience. Congrats!
Kasey
Goodness, M! The shots look so, so beautiful. It's exactly how I imagine your cookbook will look and I am so, so excited for you. I cannot wait until you're holding it in your hands :) xoxo
robyn @ the freckled pie
this post is what my dreams are made of. seriously. i can't wait to hold a copy of your book in my hands. xo
Dana
Yay Megan! So excited for you. I'm so happy that the experience was a good one and can't wait to hear more about it.
eric G
Nine months and counting! You know, for the book! So happy for you!
megang
Yahooooo!! Thanks, Eric! Always nice to see a comment here from you. Hope all is well. Miss you guys! xox, ~m
Row
Super excited! Thanks for this behind-the-scenes peek... very cool to see all the thought and work that goes into a shoot. Can't wait! :)
Mardi (eat. live. travel. write)
Megan, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of your book. So proud of you, friend :) Loved reading about all the work that went into it and seeing these sneak peeks!
la domestique
I really enjoyed reading this post- seeing the work in progress and following your journey. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I find that my husband and I are both pretty tired come supper time, but breakfast is a lively meal with plenty of tea and great conversation about what's to come that day. I can't wait for the release of your book!
megang
Thank you, Jessica! Breakfast is my favorite, too ... didn't used to be at all, but now I actually look forward to it the night before. I completely agree that it's often filled with possibility and enthusiasm whereas in the evenings, we're just beat! Thanks for your sweet words about the book. Enjoy your weekend, ~m
Chelsey
oh wow! I had no idea that your cookbooks was going to be a breakfast one. That just filled me with joy. I am more excited than ever!
Sarah Murphy
December!!!! I don't know if I can wait that long! Well, I have item #1 for my Xmas list.
Harriet
This is such a gorgeous post! The book looks like it will be full of beautiful photos. But what I liked most in this post is the mention of wine! I think sometimes food blogs get a bit too wholesome and we forget that wine is often the best accompaniment to food - drink up (responsibly), I say!
megang
Harriet: Hooray for wine! It is a nice way to slow down at the end of the day, indeed. Enjoy your weekend, ~m
Shila
So beautiful! I'm glad that the shoot went well and can't wait to see (and eat) the results. I hope this weekend is peaceful, restful, and perfectly ordinary in the homiest way possible.
megang
Thank you so very much, Shila. So nice of you -- that's the plan for this weekend (mellow!). I hope yours is as well, ~m
Gourmantine
Lovely peak at behind the scenes, looking forward to your cookbook :)
Kathryne (Cookie and Kate)
Megan, I love this glimpse into the making of your cookbook! I'm glad the photo direction has been a very collaborative process, that must be so rewarding and satisfying (and fun and exciting to see your recipes come to life for print!). I really can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the finished product. I LOVE whole grains and I LOVE breakfast so it sounds right up my alley!
megang
Thank you so much, Kate! I wish I could've included more photos but I think it was worrisome to give TOO much of a preview ... yes, very excited to see the layout and to see the recipes in print. And it's funny because you'd think I'd be sick of breakfast food, but I can't stop thinking of new ideas and geeky whole grain brainstorms. Hope you had a great week and are maybe -- just maybe -- getting a peek of spring there? ~m
Mittel Sister
so, SO proud.
jenny
as a mega cookbook enthusiast, I love this behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a book publication-worthy. and as someone with a bit of an obsession with detail, I loved hearing about the painstaking process. I can imagine what a joy it would be to see your recipes come into beautiful dimensions on the page. can't wait for your book, megan!
Kendra Bruno
Cannot wait for the book, Megan. I know that just like you, it will be fantastic! I have loved the classes I've taken with you and as you know, my family loves Marge...cookbook love is next! *wink* My best to you and H*A*P*P*Y S*P*R*I*N*G! -Kendra
megang
Thank you so, so much Kendra! Looks like I won't be teaching in the summer, but will be back in the fall/winter for some great new breakfast classes. Thanks for taking the time to leave a sweet comment; hope all is well with you, ~Megan
Aimee @ Simple Bites
LOVE the behind the scenes. Can't wait for your book!
Kate Leahy
Megan, I know what you mean. Photo shoots always have a surreal quality about them, but maybe that's why I always look forward to them, even if they do require a lot of organization beforehand and long hours. Best of luck on the book! It was great to meet in person last night in SF!
megang
SO GREAT to meet you as well, Kate! So glad we got to run into each other. Do let me know if/when you find yourself in Seattle and we can grab a meal! Enjoy the beautiful sunny weather this week (today was incredible) ~Megan
Deepa@onesmallpot
Megan I just discovered your blog and glad i did as its a lovely space. Its so interesting to see behind the scenes of cookbook photography. That prop shelf is like a food photographers heaven!