Blogging
What camera and lenses do you shoot with?
I recently upgraded to the Canon 6D but started off blogging with the less expensive but still wonderful Canon EOS Rebel Ti. When I’m out and about, I shoot with my iPhone but truthfully, those photos rarely make it onto the blog. There’s just no comparison to the DLSR in my opinion!
My favorite lenses for food & lifestyle photography are the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 (a must-have for the price if you’re getting into food photography), the Canon EF 35mm f/2 (an outstanding lens for more lifestyle-type shots) and the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 (awesome for food and portrait photography). I rarely use any other lenses but am saving up for the 100mm next! It shoots like a dream.
I do most of my food photography during daytime hours but, when I’m in a bind for natural light, I use the Canon Speedlite Flash and a couple of inexpensive, white foam boards to reflect light onto whatever I’m shooting.
Do you have any photography tips?
I rely mostly on natural light, an excessive amount of picture-taking and photo editing with Adobe Lightroom.
Who does your web design?
I do most of the design work myself and rely on my super awesome developer to handle all of the technical stuff. Teaching myself how to use Photoshop Elements has been a big money saver in the design department.
I’m new to blogging. Do you have any pointers?
Why yes, yes I do. First and foremost, be you and write about what you love. Find your niche by thinking about what inspires you to write. Be inspired by others but be yourself. Know that people like big and beautiful photos. Use them. Use WordPress. (Note: WordPress.com doesn’t allow advertising or sponsored review posts. You’ll need a third-party host for that. I started off using Bluehost and more recently upgraded to my developer’s less busy server that’s better equipped to better handle my blog traffic. Oh and if you’re serious about blogging, CoSchedule is the blog editorial calendar/content planner out there. My favorite new feature is being able to import posts directly into WordPress from Google Docs and Evernote.
On Becoming a Registered Dietitian
What path did you take to become a Registered Dietitian?
I get a lot of questions about my career change to become a R.D. so I dedicated an entire post to this topic. Check out FAQs: nutrition, a career change & grad school and if you have a question I haven’t yet answered, email me and I’ll be happy to.
How’d you get your dream job?
It was a combination of having the right skills at the right time, networking (never underestimate the power of your LinkedIn profile) and a little bit of luck!
Everything Else
Can we meet for coffee or a run sometime?
Of course, just email me!
What skincare and makeup products do you use?
I’m a skincare junkie, especially now that I’m in my 30s and things are starting to go downhill. You can find my daily skin care regimen here.
How did you meet your husband?
I’ve been meaning to write a post on this but, long story short, we met at a restaurant (okay, a bar) in Chapel Hill. He was in town on business and I was living the dream, working a full-time job and taking organic chemistry on the side. The first thing he noticed about me? My shoes.
You can however read all about our engagement and watch a short engagement video a friend put together for us! For more details about our intimate Italian wedding head here!
Hi,
I’m a writer for The Spruce Crafts and I’m doing a roundup of cute DIY save the dates. May I use a photo from your post about the luggage tag save the dates?
I will of course credit you and link to your page.
Thanks!
Lauren Murphy
Of course! Thanks!