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Eat Pretty Things

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A few weeks back I shared details about my experiences so far with learning to use my DSLR camera in manual mode.  In that post, I linked to several online resources that helped me at the start of this journey.  While I truly believe all of those resources are helpful, I have since gotten my hands on an ebook that I just know you are going to love even more!

Eat Pretty Things coverTrisha Hughes is a fellow Omahan who seriously takes the most gorgeous food photos I have ever seen.  Seriously.  I featured her in my favorite Instagram accounts post, and she continues to amaze me with her skills and creativity.  When I heard a few months back that she was releasing an ebook all about food photography, I was so, so excited.  The thought of being able to get my hands on any food photography wisdom that Trisha could share made my heart so happy.

Eat Pretty ThingsEat Pretty Things was released a couple of weeks ago, and when Trisha was on the lookout for reviewers I (almost literally) jumped at the chance.  I spent this past weekend reading the book cover to cover, watching the accompanying videos, and putting the information to use during a couple of hours of photographing new recipes.  You guys… you are going to love, love, love this ebook.  Everything that you need to get started on your photography journey is right in the 76 pages of the book.  That’s all you need.  One book, eight videos, and plenty of practice!  Let me tell you what I love the most about Eat Pretty Things:

1. Trisha, along with her photography philosophy, is 100% relatable.  Before she produced photographs of food that look good enough to eat, she was just like the rest of us.  She started out as a newbie photographer who was unhappy with how her photographs turned out.  With proper research, education, and practice, she has become a master photographer.

2. She proves that you do not have to purchase thousands of dollars of equipment in order to take beautiful photos.  In fact, throughout the book she encourages you to spend less when you can and to truly question whether or not a purchase will really enhance your photos.

3. Eat Pretty Things contains gorgeous example photos that make it easy to distinguish between the various aperture, ISO, and shutter speed settings.  This is ideal for visual learners like myself.

4. Each topic within the Manual Mode section contains takeaways and summaries in individual text boxes to help ensure that you learn the most important concepts.

5. The book contains helpful tricks to assist you in remembering the various meanings of photography terminology.

6. Trisha encourages mastering one concept at a time, which I find to be a less overwhelming approach to becoming a better photographer.  Starting small takes the pressure off of learning everything at once.

7. You will find that Trisha has included many tips and tricks to make food set-up and styling more effective.  She will make you want to add cotton balls, makeup wedged sponges, and toothpicks to your photography prop collection.

8. She uses the word “iPhoneography” in the Instagram section of the book.  This may or may not be my new favorite word.

Eat Pretty Things 3Clearly there are a lot of things that I love about Eat Pretty Things.  If my favorite things about the book have not yet convinced you to get your hands (or eyes) on a copy, let me tell you some of the topics that are covered throughout the text:

Information on how to select photography gear, including a camera body, lenses, a tripod, and accessories;
an easy to understand explanation of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed;
a summary of what white balance is and how to control it (I am most excited about working on this!);
tips and tricks on how to use lighting, including manipulating the direction and intensity of light, the use of reflectors, and the proper use of artificial light;
a description of what goes into proper composition, including the rule of thirds, balance, viewpoint, framing, cropping, and depth;
tips and tricks on how to properly style photos and tell a story (Trisha is amazing at this);
suggestions on how to start a prop collection in an affordable and strategic way;
and bonus food photography tips for those who use Instagram

Eat Pretty Things 2As if all of this was not enough, Trisha kindly includes eight videos to help you become familiar with the editing platform she uses: Lightroom.  Some of the topics covered in the videos include white balance correction, spot removal, and cropping.  These videos are especially helpful, as they walk you through each process step-by-step.  Again, us visual people normally need to see things instead of simply reading about them!

Head on over to Trisha’s blog to check out sneak peeks of some of the sections included in the ebook, to see her gorgeous food photography, and to purchase your own copy of Eat Pretty Things.  Trisha offers a generous refund policy so you truly have nothing to lose.  Though I do not think there is any way you could walk away from the book without learning something.

Happy reading, learning, practicing, and photographing, foodies!  For now I’ll just be hanging out over here practicing my food photography 😉

Instagram Veggie Fried Ricefrom my Instagram feed

This is not a sponsored post.  I did, however, receive a complimentary copy of Eat Pretty Things.  The above links are affiliate links.  I will receive a portion of the profits from any copies that are purchased.  As always, I appreciate your continued support of CEVG!

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{ 36 comments… add one }
  • Kristy @ Southern In-Law March 17, 2015, 3:09 am
    This eBook sounds and looks awesome! I'm definitely going to have to check out the website as we're always being asked for suggestions on photography resources! Kristy @ Southern In-Law recently posted...Recipe: Flourless Almond Butter MuffinsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:08 am
      It is truly great! I hope you check it out!
  • Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health March 17, 2015, 6:00 am
    this sounds like a good resource to have...i am still learning my camera which i purchased almost 3 years ago.gah. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health recently posted...Everyday Essential Kitchen ToolsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:11 am
      I feel your pain!! It can be so intimidating, but Trisha really breaks it down in a very simplistic way. I highly recommend the book :)
  • Joanna @Makingmine March 17, 2015, 7:01 am
    How cool! I agree that Trisha is incredibly talented - I don't know how she does it! I love that she has photography tips that don't hinge on spending a ton of money - I'm going to have to check this out! Joanna @Makingmine recently posted...freshly picked giveawayMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:14 am
      She is so darn talented. I am jealous everytime that I see her photos. But they just remind me that I need to keep practicing and keep reading everything that I can about photography!
  • Channing C March 17, 2015, 7:39 am
    I'm glad I ran across this, I've been trying to decide what camera to buy, because the one I have right now is not as good. Channing C recently posted...Product Reviews! Radha BeautyMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:15 am
      Trisha does a great job of giving suggestions regarding how to find a camera and lens that works for you. Definitely check out the ebook!!
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine March 17, 2015, 8:14 am
    May just need to check that one out ;)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:17 am
      I definitely think you do need to!!! :D It's a great resource!
  • Alissa Apel March 17, 2015, 8:41 am
    I should check this book out! Alissa Apel recently posted...Mica's DoodlesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:18 am
      Yes you should!! It's a great resource for photographers at all levels :)
  • Linda @ Veganosity March 17, 2015, 9:19 am
    Thanks for letting us know about this. :) Linda @ Veganosity recently posted...Vegan Carrot Cake Overnight OatsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 9:20 am
      You are so welcome, Linda! I truly love it. It is an awesome resource for photographers at all levels. I hope you check it out!
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul March 17, 2015, 9:23 am
    What a great review! Trisha's photography is amazing! I need to check this out! Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted...Sunset Plaza Resort in Puerto VallartaMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 1:48 pm
      It seriously is!!! I love her work!
  • Courtney Bentley March 17, 2015, 9:48 am
    OMG this was the perfect timing for this post because I was this close to hiring someone to teach me but if I can learn from this ebook SIGN ME UP! Thanks for sharing I look forward to seeing your new skills! xo C
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 1:49 pm
      Oh gosh, yes! You should definitely check out the ebook and online resources. And THEN if you feel you need the help, go for it! I truly believe you can teach yourself a lot of what you need through the book :)
  • Sam @ PancakeWarriors March 17, 2015, 10:16 am
    I just love this post! There is so much I still need to learn. I will need to check out this ebook! Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted...Zucchini Pizza CrustMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 1:49 pm
      Definitely check it out! There is plenty that photographers of all levels can get from this book!
  • Trisha March 17, 2015, 11:36 am
    Thanks so much for the amazing review, Hannah. Your photography has really blossomed in the past year & I can't wait to see where you keep going! I keep thinking about trying to do a foodie photog class for some Omaha peeps! I would love to do an in person session for anyone interested. Keep rocking it, girl! <3
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 1:52 pm
      I already know for a fact that Joanna, Erin, and I would love that!! And by "love" I mean LOVE! :)
  • Tianna March 17, 2015, 12:06 pm
    gorgeous photos! I always wonder how they can take such amazing food photos. Even makeup blog photos are amazing and they never look like mine lol. thanks for this! http://storybookapothecary.com Tianna recently posted...My Spring Bucket ListMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 1:52 pm
      Lots and lots and LOTS of practice and education. That is what I have decided makes a great photographer. Having a creative eye certainly helps too!
  • Jenn Stanley March 17, 2015, 12:25 pm
    Thanks for this review! My friend is looking into starting a food blog/ restaurant review so this will be such valuable information for her! Jenn Stanley recently posted...Spring is Springing and These are the Good Times!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 1:53 pm
      Oh most definitely!! Send her this way :)
  • Farrah March 17, 2015, 5:43 pm
    What a pretty book! I hope someday (after I graduate and have an income again), I'll be able to afford a super-awesome DSLR! <3 I want to improve my photography skills (beyond my point-the-phone-at-the-food-and-click-a-button)! Farrah recently posted...Today is a gift.My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 6:21 pm
      You will get there Farrah! At least the cameras on phones are actually quite nice these days :)
  • Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel March 17, 2015, 5:47 pm
    Happy St. Patrick's Day to you! Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel recently posted...Crunchy Dill Crispy MinisMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 17, 2015, 6:22 pm
      Thanks Kelsey!! You also! :)
  • Ariana March 17, 2015, 10:04 pm
    I need this in my life!!! My food photography skills are seriously lacking, and I have a nice camera that just sits in the corner collecting dust because I don't know how to use it properly! Can't wait to see you put what you learn into action :D Ariana recently posted...Why Women Need to Lift Heavy WeightsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 18, 2015, 8:47 am
      You should definitely look into this ebook. Spending a small amount to learn how to use your camera would be more than worth it so that you can get your moneys worth for that awesome camera!
  • Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks March 17, 2015, 10:46 pm
    I could definitely use a couple tips and tricks..will definitely be checking it out!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 18, 2015, 8:48 am
      I hope you find it helpful, Dani... in fact, I know you will!! :)
  • Alyssa @ RenaissanceRunnerGirl March 20, 2015, 1:27 pm
    I'm still figuring out how to take pretty food photos. As a relatively new blogger, it's one of my biggest areas to improve in, but I'm loving the challenge! Alyssa @ RenaissanceRunnerGirl recently posted...Vivacious Vegetables: Roasted Butternut Squash & AsparagusMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 22, 2015, 10:07 am
      I love that you look at it like a challenge. It truly would not be as rewarding if we were all just easily able to take awesome pictures right away. Being able to see great results from lots of practice is super rewarding!
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