This post has been sponsored by Fotor and all opinions expressed below are my own.
In our first installment of Starting a Food Blog, we dug deep into the bare bone basics of what starting a site from scratch entails. Today, we’re going to talk about what goes into creating a blog post and one of the key highlights to such is photography- perhaps one of our most asked about topics.
I’ve written a lot in the past about photography but the world of photography is progressive and ever-evolving. In my most recent article, I delved deep into the fundamental basics to editing pictures, creating collages and adding watermarks to your photos which is an absolute must. Today, I’m going to show you more about the editing process itself and how to have fun with it to create a distinctive look that will set you apart from other sites.
As you know, I’ve been a long time user of Fotor: Online Photo Editor. While I have dabbled with other free editing programs out there nothing has come close, in my opinion, to what Fotor has to offer and quite honestly, I find it so much easier to navigate than most.
Recently I started a new Instagram account focused solely on the bts shots and outtakes of Living the Gourmet where I’m dedicated to giving you a deeper look at how I shoot each post. In a more recent post I shared about how as the season's change, my photo editing techniques change slightly as well.
I tend to gravitate towards warmer presets and filters to evoke the aesthetics of Fall. So think a little more saturation and warmth, more background shadows and even some film grain to certain images as a styling effect. All of which can be done through their Basics option and then Effects. As shown below.
Right now for the month of October, Fotor has released a few limited filters, Halloween templates, and Halloween cliparts. Which can be used for an array of different photos such as Halloween-styled portraits, invites, etc which is perfect for all your upcoming festivities.
When I edit my photos I use multiple programs on a single post to get the look and feel I want. It varies depending on the lighting of the shot (if I post later in the day and the images tend to be a bit darker than I’d like I use Lightroom room adjust the balance and tones, same goes for when I shoot earlier and the images come out too bright). My main staples, however, are VSCO and Fotor.
Both come with a variety of options as mentioned earlier but they also offer affordable Pro packages, and today one lucky reader is getting a Pro Package to Fotor so you can experience everything your photos have been missing.
All my photos are shot on a Nikon 3400 DSLR. A few years back I finally invested in a DSLR after shooting only on my iPhone (and yes it is totally possible to run a blog with only the camera on your phone. Also note that was way back during the 4S days, the newer models are far more stunning).
There’s a myth that you NEED a professional grade camera to get beautiful pictures, and I’ve spoken about this before in previous articles. It is in fact, however, a myth. So then why would you ever need to invest in a fancy camera if you have the latest smartphone?
From personal experience, shooting on the phone, then editing on the phone, then having the phone overheat and crash during my editing was not conducive to a professional workflow. Furthermore, with a DSLR I was able to start creating videos, and had the proper format to upload to my current movie maker.
Even today with my more updated smartphone there are some key differences between the lens on the camera and that on the phone. Here are the pros and cons:
Lenses - This is pretty interesting. My current smartphone (which is a Galaxy fyi) seems to capture the larger picture. So let’s say for instance I’m trying to shoot an overhead tablescape. I can just hold my phone over the table and snap. Now, if I’m shooting the same photo on my DSLR, I need to stand on a stool and zoom all the way out. You can, of course, get different focal lenses but the con about DSLRs is that the lenses tend to be more expensive than the camera of the body. Another hefty investment you make not be too eager to go for.
Image Quality - This can be a pro or a con depending on the image. Sometimes if I’m shooting later in the day this is great. It gives my photos the extra light that just...well, isn’t there. So if I want to share an image on Instagram or Facebook, I will sometimes just share my shot-on-the-phone image.
The con, however, is that sometimes, if I already have a great source of light, it might actually make my images look overexposed, the colors aren’t true to their actual color, and at times it just looks like I took the sharpening tool and cranked it up to 80%. In this case, having a camera lens is great. From my own experiences, nothing- not even my fancy smartphone can compare to shooting on a Nikon with natural light. Everything is clear and true to their actual form which allows me total control over the editing process. Whereas when I’m editing a really bright shot from my phone, I’m editing it down to make it look more real.
Convenience- Shooting on a phone is infinitely more convenient. I’m not going to beat around the bush here. I shoot on the phone then upload straight away to my preferred app. Where as with the DSLR, I have to upload all the images to my computer, sift through them, send the ones I like best back to my phone for editing, then back to my computer for the finish touch.
Furthermore, the phone is easier to carry around. Not that I really had to point out the obvious here, but I digress.
One of the biggest differences for me when it comes to shooting on the phone vs. a camera are movies. Prior to investing in a DSLR I couldn’t create any video content. It was tricky propping the phone to get a good angle (though nowadays you can get a tripod for your phone- hello modern technology!). Furthermore, I couldn’t format the video files from my phone so that my adobe program could read them properly. Now this might be because my phone was out-of-date at the time but nevertheless, getting the DSLR was a true gamechanger.
Pricing - Let’s be honest, both are expensive investments. The difference is you NEED a phone and don’t necessarily need a camera unless you’re making it your business. DSLRs aren’t as expensive however as some might think. There are lot of beginner packages you can pick up online that come with the case, camera body, SD card, and lenses. It’s a more affordable way to start out, then you can upgrade your gear overtime.
Finally a big question I get is Canon vs. Nikon? I did a lot of research on this because at the time I wasn’t sure either. I only knew they were both highly reputable names and that most likely I would be pleased with either. Nikon is more user friendly when it comes to beginners. I tested both and personally just gravitated towards Nikon. However, while both are of the highest quality, Canon is said to be the preferred model for cinema and movie-making. The differences are subtle and there are no real advantages to either, so I highly recommend going to a local camera store and testing each first to get the feel of them. Only then can you decide which is best for you and your work.
So now that we’ve got that squared away, let’s talk about putting all your knowledge together to create a blog post.
Pinnable images are a big must when it comes to putting a blog post together. Fotor has become a great tool for design templates, putting together those vertical collages and in the image above, I show you just how easy it is to do. Simply upload your images (I usually do a 2 image layout), set the dimensions - 735 x 2000 is standard for me, then just add text, any desired graphic designs, save, and voila!
If you wish to set your pinnable collage as a 'hidden pin' which I strongly suggest, check out this great article on how to do so!
Now that you have the basics of principle photography down, there is really only one other thing you need to go along with a perfect post and that is good storytelling. I may not necessarily be able to teach you how to be a great story-teller as that is a craft I try to perfect with each post, but I can give advice.
I feel that honesty and authenticity are the tools to creating a good story.
If you've been hit with writer's block here's a good new perspective to take on, in the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, “I don’t sit around waiting for passion to strike me. I keep working steadily because I believe it is our privilege as humans to keep making things. Most of all, I keep working because I trust that creativity is always trying to find me, even when I have lost sight of it.”
So without further adieu let’s jump into the process. Today I’m making Candied Apples complete with caramel, drizzles of white chocolate, sugar crystals, macaron coconut flakes and chocolate sprinkles. The toppings are limitless when it comes to these Autumn gems. Dehydrated fruit bits, nuts, seeds, can all be swapped in or added. Hey, it’s candy season. Go nuts 😉
PrintCandied Apples
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy apples 1x
Ingredients
- 6 Gala apples
- lollipop sticks
- muffin tin liners
- 1 recipe for homemade salted caramel sauce -or- 1/2 caramel candies and 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 white chocolate melting candies
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup macaron coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles
- 1/4 cup black sugar crystals
Instructions
- Wash apples then insert a lollipop stick at the stem of each. Set aside on a baking sheet with muffin tin liners.
- Prepare your desired toppings by setting each up in their own bowl.
- Prepare the homemade salted caramel sauce as directed or in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat, melt down your caramel candies in a double-boiler with ¼ cup milk. Stir regularly until the caramel is smooth.
- Dip each apple in the caramel sauce then in your desired toppings. I alternated dipping the apples in chocolate sprinkles and the coconut flakes. The sprinkle with sugar crystals.
- Place the apples in the muffin liner cups and let the caramel set.
- In the meantime, melt down the white chocolate and if desired add a few drops of green food coloring or orange for a festive Halloween touch.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over each apple and if desired, sprinkle again with extra sugar crystals or sprinkles.
- Let the apples set before serving - though this step is not necessary 😉
Notes
If you like you can dip some apples in chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds or peanuts) Finely chop 1 cup of desired nuts. You can also top with chopped candy pieces or candy corn. Get creative!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
In the upcoming weeks, we'll be sharing our third and final installment on Starting a Food Blog which will focus more on the backend of things such as the new Gutenberg platform and blog cosmetics.
Now for the fun part! Today one lucky ready is eligible to win a month of Fotor Pro! Simply comment below telling me how you're celebrating Halloween this year! Winner will be chosen at random on Halloween. (UPDATE: Giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who participated)!
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Dawn says
Some great tips! There is always so much to do and learn with food blogging - sometimes it's overwhelming...love it though!! And these candy apples are so perfect for Halloween! Love how easy they come together 🙂
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, Love your food blog and your recipes! I'm just not focused enough nor do I/we cook enough to write one so we appreciate other's efforts. My better half will love this candy apple recipes! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Dan Zehr says
Oh God, these candy apples are incredible! I want to eat them every day. Looks very tasty. I am sure that my children will be delighted with them. And thanks for the great advice this is really a great job!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I actually order them online every year and if you were selling yours I would be ordering these right now since they look fabulous! my favorite!
Gloria says
These look so good. You could see these at a bake sale...and have a line up of customers. Your photos are beautiful, and I can just imagine how these would taste.
Noel Lizotte says
Some good tips on blogging / photography editing here.
That's an area in which I keep growing and learning ... can't stop learning!
ps - those apples look decadent!
Liz says
It just wouldn't be fall without at least one caramel apple! I don't think I can hold off one more day!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
Candy apples are so epic. I love the gooeyness and then getting to decorate AND eat them is so fun!
Lauren Vavala says
Oh my..I haven't had a candied apple in so long! This would be so fun (and delicious) to make with my kids!
Marisa Franca says
I read every word and I usually skim. I'm always trying to improve my photography. I've never heard of Fotor -- I'd love to know more about it. My camera is a Nikon 7200. I love it. I still have a lot to learn about it. Your apples look wonderful!! I really want to take a bite out of it. Thank you for the tips -- I'm going to have to go back and read what else you wrote.
Mirlene says
The apples look great!! I have heard of Fotor but have never used it. Your pictures are stunning!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, it's me again. Does Fotor handle RAW files? I only shoot in RAW.
Living the Gourmet says
Dear Marisa, I am so glad to hear you found this article helpful and informative. I am always happy to help! Unfortunately, however, Fotor does not handle RAW files. So sorry about that! If you have any more questions always feel free to reach out. I am happy to help.
Veena Azmanov says
Some really great tips on this blog and I am eyeing those candy apples. Love making them this time of the year. So fun. My kids would be all over this.
Chad says
You can't do this to us, you can't! I am literally drooling!!! This looks so delicious!!!
Stacie says
I'm so hungry now! That is such a great giveaway, too. As an avid fan of Fotor, I know one winner is going to be soooo happy.
Katie says
These look so good! I love photos that look more authentic rather than perfectly spotless. I did stop watermarking photos though, it made my site too cluttered and I've changed my branding a few times to make way for growth.
Alexandra says
I really enjoyed reading your post. I have been wanting to up my photography game for a long time, for my food blog - I have learnt a lot 🙂
India says
Thank you for these helpful tips, I am always trying to figure out how to photograph food for my blog. These also looks so delicious!
Catherine Santiago Jose says
This is such a nice food blog and I really enjoyed reading this. It leaves my mouth watering upon seeing this candy apple photo it looks so delicious.
Michelle Leslie says
I've just recently started using Fotor and really enjoy it. That being said I've only played around with the collages and I wasn't even aware of all the other features. I'm going to have to experiment 😀 We're not doing much for Halloween since our kids are both away at college and it's not fund without them. But we will have some candy for any little one who pop around for a treat or two
Swathi says
This candied apple looks delicious love this post it is really informative. Food photography is game mastering them is not that easy. You are helping others that is wonderful.
eli says
these look so delicious! i've always loved the look of candy apples but every time i eat them my teeth just hurt right away haha
NAti says
Your candied apple look mouthwatering! So I really appreciate all these photo and food blogging tips, whenever I take a pic to my food it looks terrible!
Dayna Hoskin says
I was meaning to make candy apples for halloween this year, and completely ran out of time! Will have to bookmark this recipe for next year!
Preet says
Oh, I am badly craving for this! This is so good, this will be a huge hit! This would disappear in no time at our house!
Elizabeth O says
Such a great tips! Candied apples really looks delicious and I love how you shoot photos.
Tash says
There are some really great tips here, thanks so much for sharing
Fibi Tong says
They look very yummy! Can I have a bite? hhaha
Becca Talbot says
A big fan of your food blog, your recipes are always so simple to follow! Didn't realise how much effort goes into recipe photography before now! x
Angela Fernando says
as a person who loves cooking I always look for ideas online! This is great!
Jasmine Hewitt says
the candy apples look really good! its been a few years snce I made some, so i'll try your way
Liz Siemers says
What a wonderful post! I’ve never heard of fodor, I use PicMonkey mostly to edit my photos. I loved hearing your tips and how you switch things up for the seasons! It’s a nice reminder to keep learning and evolving and not get stuck in a rut! Also I totally want to try making my own caramel sauce next year! Those photos of caramel apples look like perfection!!!
Courtney says
You have made some great points about the pros and cons of both DSLRs and smartphones for photography. I use both, depending on what I am looking for in the shot and definitely there are advantages and drawbacks to both.
Shelley says
It's always so insightful to get a peek at how other food photographers and bloggers work - what their favorite tools are, what their workflow's like, even how they mentally approach their images and create their own personal style. So interesting! And your gorgeous candy apple recipe was a perfect backdrop for this lesson!
Chastity says
When it comes to blogging content and photos are key. I am still trying to make a photo stand out it’s all about creativity as well. Thanks for the editing apps, always looking for more. Plus this recipe is so on point, yummy!
Anna Hettick says
I've never made candies apples but these look super yummy! Great blogging tips! Food blogging is such hard work!
Renee Gardner says
These candy apples are so pretty!! Much fancier than the ones I've seen. I wish I would have found this recipe last week!
Jess says
This article is right up my alley. So glad to read it! I often shoot food photography on my blog and the more tips the better! Plus, those candied apples look delicious😋
Michelle says
Wow, such a great post. Some really useful tips here and those candied apples look amazing!
Shannon says
I have never heard of Fotor before. There are just so many options out there for editing food photos! It’s always interesting to learn what others are doing! Thanks for sharing your insight!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Candied apples are the best! Just look at that oozing caramel, yum!! And they are so fun to decorate too. Great pictures!
Julie says
What great info -- and great photography! I always love pictures with a person in them, like your dipping the apples shot. Beautiful!
Vanessa Vickery says
Love all the tips!!I just got the new iPhone xs max and the camera is amazing so will try some food pics on it in comparison to my canon dslr.
Sharon says
Thank you so much for all this info and for the delicious caramel apple recipe!
Eileen Kelly says
Your info to start a blog and the use of cameras and Fotor are helpful for anyone wanting to start a blog! I absolutely love your caramel apples! So festive and delish!
Shannon Gurnee says
I love looking at the different recipe blog posts. Isn't amazing how much time and effort it actually takes to write a blog post (including the pictures)?!!
Nicole says
Oh my goodness that first photo is awesome! I love candied apples and looking at them on your site suddenly makes me want one.
Emily Leary says
I have come a long way with my photography in 7.5 years of food blogging, but there's always lots more to learn for sure. I used a Canon and love it - I can't imagine switching now.