Katie Bakes: Whoopie Pies, Chocolate Chips, + the Evolution of a Photo

SUBJECT:::: The INCREDIBLE Katie Bakes

First, let me introduce to you the business in charge of all this goodness : Katie Bakes (owner Katie Meaux) and her delightful Whoopie Pies. 🙂 Not only is Katie a wonderful friend, she is also an incredible baker. In the next few weeks, she will be opening her very own bakery right near my office in River Ranch. I was honored that Katie asked me to photograph her whoopie pies and even more excited that I was able to taste a few. : ) They are SO good. Mmmmm……

So, What is Process?

“You have to evolve the process; andn eventually you will find ‘THE GUY.” Hector, my design professor, used to emphasize this word ‘process’ over and over. And it wasn’t until my third year of design school, that I FINALLY got it! Process is an evolution, a way of thinking that allows the mind to develop an idea with a linear (or fairly linear) pattern of thought.

Process can be Translated into almost ANY field —  especially Photography

It’s funny how I’ve seen these design principles so easily translate over to photography. Everything, whether it be a bridal session, and engagement session, a product or detail calls for this very same technique. It begins with an idea and rather than over thinking, it needs execution. Using a design process is the best way to get a thought out and to see what can arise. I suppose that in the old days this cost lots of film and money but today, with digital technology being so prevalent, I am a firm believer in using it to your advantage.

Being QUICK and Allowing the Process to Evolve

When photographing people, it’s important to develop the concept very quickly as the moment can be lost and so can the clients’ patience; however, especially when photographing products or details, it’s nice to take the time to evolve the image. Today I was SO aware of this idea of evolution and allowing the photo to develop along the way. When photographing Oni’s Bag Line last week, we proceeded with process as well and so today I wanted to share. 🙂

Process can be used when shooting wedding details, rings, architecture, shoes, ANYTHING! It’s the idea of creating an image that is so important.

PROCESS 1: Lemon-Blueberry Whoopie Pies

When beginning the Process, we completed the first step: BEGINNING. After setting up and determining the lighting arrangement, we laid out the pies and began to think of them as a collection.

We tried them in different arrangements including this one which we decided on.

From there, we begin to create the image. We decided to frame the pies with elements of the recipe. These pies are the lemon – blueberry flavor.

Scattering the blueberries around the front and enclosing them with the lemons began to create the frame we were looking for.

We decided there needed to be a bit of depth in the image. So, we found an object that pulled the color of the blueberries and the lemons through the photo.

We also flattened and aligned the pies so that they looked straight and organized.

We added another object to create even more dimension in the background and decided we had reached the final frame…

leaving the lemon-blueberry whoopie pies looking tasty and fresh. 🙂

PROCESS 2: Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Once we established a language, we were trying to not only create a beautiful frame but also a set of images that spoke to each other.

We liked the idea of a series of pies surrounded with the ingredients that allowed them to be so tasty.

We threw in the red sifter to add dimension and color.

Sometimes, you try things and it  doesn’t work. I threw in the Cocoa Powder and then decided against it.

The color was distracting and the image was stronger without. Sometimes, it’s ok to subtract! 🙂

This is the final image. Rather than leaving the Cocoa powder can in the photo, I decided to pour the cocoa into the mixture to create a bit of movement in the photo.

PROCESS 3: Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies

Let me just begin by saying that just LOOKING at these pies is making me hungry!!!

So, at this point, we are establishing a system. We like the organization and the depth and are trying to continue expressing this with each flavor.

Again, we are trying different things: putting things in, taking things out….

….All done in an attempt to make the photos look staged, yet still somewhat natural.

We added a bit of chocolate morsels to fill in the white cream and straightened the whoopies a bit.

…..And THEN for the fun!!! 🙂 It’s raining chocolate chips!!! MMmmmmmmmmmm………….

Today was so much fun! I’ll keep everyone posted on Katie Bakes opening in the next few week. I’m sure YOU’re going to want to taste these yummy pies too. : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂