About Me…

Lots of people call me “Em” although my full name is Marlena… always pronounced marLAYna and never ever ever pronounced marLEEna.

By trade, I’m a Software Engineering type, but really I’m a repressed pastry chef thoroughly more content to spend time in my kitchen whipping up something delicious *and beautiful*. Presentation is at least 50% of what makes good food “good”.

I have a deep and abiding love for the sugar food group. What’s that? You say you didn’t know sugar is an independent food group?  Well it’s a good thing you dropped by so I could clue you in ;-)

I love everything about food but can’t decide what I like more… making it… eating it… or photographing it. Nothing makes me all drooly like some good food photos!!   Hey… just keepin it real :)

About My Photography…

I know it’s been wildly rumored and the subject of much speculation so let me set the record straight… I’m not a professional photographer ;-) LOL!

I shoot with a Canon 50D, having recently upgraded from a Canon EOS Rebel XSi 450D. I’m a Canon-girl thru and thru… and initially spent about 4-6 weeks researching on the web and visiting stores in person to make a decision between Canon and Nikon. All I can say is the Canon felt best in my hand. If you’re thinking about buying your first dSLR I can’t stress enough the importance of physically holding the different cameras you’re considering. While most dSLR cameras perform similarly, some are bulkier, some are lighter, some have different button configurations. Some will feel completely wrong in your hand… and one or two will feel jusssssst right.

I started with a Pentax digital point -&- shoot and upgraded to the Canon XSi in May 2008. In April 2009 DH decided he really wanted the XSi so I upgraded to the Canon 50D. When I first moved up to a dSLR I spent months with my XSi on “auto”. I won’t lie, it took me quite a while to “get” the various settings but now I shoot exclusively on manual. The Canon line of dSLR cameras is pretty darn fantastic if you ask me! My favorite lens for food photography is my 50mm f/1.8 but I use a variety of different lenses when I’m shooting other subjects.

I’m getting more consistent with using my tripod and Canon RC-5 remote control since I can tell what a difference they make! My “studio” is comprised of a DIY infinity curve (thank you DH!), Lowel EGO lighting, my sweet little OTT-Lite True Color Lamp and variety of DIY light boxes. I’m blessed to have a DH who can make practically anything – we don’t call him “MacGuyver” for nuthin ;)

When I have the time and patience for it, I shoot tethered using Canon Live View software. Amazing control and precision… but I’m not always patient enough for it. I should be – the results are fabulous!

If you’re interested in more about lighting and food photography, definitely check out this post on the Steamy Kitchen blog – it was a major jumping-off point for me.

As for my computer and software… I can’t live without my MacBook Pro, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.

Check out my Tastespotting gallery… or my FoodGawker gallery .