438789 Thu Sep 06 12:47:17 -0700 2007 6 29 Not About Food 0 2917031 A friend is putting together a photography book and asked me to prepare some dishes for a food section. I'm wondering if any of the great minds here have any suggestions for easy to prepare, yet visually pleasing items? Lots of colour with interesting shapes ideally. And any interesting presentation suggestions are welcome as well. Thanks in advance. So far I've decided on doing a seared scallop with yellow curry creme fraiche garnished with cilantro oil, and chives. I like the cleanliness and composition of the round scallop on a square plate, the height of the scallop and the colours of the green oil and the vibrant yellow from the turmeric. Thu Sep 06 12:47:17 -0700 2007 18477 jamesm 1 2917076 Although it may be overdone, rare seared tuna with a seaweed salad and perhaps some coconut rice would certainly offer vibrant colors and varied shapes. Any layered dessert in a martini or wine glass would also be eye catching. Such as a trio of pudding (bittersweet choc, caramel and vanilla) or a berry trifle. I'll be curious to hear what you decide on. Thu Sep 06 12:56:58 -0700 2007 2917031 10670 chocolate chick 2 2917084 Thanks for the suggestions -- Tuna may be overdone, but for a reason. When properly executed it's beautiful. I like the layered dessert idea a lot because that's all about the presentation. I admit I'm not much of a dessert guy, anyone have any visually attractive layered desserts ideas? Thu Sep 06 13:00:18 -0700 2007 2917076 18477 jamesm 1 2917090 Fruits work beautifully. Think colors, composition and texture. For example, beef stew tastes great, but tends to photograph not so well. See pics for an example. You get the idea. www.piealamona.blogspot.com Thu Sep 06 13:02:04 -0700 2007 2917031 65673 monavano 2 2917134 Nice pics. I see your point. I could make an elaborate dish with layers of flavour and perfectly cooked, but a well shot closeup of a bowl of blueberries could look more impressive. Thu Sep 06 13:11:08 -0700 2007 2917090 18477 jamesm 3 2917206 Unfortunately that's true. But things like composed salads (see pic), and small plates look gorgeous. If you have any funky serveware, use that too. Or, here's another color issue. Sometimes colors do NOT work in your favor. Note the secoond pic of delicious borscht that looked....not appetizing. Also use those berries, herbs, utensils, blocks of cheese to set off your main subject! www.piealamona.blogspot.com Thu Sep 06 13:29:05 -0700 2007 2917134 65673 monavano 2 2917209 In addition to fruit, many veggies photograph quite beautifully as well. A layered caprese salad made with different colours of heirloom tomatoes would be a good pick as it's so eye-catching when plated artfully. Thu Sep 06 13:29:42 -0700 2007 2917090 111113 tartiflette