We had a fun, bustling opening last month for our friend Aya Brackett‘s photography show opening. Titled Home is Oakland, Home is Japan, 12 of Aya’s photos are on exhibit on the back walls and nook of Umami Mart. Professionally, Aya’s food photography has been published in The New York Times, Monocle and Bon Appetit – for this show, Aya has chosen select pieces that reflect domestic moments in California and Japan. 

Read More →

Our next photo exhibition will be by the lovely and talented Aya Brackett in a show titled Home is Oakland, Home is Japan. Professionally, Aya’s food photography has been published in The New York Times, Monocle and Bon Appetit, and for this show, Aya has chosen select pieces that reflect domestic moments in California and Japan. Capturing kitchen scenes in Oakland, or at her grandmother’s and friend’s homes in Tokyo and Kyoto, Aya’s photos are at once intimate and playful.

Read More →

I met Erin Gleeson during our freshman year of college in Santa Barbara. She would walk around campus with colorful wraps on her head, always a smile on her face. She always glowed with a certain magical charm that we all wanted, but could never quite attain.

It was our junior year that we would become close — studying together in Italy for the year.

Read More →

We are more than a little excited to announce our first art show with long-time Umami Mart contributor Erin Gleeson. A year ago, Erin started her photo and illustration blog The Forest Feast, after moving to the California woods from NYC, where she spent many years as a food photographer. Since, the website has rapidly grown in popularity, garnering thousands of readers every day from all over the world.

Read More →

I am really excited to have been chosen to be part of a food photography exhibition called “Feast Your Eyes” that just opened in Brooklyn on Friday and is presented by the NY Photo Festival. I have three pieces in it, including these deviled eggs, from my new recipe project, Forest Feast.

If you are in Dumbo anytime through January 27, stop by the Powerhouse Arena to check it out!

Read More →

I am a professional food photographer, and even I seem to find myself camera-less in front of amazing food quite often with nothing but my iPhone to document it. Here are a few suggestions on how to make your smartphone photos of food look a little better.

First of all, with small cameras, food usually look better under natural (day) light.

Read More →

When shooting food, when should I use flash?

When using a little point-and-shoot camera, my recommendation is to always use natural light when possible. The main thing you want to look at is the direction the light is coming from. Position the dish or food in a window so the light is coming from behind or from the side– pictures tend to look more “professional” this way.

Read More →