Top 5 Tips for Photographing Food

Here are five top tips for photographing food to make it look mouthwatering and professional:

1. Use Natural Light 

• Soft, diffused natural light (like from a window) enhances textures and colors.

• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows—use a white curtain to diffuse if needed.

2. Choose the Right Angles 

• Overhead shots (flat lay) work great for dishes with lots of elements (salads, pizza).

• A 45-degree angle mimics how we naturally see food on a table.

• A side view is perfect for layered foods like burgers or cakes.

3. Keep It Fresh & Styled 

• Use fresh ingredients; spritz food with water or oil for a just-prepared look.

• Add garnishes (herbs, seeds, sauces) to enhance visual appeal.

4. Mind the Background & Props 

• Use neutral or complementary backgrounds to make food pop.

• Props (plates, napkins, utensils) should enhance the scene without overwhelming it.

5. Edit for Perfection 

• Use apps like Lightroom or Snapseed to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.

• Sharpen details and add a slight vignette to draw focus to the food.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Get A Wellness Shopping Club Membership

Wellness isn’t a finish line — it’s a continuous path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. It’s about the ongoing pursuit of becoming the best version of ourselves. 

Having safe products in your home is important!

THE WELLNESS STORE:  It's a shopping club and our family loves it!

Dr. Esselstyn’s Book: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr. presents a science-backed, plant-based nutritional program designed to prevent, stop, and even reverse heart disease without relying on medication or surgery.

Core Message:

Dr. Esselstyn argues that heart disease is a foodborne illness primarily caused by the consumption of animal products, oils, and processed foods. By adopting a strictly whole-food, plant-based diet, people can dramatically reduce or eliminate their risk of heart disease.

✅ Key Principles of the Book

1. Eliminate All Oils and Animal Products:

   • No meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs.

   • No added oils (even olive oil) as they damage the endothelial cells lining the arteries.

2. Adopt a Plant-Based Diet:

   • Eat a variety of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits.

   • Leafy greens are especially emphasized for their role in restoring artery health.

3. Lower Cholesterol Naturally:

   • Keeping LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL is crucial for preventing plaque buildup.

4. Scientific Evidence:

   • The book is supported by a 20-year study where participants with advanced heart disease followed his diet and saw a reversal of their condition.

5. Empowerment Over Medication and Surgery:

• Many patients avoided bypass surgery and medications by maintaining the dietary program.

🍽 Practical Tips and Recipes

• Dr. Esselstyn provides clear guidelines, meal plans, and plant-based recipes that are simple to follow.

• Recipes focus on meals rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients, while excluding oils and animal fats.

🌿 Who Should Read It?

• Those with heart disease or a family history of cardiovascular issues.

• Anyone seeking to prevent future heart disease.

• Individuals interested in plant-based nutrition for overall health.

Here’s a simplified food list based on Dr. Esselstyn’s Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease guidelines:

✅ Foods to Eat (Heart-Healthy and Plant-Based)

Focus on whole, plant-based foods with no added oils.

Vegetables (Unlimited)

• Leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula, romaine)

• Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

• Bell peppers, carrots, beets

• Onions, garlic, leeks

• Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini

Legumes

• Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans

• Edamame, split peas

Whole Grains

• Brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley

• Whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread

• Buckwheat, bulgur, farro

Fruits

• Berries, apples, oranges, bananas

• Grapes, mangoes, pears

• Papayas, pineapples, melons

Starches

• Potatoes (white and sweet)

• Corn, peas, squash

Healthy Fats (Limited)

• Flaxseeds, chia seeds

• Walnuts (in moderation)

🚫 Foods to Avoid

These are considered damaging to the endothelial cells in your arteries.

Animal Products

• All meat, poultry, fish, and eggs

• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter)

Oils

• All oils (olive, coconut, canola, vegetable)

• Processed and fried foods

Refined and Processed Foods

• White bread, white pasta, pastries

• Sugary cereals, candy, soda

Nuts and Avocados (Avoid if you have heart disease)

• Though generally healthy, Dr. Esselstyn advises against nuts, seeds, and avocados for those reversing heart disease due to their fat content.

Excess Salt and Sugar

• Minimize processed condiments and sauces

• Avoid artificial sweeteners and added sugars

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Embassy of Ideas MAIL CLUB

I'm delivering art and happiness around the world! The Embassy of Ideas has a mail club! In a world overflowing with stressful messages wouldn't it be cool to find an actual letter in your actual mailbox?

Enjoy a letter, poem, pound cake recipe + photograph 📷
ART delivered by Artist Author Attaché, Patti Friday

MONTHLY MAIL CLUB
SUBSCRIPTIONS

Embassy of Ideas Mail Club (Canada)

Embassy of Ideas Mail Club (International - NOT Canada)

A bona fide snail mail subscription!
An actual letter package you can hold in your hand. 

ART DELIVERED!  
Subscribe and each month you will become
an official collector of my fine art photography!

Collect my photographic art. It will be included. Sign up and subscribe today!

MONTHLY MAIL CLUB
SUBSCRIPTIONS

Embassy of Ideas Mail Club (Canada)

Embassy of Ideas Mail Club (International - NOT Canada)

The first letter is being sent out end of April 2025!

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Everyday Longevity

Everyday Longevity, A Vibrant Life Through Daily Habits:

"Everyday Longevity" means living in a way that promotes a long, healthy, and vibrant life through daily habits. It emphasizes consistent, sustainable actions—like nutritious eating, movement, strength training, walking, intermittent fasting, and mindful living—that support overall well-being and longevity.

It’s about making small, intentional choices every day that add up over time, ensuring not just a longer life, but a better quality of life. 

Everyday Longevity – Program Description

Everyday Longevity is a holistic wellness program designed for women 60+ who want to stay strong, lean, and vibrant for life. This program combines:

✅ Low-carb, high-protein nutrition to fuel the body and support metabolism.
✅ Strength training to maintain muscle, bone health, and confidence.
✅ Walking for endurance, heart health, and daily movement.
✅ Intermittent fasting for metabolic balance and weight management.
✅ Longevity-focused habits to enhance energy, mobility, and overall well-being.

By making simple, sustainable choices every day, you can stay active, feel empowered, and thrive at any age.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Strength Training for Women Over 60

Strength training is a fantastic way to improve muscle tone, bone density, and overall health at any age. For women who are 60+ years of age, the key is to start safely and gradually increase intensity. 

Here are some great options:

1. Bodyweight Exercises (Great for beginners)

• Chair Squats – Stand up and sit down slowly from a sturdy chair to strengthen legs.
• Wall Push-Ups – A low-impact way to work the arms and chest.
• Seated Leg Lifts – Sit on a chair and lift one leg at a time to engage core and thighs.

2. Resistance Bands (Gentle on joints)

• Seated Row – Strengthens the back and arms.
• Bicep Curls – Helps tone arms without heavy weights.
• Lateral Band Walks – Strengthens hips and legs, great for stability.

3. Light Dumbbells (2-5 lbs to start)

• Overhead Press – Builds shoulder strength.
• Bent-over Rows – Strengthens back and posture.
• Deadlifts with Dumbbells – Improves lower body and core strength.

4. Balance and Core Work (Prevents falls and improves mobility)

• Standing Leg Lifts – Hold onto a chair for support.
• Seated Core Twists – Engage the core while sitting in a chair.
• Toe Taps – Improves coordination and leg strength.

Tips for Success

✅ Start with 2-3 sessions per week, 15-30 minutes each.
✅ Focus on proper form to avoid injury.
✅ Gradually increase resistance or reps over time.
✅ Combine strength training with walking or low-impact cardio for best results.
✅ Listen to your body—pain means stop, but challenge is good!

"Everyday Longevity" means living in a way that promotes a long, healthy, and vibrant life through daily habits. It emphasizes consistent, sustainable actions—like nutritious eating, movement, strength training, walking, intermittent fasting, and mindful living—that support overall well-being and longevity.

It’s about making small, intentional choices every day that add up over time, ensuring not just a longer life, but a better quality of life. 

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

20 Things You May Not Know About Photographer Mary Ellen Mark

Mary Ellen Mark was a renowned photographer known for her captivating documentary photography. 

Here are 20 facts about her:

1. Mary Ellen Mark was born on March 20, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
2. She studied painting and art history at the University of Pennsylvania.
3. Mark began her career as a photojournalist, capturing diverse subjects ranging from circuses to street children.
4. One of her most famous projects was documenting the lives of street kids in Seattle, which resulted in the book "Streetwise."
5. Her photography often focused on marginalized communities and individuals on the fringes of society.
6. Mark's work was characterized by its emotional depth and intimate portrayal of her subjects.
7. She worked extensively for publications like Life, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair.
8. Mark's photo essay on Bombay brothels, "Falkland Road," is considered a seminal work in documentary photography.
9. She was known for her ability to establish a rapport with her subjects, capturing them in unguarded moments.
10. Mark received numerous awards throughout her career, including several Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards.
11. She was a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency.
12. Mark also directed films, including the critically acclaimed "Streetwise," which expanded on her photographic work.
13. Her photographs are held in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian.
14. Mark published over 20 books of photography during her career.
15. She taught photography workshops and mentored many aspiring photographers.
16. Mark was married to filmmaker Martin Bell, who collaborated with her on various projects.
17. Her photographs often explored themes of identity, inequality, and the human condition.
18. Mark passed away on May 25, 2015, leaving behind a profound legacy in documentary photography.
19. Posthumously, her work continues to be exhibited and studied for its impact and artistic merit.
20. Her approach to photography influenced generations of photographers, emphasizing empathy and storytelling through images.