Do you like or like, like him?
Like was a big word in 5th grade. If you said you liked someone, it could mean that you were a couple. It could also just mean you thought they were pretty o.k. Brands on Facebook have a lot in common with those scrappy 5th grade boys from Wilson Elementary. They’ll do anything to get you to notice them. You may even like them, but how do they know if you like them, like them?
The best indicator if fans “like you, like you” (as we said back in the day), is if they interact and respond on your platforms. In other words, that boy who sits behind you pulls your pigtail, yup, that’s a “like you, like you”. Positive, negative, whatever it is, comments and interaction means that someone who’s out there really cares. As we all mature, learning to communicate those feelings just becomes natural.
Turkey shoot
When I was a girl, in rural Virginia, I was always upset to learn that my father was going to a “turkey shoot.” My imagined version of this event dealt with the shooting of live turkeys, maybe in cages. In reality, a turkey shoot is a contest where participants shoot at paper targets and win frozen turkeys. In my life a turkey shoot is a full day of preparing, futzing, styling, adjusting, dusting, lighting, picking at with tweezers and such, eventually culminating in the final click of the shutter. Noonish, overwhelmed with the sight and smells, we also had these Plainville Turkey Burgers for lunch. They were satisfying and delicious with lots of fresh salad piled atop a warm whole wheat bun. I forgot the pickles. Shoot.
Good Food Styling Comes Naturally
Working on a food shoot for California Ripe Olives this week, a childhood memory crept into my head. Countless times, I’d sit with my mom while she “put her face on” before going out reveling in the possiblities with all of those bright blue eyeshadows and rosey blushes scattered around the sink. I’d beg for her to vamp it up a little…her response, “The best make-up styling makes you look naturally beautiful.” The same goes for food.
Like my mom, great food doesn’t need any work to look good in person, but under the scrutinizing lights of a photographer’s camera (or a Saturday night on the town with dad) a little styling is usually required. Starting with naturally tasty ingredients and recipes–less is more.
While there was a time when food mags and ads preferred to show a whole dinning setting with lots of flatware, plates, linens, flowers—you name it. The idea was that if food wasn’t shown with the proper utensils or in the right settings consumers would be confused. I’m not sure about you, but if I see an appealing soup in a bowl, I’m pretty sure I’ll find a way to slurp it up.
Propping simply with Emile Henry cookware and dishes, this week’s shoot was a breeze. Their clean lines and contemporary colors naturally complimented all of our recipes. In other words, they looked as naturally delicious on-camera as they are in person. (The food did it’s part to make the dishes look extra appealing as well.)
In other words, next time you’re looking to get your food camera-ready, remember what mom always said. Oh, and can you take out the trash while you’re at it?
Social Media for Grocery Shoppers
Social media used to be for young people and computer savvy, but not anymore. According to an article in emarketer “4 out of 10 women in their 40′s have a social network profile” and “62% of respondents talked about products on social networks.”
The research, conducted by Shespeaks, suggested that viral word-of-mouth marketing rather than ads could be the most effective way to market pertinent products on-line. In addition to blogs and discussion boards, Shespeaks offers member reviews for products ranging from Greek Olive Hummus to the latest version of Nintendo Wii. The big question is, without buying banner ads, how will you get your message accross?
The best things in life
My favorite Holiday gifts are homemade. Like this drawing by Walt Taylor of Stratum.
