Hi there! My name is Katerina and last six month I spend working as a Communication Intern at Garden Gourmet, a brand that specializes in plant-based meat alternatives. At Garden Gourmet, every day is unique and filled with exciting challenges, but none are as thrilling as the days when we shoot new recipe content. Here’s a peek into one such day!
A couple of days before
As Garden Gourmet is present in more than 24 markets around Europe, it is important to shoot a recipe that would fit as many as possible. Therefore, a couple of days before I reached out to brand managers of different markets and asked them for input from their side. The next step is to go through existing recipes, look for inspiration for new ones on social media, and then finally create a brief that I will share with the food stylist and the studio.
The morning of the shoot
Everyone arrives at the studio a bit later than usual and then we gather for a morning coffee and discuss the following shoot. The producer outlines the day’s vision, detailing the specific recipes we’ll be shooting and the overall aesthetic. Today’s theme is Vibrant Spring Recipes, featuring dishes like falafel wraps, roasted vegetable salads, and creamy hummus.
First clicks of the camera
As the chef began cooking the first dish, the photographers set up their equipment. I assist in styling the set, making sure the props and background enhance the dish. Once the food is ready, the photographer captures the dish from various angles, highlighting its colors and textures.
Lunch break
Shooting recipe content is intense, so a lunch break is essential. The best part? We get to taste the dishes we’ve been photographing! It’s also a great opportunity to discuss any adjustments for the next round of shots.
Afternoon session
Post-lunch, we dive back into shooting. The afternoon session includes more complex dishes and action shots. Capturing the process of drizzling olive oil over a salad or slicing a juicy tomato requires precision and timing. I assist with lighting adjustments, and sometimes even hand modeling.
Wrap-up and post-production
At the end of the day, we review the shots and footage. Once everything is approved, it goes to post-production and we receive the final results a couple of days after and then the fun with creative agencies begins. We always end the shooting day with a glass of wine or beer!
Being a communication intern at Garden Gourmet offers a unique combination of hands-on experience and creative expression. Recipe content shoots are particularly exciting, allowing me to combine my love for food, photography, and storytelling. Each day is a learning experience, and I look forward to many more culinary adventures ahead!
Sneak peek at behind the scenes
