I haven’t blogged for nearly a month and there’s a reason for that. In December, I took a break from work to stay at home and look after my brother, Karan, as my mother was forced to go went on a holiday to India. This meant fewer places for me to go out and eat at, and less time to blog anyway.
Then, I left for India on January 2, 2012, for a week to attend a wedding. And what a gorgeous wedding it was. That’s the bride and groom at the altar 🙂
I came back with around 800 RAW photographs, out of which nearly 600 have now been sent to the family. So when I returned, my time was spent in finishing those.
Two or three days after I returned, the newlyweds and family came to Dubai for the weekend (the groom’s family was based here) and I spent the entire time with them. More photographs followed; I still have to edit those!
I also have been working on another project, which took up most of my nights. Details on that to be posted soon, once it’s ready to go live.
And then there is the reason for these photographs, which also took up some time. After seeing my photographs for BakeFestDxb 3, I was contacted by one of the bakers there, Layal, asking if I would take photographs of her creations.
I demurred at first; I’m not a professional. She didn’t care; said she loved what I’d done then and would I take more? Food and photos…put them together and I’m game.
These are just a few of nearly 200 photographs I took over three days, of her work.
To check more of them out, see her Facebook page, Loul’s Sweet Treats, and let me know what you think.
(Disclaimer: Just to point out, I don’t classify myself as a food photographer; only a food blogger who likes taking pictures of food. I’m well aware I’m not as talented as some other people out there I know and I think there’s something to be said about honesty upfront. Whoever has contacted me for similar things, I point out I’m not a professional and cannot deliver what only professionals can. Also if I think there’s no way I can give decent photos across, I decline.)
Regular programming to ensue.
FooDee 
Saw the pictures at loul’s sweet treats FB page…they are gorgeous. Well done Devina..looking forward to see much more of your good work in coming days.
beautiful. welcome back. Personlly, I think taking photos of food makes you a food photographer. We all have different styles, and never stop learning. I think they are great.
Your photos are simply beautiful! Made me hungry too…You have a wonderful talent!
loved the pics!!! Way to go gurl… All the best to u! Missed ur blog, I have been bad too.. 🙂 Hugs xxx
Hey Raji, thanks so much for commenting! Much appreciated 🙂 Yeah now that I think I have some time on my hands, I have loads of blog posts and photographs to post 🙂
Sarah – thank you. Food photographer I am, then 🙂 Yeah I hope I never stop learning; need to get more “that was a decent pic” comments from Shruti some more 😀
Angela – awwww thanks. I enjoyed taking the pics, which totally helps. Dina – Thanks Glowy. I’ve missed you too…hope to see you soon!
You are a case in point that “professional” is in the work delivered. What GORGEOUS photographs you take Dee. Cannot wait to see more!
Awww shucks Francine, that’s really nice of you to say. I’m glad you like them. I won’t be putting up the rest of the photos from this series; they’re all on the FB page I linked to (well, most of them). But do check them out there 🙂
I think your photos are really lovely. I take food photographs for a living, and I think these are great. Everyone has to start somewhere. I especially like the way you are honest by saying you are a blogger who takes pictures of food. So many bloggers think they are photographers and forget all the skill and know how that goes into taking pictures for a living. Keep it up and do what you love doing, professional or not, you clearly have talent:) My favourite is the pic of the bride and groom and the second last, choc muffin shot…
Edwina – your comment means a lot to me, especially as you are (as you said) doing this professionally. Yeah I’m so much in awe of professional food photographers; there’s so much effort that goes into making it look good enough to eat off the page! I’m hoping constant practice and advice makes me better, especially since I’m quite interested in photography as well.I plan to put up more photographs from the wedding on my other blog…I think I got some nice ones there 🙂
Devina- beautifull photographs from a proffessional photographer! Don’t ever sell yourself short 🙂
Thank you Sukaina 🙂
Loving these photos, especially that 1st photo of the cupcake…it’s somewhat…mesmerizing. There aren’t many online food photographers out there who’re doing high contrast photography in the same way (not sure if that’s what you’re doing in the background, but from the front end, it seems like high contrast work), so it’s nice that you’ve got your distinctive style. 🙂
Thank you Arva 🙂 I like the sound of ‘mesmerizing’ when applied to these! I’ll be honest when I say I’m not sure what I’m trying to do, in that sometimes the way I take or edit the photo just feels right to me…and I go with that flow. Maybe not the best way to do it, but hey…getting my own style out of it means something good is going on 🙂
The pics are just gorgeous , I love to ogle at beautiful pics , truly awesome Devina 🙂 .
Devina, you photos are beautiful, I love them, and they make me want to dive right in!! Well done 🙂 Totally understand the no time to blog point, been going through the same dilema, which is why I haven’t been online all together. But in the end, love catching up with all that I have been missing on :)Totally in love with the wedding photo, so puts you there. Keep up!
Thanks Shabs!Dima – much appreciated. Yeah I’ve been catching up with blogs and my blogging in a big way now. Think I’ll be getting another setback soon, but it’ll be okay 🙂
so so proud to here this. I do follow your blog about your brother. I know how much it matters to you. xxI am so happy that you got this break. May many such offers pour and you become a professional food photographer. i went to the FB page and I love the photos. You have done such a swell job. Cheers..
sheesh… typos.. Hear*
Thank you Anita! Yup, my brother is probably the most important person in the world to me.Appreciate the comment about the photographs…I did try my best. I’m in love with writing for my full-time profession, but yeah, photography on the side is pretty appealing 🙂
Very nice wedding photographs are taken here.. I like them and forward your photos to my friends too.
Thanks very much!
hello ms devina,
i am melchor santos from reem al bawadi group. are you still doing professional food photography? can you pls send us your rate and portfolio at melchor@reemalbawadi.com thank you so much.