I started my Instagram a year ago this month (yay!). So much has changed! I recently scrolled to the bottom of my IG to see what my feed used to look like. I was SHOCKED when I compared it to my feed now.
My Feed Now vs. My Feed 1 Year Ago
I started to think about all the things I did to take my content to the next level. I enrolled in Foodtography School, invested in artificial lights and a real camera, and did a ton of research.
I took steps to monetize my account by working with brands and incorporating my business. I now have my own debit card and bank account for The Glutenless Maximus to keep everything organized. Let me know if you would like to know more about that process. I had a lot of help from my dad, and I'm happy to share if that would be helpful!
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Why I Started The Glutenless Maximus
Can I tell you a secret? Last April I didn't even know what a reel was, and now I'm posting one on my IG daily. In fact, I wasn't even into Instagram at all.
So, why did I start The Glutenless Maximus? Because I had an internship that required me to make food reels, and I had no clue what I was doing. That's why I started my account, but I quickly realized I love posting and sharing my recipes.
My first post on Instagram was a kombucha mule. It's still a great drink, but not my best photo!
At the time, my content wasn't edited or color corrected at all. I cannot believe how much progress I've made in a year.
My Foodtography School Review
Around July, I started getting ads for Foodtography School and thought it looked really interesting. After some research, I took the leap and enrolled in the original Foodtography Course on foodtographyschool.com. It was the food photography course that I thought would fit best for my interests.
And it changed everything!
I learned basic compositional theories, how to style a photo, lighting techniques, AND how to use a real camera.
My Favorite Units:
- Understanding your Camera Settings
- How To Set Up Your Food Photography Scene
- Lightroom Basics
- Capturing Movement
- Tips to Standardize Your Light
I worked through the unit in July and by August I was already feeling more confident in my images.
I joined the Foodtography School Facebook group, too. I check the page every day for advice and tips on working with brands, etc.
I use a Canon 6d mark ii camera, edit using Lightroom and Adobe Rush, and have worked with over 10 paying brands!
Lightroom Filters
At first, I didn't think I needed a preset. But then I was like I think I need a preset. So I went to foodtographyschool.com and purchased the light & bright presets pack. Since then, I've tweaked the adjustments so the filters are now more my style. It was a great place to start, especially since I didn't know a ton about Lightroom.
Artificial Light
I live in Boston, and around November the sun is just not as bright. This made content creation difficult, and editing was hard too because I could never get the light to match.
That's when I researched artificial light. I found some amazing YouTube videos from The Bite Shot that walked me through the equipment I needed. Then, I took the plunge and purchased a Godox light and softbox. And, you know what? It made a HUGE difference. My #1 recommendation.
My Camera
In December, I decided it was time to invest in a real camera. I had been using my iPhone, which is amazing and works really well, but I felt like it was time for the next step.
After a bunch of research, I decided on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. It's easy to use and gives gorgeous, clear, and crisp photos and videos. Amazon has a lot of refurbished options, too. I was also considering a Canon Rebel T5.
My Editing Software
Editing software is definitely one of the harder elements of food photography. It's a steep learning curve, which is why I loved using a pack of presets from Foodtography School.
I use Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Rush every single day. Lightroom is amazing for editing photos (Foodtography School has a section teaching you how to use it) and Adobe Rush is fantastic for video editing.
Adobe Rush is MUCH easier to use than Adobe Premiere. I never use Adobe Premiere because it always ends up crashing my computer. Yikes! Adobe Rush is great for editing reels and TikTok videos.
Discount Codes
15% off Foodtography School - use the code theglutenlessmaximus15 and click HERE.
Adobe Lightroom + Premiere Rush Discount - click HERE.
15% off presets - use the code theglutenlessmaximus15 and click HERE.
15% off INFLUENCE - use the code theglutenlessmaximus15 and click HERE.
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