We all started somewhere, most of us in our own or our friend’s kitchen. I was always excited about upcoming parties, as I knew I would have opportunity to take a few shots. I was photographing everything and everyone. This was not enough and not the quality I wanted. I started to cook a specially for photoshoot. I worked on food styling and my props collection started to grow rapidly. But not all of us feel confident in the kitchen and the peanut batter toast cannot be photograph over and over again. What to do then?

Simple! Visit your local restaurant, bar, pub, any place which serves food. Order coffee and cupcake, sandwich, anything you fancy at this moment and start take photos. I love food, not only to photograph but also to eat. I love to explore, to find new flavours, new ideas, new looks. An Instagram is a perfect tool to find the place which will be different than any other. This way I found the Longa, Turkish Café , classic food with modern twist.

When I saw photos on their Instagram page, I knew I had to book the table. I am not big breakfast person, but on the day of my visit I could not wait to eat. The Café is run by two amazing and young girls, Gizem and Simge.

We did not have a much time to talk, this place is extremely busy, but I found out that they are baking all the bread which they serve and sell in. I must tell you it is incredible.

The whole team will do everything possible to make your stay nice and enjoyable. And the food …

First, the food, when delivered to your table, looks amazing! You can see that everything is fresh and prepared a specially for you.

Second, the food is a dream to photograph, so many different colours and textures, everything is presented on different type of plates and bowls. You can take shots of one section or of the whole set up.

Do not make my mistake and visit place like this one alone, as the other person could not be so patience with you taking photos as you wish. I was always hearing “Can we eat yet?”, “Did you finished yet?”, “This is going to be cold in time you are going to be done!”. Make this experience your own, it is worth it.

From a place like this you can easily come out with ten or more shoots for your portfolio. Try to choose nice and sunny day for your visit, as you cannot set up additional lighting. Do not choose a table directly by the window as the light can be too harsh. 50mm lens is perfect for this type of expedition. When post processing the photos, try to avoid filters, natural looking food catch the eye. If you would like to take a photo of the place, it is always recommended to ask the person in charge for permission. When you explain them why you want to do that, most of the time they will let you.

I highly recommend the Longa Café and for sure will be back to try something new one day in the future.

Let me know about your experience in places around you. Was it easy to take a photos? I am looking forward to hear from you!