An unexpected passion that resulted from this blog is, without a doubt, my growing love for food photography. I could talk your ear off about lighting, camera equipment, props, my weaknesses and frustrations, difficult vs. easy subjects, and the best times of day to shoot. I find myself saying things like, “Look how beautiful the lighting looks outside…total GOLDEN hour!” or “Check out the way the light is hitting the apple on the table” or “My new lens fell face first into a bowl of cookie dough…” or “I swear I’m going to throw this damn tripod out the window”
Before I started blogging, I don’t think taking a picture of my food ever crossed my mind. Ok, that’s not entirely true; I remember taking a few food photos while on our honeymoon in Europe…mostly of candy stores and gelato!
The more I think about my interest in photography, the more I find it parallels my own personal journey with food. It’s been years now since I recovered from an eating disorder and my love for food has done a complete 180 since then. Food photography is simply another way to communicate my passion for food. I get excited when I see a vibrant dish or taste something incredible. It’s fun to share that through a photo.
The amazing (and intimidating) thing about photography is the sheer amount there is to learn. I feel like a kid again, trying desperately to get the hang of riding a bike without training wheels. The challenge is what makes it interesting though and every photograph is the chance to try something different and learn something new. I went from let-me-just-snap-the-damn-photo-so-I-can-write-this-post, to actually enjoying the process.
Speaking of trying something new, it’s amazing what a difference background colour can make in a photo. For the photos in today’s post, I used a black piece of Bristol board to place the food on. I picked this up at Michael’s on the weekend figuring I would try out a black background for a change. You can’t go wrong for a prop that costs $1.49! I love the dramatic feeling black provides without overpowering the food like a print or bold colour can. Everything really seems to pop off the black background and the food takes centre stage, as it should.
![IMG_2400 IMG_2400](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2400.jpg)
I also love using our kitchen countertop for a similar effect:
Plus, easy clean up.
![IMG_9823 IMG_9823](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_9823.jpg)
Although most days, the kitchen looks like this..
![IMG_3153 IMG_3153](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_3153.jpg)
In this skillet picture, black also sets the backdrop for the photo allowing the falafel really pop and the light glisten off the pan.
![IMG_2369 IMG_2369](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2369.jpg)
Moral of the story: Don’t give up on creating new hobbies in your life, no matter what your skill level, age, or what you are already doing. Give it a shot. Who knows you might end up finding a new hobby that you will enjoy the rest of your life!
![](https://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2394-1-728x485.jpg)
So, how ‘bout that food?
This recipe today is my spin on traditional falafel. It’s packed with omega rich ground flax and it’s not fried, but you won’t miss it. A bit of lemon juice mixed into the batter really makes the flavours pop. I served it on top of a simple salad drizzled with my favourite Lightened Up Lemon Tahini Dressing, but feel free to stuff it in a doughy pita, wrap, or even make a falafel burger.
![IMG_2381 IMG_2381](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2381.jpg)
![Falafel with a Twist](https://ohsheglows.com/gs_images/2023/08/IMG_2394-768x533.jpg)
Falafel with a Twist
![](https://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/plugins/osg-recipes/images/ornament_long_artichoke.png)
Yield
7-9 patties
Soak time
8 hours
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry/uncooked chickpeas (or 2 & 1/4 cups cooked)
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup red onion, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt, or to taste
Directions
- If cooking chickpeas from scratch soak overnight (or for 8 hours) and then follow these directions for cooking. Alternatively, use 2 & 1/4 cup canned chickpeas. Note: A reader suggests mashing the canned chickpeas (if using) with a potato masher instead of processing them. This will prevent them from forming a paste.
- In a food processor, with the processor running, drop in 3 garlic cloves to mince. Now add most of the chickpeas (reserving about 1/4 cup to stir in later), and process a few seconds to chop. Now add the onion, lemon juice, and herbs. Process until just combined, being careful not to over-process. You want to leave texture. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scoop the mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the ground flax, breadcrumbs, cumin, reserved chickpeas, and salt and pepper to taste. Shape into patties, about 1/4 cup each and really pack the dough in tightly so it holds together.
- Grease pre-heated skillet with cooking oil and then cook the patties on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden. For the salad: Add chopped tomato, red onion, a drizzle of hot sauce, cucumbers, falafel, and my Lightened Up Lemon Tahini Dressing.
![IMG_2406 IMG_2406](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2406.jpg)
Have you ever discovered a hobby that seemed to come out of nowhere and now you can’t imagine life without it?
Or are you bored with your current hobbies and looking to try something new?
Do you ever end up with a weird fishy taste when cooking with ground flax? I typically use ground flax stirred into oatmeal or smoothies but lately, when I add it to something that has to be cooked I get this off putting fishy taste. I dont remember ever having that problem with ground flax before.
Hey Tonya, I haven’t noticed any strange taste when cooking with flax. Maybe the flax has spoiled?
I don’t know perhaps….I buy so much flax maybe that was an older baggie-ful. However, someone gave me some Trader Joes Roasted Flax Seed once because they didn’t like the taste and when I tasted it I discovered why–fishy!
Maybe you can try using ground chia? I find it has a lighter flavour. It absorbs more water though so I usually scale it back if subbing by at least half.
Ok I will try ground chia. Thank you for your help.
Those look amazing! I’ve been having a craving for falafel!! I’m totally trying this :)
I JUST got my first dSLR and am having so much fun learning about all of its amazing features; there are tons of things to think about! I’m amazed that you feel like you are learning so much because I feel like I have been reading your blogs forever and have admired your photography for so long-can’t wait until I am taking pictures half as beautiful as yours!
That falafel looks scrumptious!
I have such a love-hate relationship with food photography. When it goes well I love it, but all the other times I want to throw my camera out a window. lol
Like you, I can’t imagine my life right now without my passion for photography. I’m sure if my life took a different route I’d be into something else, but photography fascinates me right now. I’ve also been playing with black back drops and bit more dramatic photos.. it’s fun to change up and develop your style as you go.. no rules!
I love your photography … definitely admire it! And this recipe looks to. die. for. Yum!
I am also getting into food photography (and photography in general) and I love it! I have so much fun playing with backgrounds and props but I need to make sure I have a good 3-4 hours of free time so I don’t have to rush the process. I would love to see more photography tips, tricks and how to posts on your site because you pictures always look great! I have a couple paper backdrops and I love them because they are so cheap but I always end up spilling on them!
I feel you…my boards are all stained. I have one white board made from plexiglass though and it’s so nice because I can wipe it clean.
That is a great idea to use plexiglass! Where did you find white plexiglass? I use a thick white Bristol board to bounce my light and it has fallen into my food so many times it is covered in stains and I can’t use it as a backdrop or base anymore!
It was a birthday gift from Eric…hahah I had NO idea he was getting one…or even that you could use it for photography! Leave it to a guy to order plexiglass right? I think he ordered it from a mirror & glass store, but im not sure the name. Apparently you can get them in many colours ;)
I get bored really easily so I really need to add new hobbies all the time.
I’m working on learning more about photography. I got a DSLR for my birthday this year, but so far it’s been a slow process of taking it off auto. I always appreciate your posts about photography – they’re inspiring!
I have always wanted to try making these raw using soaked and sprouted garbanzos!!
Looks so wonderful.
I would not want to clean up your kitchen though!! LOL.
Peace and Raw Health,
Elizabeth
Ooooooo, good idea!
The falafel looks great, but, um what is that chocolate deliciousness on the countertop?! Did I miss where you said?
hah you can find the recipe here: http://ohsheglows.com/2012/05/07/crazy-woman-chocolate-blender-pudding/
I hate to admit this, but I have not tried falafel. It’s a shame because cumin is one of my all-time fav spices, and I can’t get enough chickpeas. Definitely bookmarking this!
The falafel looks great. And I love the photos of food with the black background!
Beautiful pictures! I have had a huge passion for working out in general for the last 8 years, but I always thought, as a female, that I was suppose to do cardio all the time – running, cycling, elliptical. I came to find that I didn’t enjoy these activities nearly as much as lifting weights. Strength training has turned into a hobby of mine, and I’ve loved the changes it’s made to my body. I always try to encourage other women to give strength training a try, because you never know, you may end up enjoying it more than your cardio of choice!
Yum I looove falafel! In DC, there’s a place called Amsterdam Falafel shop that has some pretty amazing falafel. They also have an unlimited toppings bar!!
So then you don’t use your kitchen much and it’s always perfect? :)
Love the shot of it! Looks like mine many days. I tell my husband when he gets home from work that if he ONLY SAW the hurricane that was our house in the middle of the day he wouldn’t believe it. I don’t think he believes what a mess I make of it mid-day :)
Loving the new blog header- and the falafels wow!
you are such an inspiration-in the kitchen and out. thank you…also i had falafel on the menu for this week so i think i’ll give your recipe a go. thanks for sharing :)
I’m so glad I’m not the only whose kitchen looks like that! Haha! You’re falafels look delicious, they are definitely going on my menu next week!
Your photography is amazing and I am totally intimidated at the thought of trying to learn to be that good. I can totally appreciate though how it’s just another way to share your passion for food. A friend and I made a gorgeous beet and rhubarb salad this past weekend after visiting the local Farmer’s market and I so wanted to take a beautiful picture to share.