Savory Shot

Mica McCook
Savory Shot

Welcome to the Savory Shot podcast! A show about the art and soul of working in the food photography industry. Hosted by Mica McCook, an Austin-based food photographer who creates timeless, theatrical and flavorful art. Dive deep into Mica’s interviews with industry insiders—from seasoned food photographers to prop stylists and photo educators. What We Serve Up: Engaging stories, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into food photography. Whether you’re a professional looking to hone your craft or simply a foodie with a love for photography, this podcast peels back the curtain on the food and beverage commercial photography scene. Here, everyone is welcome, and gatekeeping is a thing of the past. Who Should Tune In? Aspiring photographers, creatives in the food industry, and anyone eager to learn about the art and business behind captivating food photography. How We Do It: Every other Wednesday at 8AM CST, get ready for candid conversations, personal growth tips, and a community that’s all about sharing the secrets of the trade. Why Listen? With over 5K downloads, the Savory Shot Podcast is becoming a go-to resource. This show is all about fostering a supportive community where every listen leaves you inspired and informed. Join Us: Ready to see the world through the lens of food photography? Subscribe and become part of our journey. Let’s make every shot savory together!

  1. 063: Unlock LinkedIn Magic with Jeff Brown’s Inspiring Success Tips

    MAR 5

    063: Unlock LinkedIn Magic with Jeff Brown’s Inspiring Success Tips

    Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunities and take your creative business to new heights?  Join us as we explore the power of LinkedIn with the insightful Jeff Brown, a photography business mentor, bestselling author, and former Royal Navy photographer. With four successful businesses under his belt, Jeff now helps photographers worldwide build standout brands. Specializing in mindset, branding, and LinkedIn strategy, Jeff’s mission is to help photographers become the go-to experts in their niche. The Power of LinkedIn In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for professionals across all industries. But it can be so much more than just a platform for job searching. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for building relationships, establishing thought leadership, and growing your business. Jeff Brown’s Expertise Jeff shares his expertise on how to leverage LinkedIn to achieve your business goals. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal brand, creating valuable content, and engaging with your network. Key takeaways from this episode: The importance of mindset and goal setting How to create a captivating LinkedIn profile Strategies for building relationships and generating leads The power of LinkedIn newsletters Common mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence and unlock new opportunities? Delve further into Jeff’s insights by listening to the full episode. And don’t forget to check out his latest book, “The Photographer’s Missing LinkedIn.” LinkedIn is a goldmine of opportunities for photographers and other creative professionals. By following Jeff’s advice, you can leverage this platform to build a thriving business and achieve your dreams. 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast 📣 Follow Jeff Brown  Website:https://thephotographersmentor.com/ Facebook: @focusonmarketing LinkedIn: @thephotographersmentor Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

    1h 8m
  2. 062: Dish Decisions: Nancy Ingersoll on Capturing Restaurant Menus

    FEB 19

    062: Dish Decisions: Nancy Ingersoll on Capturing Restaurant Menus

    The Secret Sauce to Drool-Worthy Food Photography Picture this: You’re scrolling through Yelp, stomach rumbling, overwhelmed by choices, and then BAM! A perfectly lit, mouthwatering dish catches your eye, stopping you mid-scroll. The crisp edges of a golden-brown crust, the vibrant pop of fresh herbs, the glossy sheen of a perfectly plated sauce—it all screams, ”Order me now!” Your decision is made. That, my friend, is the undeniable power of great food photography. But how do restaurants determine which dishes deserve this kind of spotlight? What makes a meal truly photogenic, and how can images drive sales and brand loyalty? That’s exactly what food photographer Nancy Ingersoll unpacks with expertise and passion. Meet Nancy Ingersoll: The Woman Behind the Lens Nancy is more than just a photographer—she’s a strategist, stylist, and storyteller. With eight years of experience photographing food and products, she’s worked with over 200 brands, ranging from small local restaurants to big-name food companies. She understands branding and marketing inside and out, so she makes sure every photo she takes perfectly captures a restaurant’s unique style and what they’re trying to achieve. Her expertise goes beyond photography—she curates props, advises on plating techniques, and even helps businesses understand how to leverage visuals for social media and advertising. She doesn’t just capture dishes; she helps restaurants tell their story through compelling visuals that drive customer engagement and sales. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Nancy shares her step-by-step process for guiding restaurants in selecting the right dishes for a photoshoot. From asking the right questions (What’s your most profitable dish? What’s seasonal? What makes people say WOW?) to ensuring variety in textures and colors, she breaks it all down with clarity and expertise. Plus, she shares her Give, Get method to help restaurant owners feel confident in their choices. Take This With You Whether you’re a food photographer, restaurant owner, or just someone who loves food (hi, same!), Nancy’s insights prove that a well-thought-out photo can do more than just look good—it can create cravings, drive sales, and shape a brand’s identity. 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast 📣 Follow Nancy Ingersoll  Website: https://nancyingersoll.com/ Instagram: @thecreativeresource Facebook: @thecreativeresource LinkedIn: @nancyingersoll Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

    43 min
  3. 061: Evolving Through Photography and Identity with Kris Connor

    FEB 5

    061: Evolving Through Photography and Identity with Kris Connor

    Evolving Through Photography and Identity with Kris Connor Have you ever wondered how your personal experiences shape who you are as a creative? In this episode of Savory Shot, we dive deep into the journey of Kris Connor, an award-winning New York-based celebrity chef and restaurant photographer. With over 30 years behind the camera, Kris shares his unique perspective on how his life experiences have influenced his photography career. Meet Kris Connor Kris Connor is a well-known name in the world of food photography. He’s worked with renowned chefs like Carla Hall, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay, and brands like Food Network and Casamigos Tequila have featured his work. But Kris’s journey is far from ordinary. Born with achondroplasia, he underwent multiple limb-lengthening operations that gave him a unique outlook on life. This outlook is evident in his photography, as he seeks to highlight the beauty and craftsmanship in both food and the people who prepare it. In this episode, Kris opens up about his personal and professional journey, sharing valuable insights and experiences. He discusses his transition from photojournalism to food photography, the importance of personal branding, and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a constantly evolving industry. Kris also shares his thoughts on the importance of giving back to the photography community and the need for more inclusive and diverse representation in the field. 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

    35 min
  4. 060: Fresh Beginnings: Sheila's Leap into the World of Food Styling

    JAN 24

    060: Fresh Beginnings: Sheila's Leap into the World of Food Styling

    Discovering Your Creative Spark: A Conversation with Food Stylist Sheila Jarnes What if the most unexpected detours in life turned out to be your calling? Sheila Jarnes, a food stylist, prop stylist, and hand model based in Midcoast Maine, sat down to share her journey from environmental conservation to the deliciously visual world of food styling. With her hands in everything from gardening to cooking, Sheila’s story is a testament to the beauty of embracing curiosity and finding art in the everyday. Sheila’s career took root in the restaurant industry, followed by an “accidental” entry into food styling in 2016. She described her early days as a mix of excitement and learning, styling recipes for Boston Globe Magazine in her tiny apartment with no formal training. From makeshift shoots with a point-and-shoot camera to working on high-profile campaigns, Sheila’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s what makes it inspiring. The episode dives deep into what it takes to style a dish to perfection, from the chaos of on-set dynamics to navigating creative briefs. Sheila also shares her heartfelt goal to align her work with brands that emphasize sustainability, blending her love for food with her background in environmental conservation. Take Action Are you ready to embrace the unknown and tap into your own creative spark? Take a moment to try something new in your craft this week. Experiment, explore, and let curiosity guide you. Closing Thought As Sheila so beautifully put it, “This work is a constant reminder of having to be okay being uncomfortable.” Let her words nudge you toward growth—because magic lives just outside your comfort zone. 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

    44 min
  5. 059: Building a Sustainable Business with Tamera Darden

    JAN 15

    059: Building a Sustainable Business with Tamera Darden

    Feeling Stuck in Your Creative Business? You’re Not Alone! Ever feel like you’re pouring your heart and soul into your creative work but still struggling to make a living? Like you’re stuck in a tug-of-war between your passion and the practicalities of running a business? In this episode of The Savory Shot, we’re delving into a topic that’s close to the heart of every creative entrepreneur: building a sustainable business. Meet Tamera, Your Business Fairy Godmother! Tamera Darden is not only an amazing photographer, but she’s also a business mastermind. She’s the founder of Darden Creative, the author of The Photo CEO, and a total pro at helping creatives like you thrive! What We Explore: Why ”done” is better than ”perfect” The power of ”no” Networking without the ick Negotiating your worth Owning your time Ready to Take Charge? Tune in to The Savory Shot and get ready to be inspired by Tamera’s wisdom and practical advice. It’s time to ditch the struggle and step into your power as a creative entrepreneur! P.S. Don’t forget to grab a copy of Tamera’s book, The Photo CEO, and check out her amazing work at Darden Creative. You won’t regret it! 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

    33 min
  6. 058: My Break From Podcasting: Learning to Love the Balance

    JAN 15

    058: My Break From Podcasting: Learning to Love the Balance

    Feeling Burnt Out? You’re Not Alone. Ever feel like you’re running on fumes? Like you’re pushing yourself so hard that something’s gotta give? Yeah, me too. In this episode of The Savory Shot, we’re diving deep into something we all face at some point: burnout. And trust me, it’s a topic that’s close to my heart. Meet Mica, a fellow creative who gets it. Mica McCook is an amazing food photographer from Austin, Texas. She’s also the host of The Savory Shot, and she’s been super open about her own struggles with burnout. In this episode, she shares her story and how she learned to prioritize her well-being. What We Talk About: The pressure to be perfect: Mica talks about how trying to be perfect all the time led her to feel burnt out. Taking a break: She shares why she decided to step away from her podcast and how it helped her find balance again. Finding what works for YOU: Mica talks about how she focused on exercise, healthy eating, and her mental health to feel better. Making real connections: She shares her new goals for the podcast, which are all about connecting with people in a genuine way. Ready to listen and learn? Tune in to The Savory Shot and hear Mica’s inspiring story. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s okay to slow down and take care of yourself. 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/breakfrompodcasting/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon. Special Thanks And before we wrap up, a huge shoutout to our sponsor, Flodesk, for supporting this episode. Don’t forget to check out their email design services tailored for food photographers, and enjoy an exclusive discount just for our listeners! So, are you ready to turn your limitations into your greatest strengths? Tune in now, and let’s embark on this creative journey together. After all, the best masterpieces often come from the most unexpected places! 🚀✨ Get 50% off your first year by using the code: SAVORYSHOT50 Visit Flodesk now

    11 min
  7. 057: Finding Her Path: Rachel Steiner on Food, Photography, and Resilience

    10/02/2024

    057: Finding Her Path: Rachel Steiner on Food, Photography, and Resilience

    Ever felt lost and unsure of your next step? Like you’re wandering in a fog, searching for a path to clarity? In this episode of The Savory Shot, we sit down with Rachel Steiner, a food photographer, entrepreneur, and stylist with over a decade of experience. Rachel shares her journey of self-discovery, navigating career transitions, and overcoming creative blocks and self-doubt. Overcoming Obstacles: We dive deep into the challenges of freelancing, the importance of open communication with clients, and the power of building confidence as a creative. Rachel shares how she handles setbacks, learns from her mistakes, and keeps her passion for photography alive. Tune in to The Savory Shot to hear more of Rachel’s inspiring story. Get ready to find inspiration for your own journey of self-discovery and resilience. Remember, the path to success is not always a straight line. It’s about embracing the detours, learning from every experience, and finding joy in the journey. 💬 Join the Conversation Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/rachel-steiner/ Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we’ll be in touch soon. Special Thanks And before we wrap up, a huge shoutout to our sponsor, Flodesk, for supporting this episode. Don’t forget to check out their email design services tailored for food photographers, and enjoy an exclusive discount just for our listeners! So, are you ready to turn your limitations into your greatest strengths? Tune in now, and let’s embark on this creative journey together. After all, the best masterpieces often come from the most unexpected places! 🚀✨

    33 min
5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Savory Shot podcast! A show about the art and soul of working in the food photography industry. Hosted by Mica McCook, an Austin-based food photographer who creates timeless, theatrical and flavorful art. Dive deep into Mica’s interviews with industry insiders—from seasoned food photographers to prop stylists and photo educators. What We Serve Up: Engaging stories, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into food photography. Whether you’re a professional looking to hone your craft or simply a foodie with a love for photography, this podcast peels back the curtain on the food and beverage commercial photography scene. Here, everyone is welcome, and gatekeeping is a thing of the past. Who Should Tune In? Aspiring photographers, creatives in the food industry, and anyone eager to learn about the art and business behind captivating food photography. How We Do It: Every other Wednesday at 8AM CST, get ready for candid conversations, personal growth tips, and a community that’s all about sharing the secrets of the trade. Why Listen? With over 5K downloads, the Savory Shot Podcast is becoming a go-to resource. This show is all about fostering a supportive community where every listen leaves you inspired and informed. Join Us: Ready to see the world through the lens of food photography? Subscribe and become part of our journey. Let’s make every shot savory together!

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