Hélène Dujardin - Plate to pixel: digital food photography & styling

Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling

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Copyright 2011 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-9321-31
Manufactured in the United States of America

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About the Author

Hlne Dujardin moved from France to the US in the late 90s with a Masters in History, a suitcase and an old film camera. Soon after, she decided to follow her first passion, food, and so began honing her skills in various dining establishments. She became the pastry chef at a French restaurant and she stayed there for five years. Yet photography was never very far from her heart. Hlne started taking pictures of food for the restaurant staff to help them recreate her desserts when she was not on duty. On her days off, she often walked around town, photographing the beauty of common things.

Upon leaving her pastry position in 2006, Hlne launched the award-winning blog Tartelette, where she dedicates herself to the art of food, photography, and styling. It didnt take long for photography to become more than a hobby. Hlne progressed quickly from enthusiast food photographer to professionally working with local and national magazines. She also began photographing and styling numerous cookbooks.

Hlnes food photography and styling work has been praised online and in print by publications such as Elle magazine, Forbes magazine, The Times Online, Saveur magazine, CNN, Martha Stewart and more.

Her photographs reveal her passion for natural light, seasonal and fresh ingredients, a love of travel and genuine interest in people. Hlne currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their two rescue dogs.

Photo by Diane Cu

Credits

Acquisitions Editor
Courtney Allen

Project Editor
Jenny Larner Brown

Technical Editor
David Verdini

Copy Editor
Jenny Larner Brown

Editorial Director
Robyn Siesky

Business Manager
Amy Knies

Senior Marketing Manager
Sandy Smith

Vice President and Executive Group Publisher
Richard Swadley

Vice President and Executive Publisher
Barry Pruett

Book Designer
Erik Powers

Media Development Project Manager
Laura Moss

Media Development Assistant Project Manager
Jenny Swisher

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, William, for holding me through this process. Words fall short to convey how lucky I am for his guidance whenever I got lost.

Thank you to my parents, Monique and Jacques, for being just the greatest parents in the world. I am forever thankful for their gift of encouraging me to seek beauty all around.

I would like to thank my brother Arnaud and his wife, Stephanie, for their constant enthusiasm and positive attitude. I will never forget my niece Lea channeling her aunty during the summer of 2010, when she took pictures of foods we cooked together. I hope to read this book with her and her sister Camille soon.

To my grandfather, Papi Ren: I know, I know I told you Id open my own bakery by age 35. I wrote a book instead. I hope youre okay with that!

Thank you, Mamie Paulette for giving me this passion I have for food, making it well and sharing it with others, either around our table or through my photographs.

Thank you, mama Ruth and papa Bill for always making this life my home. Your support and love know no boundaries.

Taylor, your genuine friendship and love of photography are gifts indeed. Thank you for all your help and enthusiasm.

Anita, Jen, Jeanne my three muskeeters: thank you for your amazing support, care and sass. You guys are just the best. Move closer!

Thank you, Matt Amendariz and Lara Ferroni. Your genuine advice, constant kindness and open heart are gifts to the photography community.

Carrie and Tami, your capacity for humor, authenticity and courage has been great motivation throughout this project.

Thank you, Courtney Allen for giving me the opportunity to write this book and show others the fantastic world of food photography and food styling.

A special thank you to Jenny Larner Brown for editing my words as well as she did. I dont know what was worse: the extra-long sentences or the French coming through at times.

Thank you David Verdini for making sure I crossed all my Ts and dotted all my Is regarding technical terms and concepts. I enjoyed learning new things at the same time.

And thank you Erik Powers for the beautiful design of this book as well as the long hours spent working to lay out all the words and images so well.