From Corporate Stress to Creative Soul: Manifesting a Career in Food Photography

Chasing Dreams & Light: My Journey into Professional Food & Beverage Photography

Lately, I’ve found myself in a very uncomfortable place—a place of uncertainty, the unknown, and often, fear. After being let go from my corporate job in November, I’ve spent months searching for the “steady” path: the benefits, the 401k, the dictated holidays. It’s all I’ve ever known.

But every time a job alert pings in my inbox, I feel the weight of it. As a single mom to two school-aged boys, I’ve spent years balancing corporate demands with the beautiful, exhausting reality of sports, school conferences, and ER visits. It is hard.

But I’ve decided to tell fear to STFU. I am worthy of living the life of my dreams—even if I’m still figuring out exactly what that looks like.

Capturing the “Soul” of the Subject

Today, I chose to focus on one of my true passions: Food Photography.

I don’t just want to take a picture of a plate; I want to tell a story. I love playing with light and shadow to find the “essence” or “soul” of my subjects. Whether I’m shooting a high-end restaurant or a simple home-brewed drink, my goal is to create a feeling that resonates.

I know that someday, I will be a known name in this industry. I can see my images gracing the pages of global food and restaurant magazines. I am manifesting a life of abundance where my F&B portfolio affords me the flexibility to be truly present for my children.

Morning Fuel: The Perfect Keto Coffee

While I build my portfolio one day at a time, I’m also documenting my own lifestyle changes. I’ve been on the Keto diet since September and have already lost 20 pounds!

One of the staples that has gotten me through those long mornings of job hunting and school runs is Keto (or Bulletproof) Coffee. It’s simple, frothy, and surprisingly delicious.

My Go-To Keto Coffee “Recipe”:

  • A strong brew of Starbucks Pike Place
  • A pat of butter
  • A splash of coconut oil
  • A pinch of salt (and sometimes vanilla extract)
  • Blend in a NutriBullet until frothy!

It curbs my hunger and gives me a moment of peace before the day begins. Are any of you following a Keto lifestyle? I’d love to hear about the staples you can’t live without!

Building a Food & Beverage Portfolio in NJ

If you are looking for a professional food and beverage photographer in NJ who brings an editorial eye and a soulful touch to every shoot, I would love to connect. I am a firm believer that thoughts become things—and right now, I am thinking about beautiful, world-class imagery.

Take a look at today’s session with my morning brew:

Welcome
hello!
Joan Marie is an award winning Fine Art Portrait Photographer serving Scotch Plains, NJ and the surrounding Tri-State area. Joan specializes in Newborn, Child, Pet, High School, Family, Dating Profile and Corporate Headshot Photography. Joan prides herself in the products and personalized services she offers her Clients. She is utterly in love with photography and can't wait to share it with you.

"Set the gear shift for the high gear of your soul! You've got to run like an antelope, out of control!" ~ Phish

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joan marie

1589 E 2nd Street

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

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