Author Topic: Food Photography Handbook (Read 3469 times)

AM24 · « **on:** February 18, 2025, 15:48 »

Hi guys!

Well, I finally got around to writing a book, something I've been promising myself for the past few years. It's called, Delicious Photography, and it's available now from my website.

My target audience is actually food bloggers but from the feedback I have received, photographers have gained insight from it too, so I thought I would promote it here too.

Delicious Photography is in the form of a handbook, not a textbook, and includes chapters on Photography, Styling, Lighting, Editing and Marketing for food photography. It is a summary of my knowledge gained from 12 years in this industry plus more recently from selling food photography through a premium food photography agency, and what it takes to create images that stand out from the crowd. I also have a background in graphic design and business (marketing and accounting).

I launched it last week, selling only through my website at this stage. This is what I call a 'soft' launch because the book is a bit different from the typical photography books and I wanted to gage readers reactions before I put it up on Amazon, which will cost more there due to the size of the book (630 mb - lots of pictures!!). Its short (100 pages) and I designed it to be more like a magazine than a book. It's only available in eBook PDF format at this stage.

So, if you know any food bloggers or are interested in food photography, you can find it here:

https://milleflore.com/books

I also want to thank my dear friend, Steve Heap, who has been extremely supportive, helping me with understanding publishing, plus all his expert critiques along the way.

Cheers,
Annie

Big Money · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2025, 19:43 »

Having personally known Annie since 2011- I can say she is the real deal! Here setups are second to none (extremely detailed) and she has proven herself in this harsh business. I wish her best of success on this book that I am sure has a ton of knowledge and will make you hungry just looking at her food pics! Tom

stoker2014 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2025, 03:32 »

Annie, why do you keep changing your accounts? Who are you running and hiding from?

Obviously this is all because of me.

AM24 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 19, 2025, 04:14 »

Quote from: Big Money on February 18, 2025, 19:43

Having personally known Annie since 2011- I can say she is the real deal! Here setups are second to none (extremely detailed) and she has proven herself in this harsh business. I wish her best of success on this book that I am sure has a ton of knowledge and will make you hungry just looking at her food pics! Tom

Thank you so much, Tom. That is really sweet of you to say so. Cheers!

Big Money · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2025, 09:01 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on February 19, 2025, 03:32

Annie, why do you keep changing your accounts? Who are you running and hiding from?

Obviously this is all because of me.

Oh, I've done the same. On joining the Fotolia Dollar Photo Club option (DPC) I was sent a death threat to me and my family and quit this site for a while. You have some colorful posts but don't threaten folks like some of the past ones did. They are gone now but I know who they are and keep my guard up. This business has been a bumpy ride for sure but overall there are many good folks here!

stoker2014 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2025, 11:21 »

Quote from: Big Money on February 19, 2025, 09:01

Quote from: stoker2014 on February 19, 2025, 03:32
Annie, why do you keep changing your accounts? Who are you running and hiding from?

Obviously this is all because of me.

Oh, I've done the same. On joining the Fotolia Dollar Photo Club option (DPC) I was sent a death threat to me and my family and quit this site for a while. You have some colorful posts but don't threaten folks like some of the past ones did. They are gone now but I know who they are and keep my guard up. This business has been a bumpy ride for sure but overall there are many good folks here!

What are you writing? There are no threats here. Annie used to write a lot about politics, but probably after reading my posts, she stopped participating in discussions and creates new accounts. She probably thinks that the topics I discuss are unsafe or very unpleasant for her. But maybe she is panicky afraid of the enemies of democracy.
$:-\$

AM24 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2025, 13:41 »

Heavens above. And this has all got to do with food photography, how?

A big thanks to the wonderful person who has just bought my book. Please let me know what you think of the different format. Is it easier to absorb all the information?

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2025, 14:40 »

Quote from: AM24 on February 19, 2025, 13:41

Heavens above. And this has all got to do with food photography, how?

A big thanks to the wonderful person who has just bought my book. Please let me know what you think of the different format. Is it easier to absorb all the information?

Good luck with the book, I second the compliments and the history of your photo and design advice.

AM24 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2025, 15:05 »

I just want to add that if you are downloading the Free Printables file that I have in my shop. That's OK. But please remember that these are just worksheets and a few 'quick tip' pages straight out of the book, that I wanted to give readers to print out separately if they need them - and they may not make a lot of sense on their own if you haven't read the book.

Anyway, enjoy!

stoker2014 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2025, 05:22 »

Sell your book on Amazon, I read it sells well there.

AM24 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2025, 06:28 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on February 20, 2025, 05:22

Sell your book on Amazon, I read it sells well there.

There's a problem with the size of the book and Amazon's royalty structure that I have to work through, Stoke.

Amazon has 2 different royalty plans for authors. One pays 35% and the other 70% royalty. Both have different book price ranges. For example, if you want to receive 70% royalty, you have to price your book between $2.99 and $9.99 - BUT books over a certain file size are charged with extraordinarily high 'download' fees. My book, because of all the photography is 630mb. I would end up paying them because of these excessive fees.

So, I would be forced to accept the 35% royalty, but you cannot price your book between $2.99 and $9.99 on this plan. I would have to go higher, or lower, plus receive half the royalty.

Also, if I try to sell my book via my website (at its current price of $9.95) and Amazon finds out, they can get pretty narky. So, I would have to sell at their price, not mine.

Yes, I would get more direct traffic on Amazon, but I have to think through all the pricing to arrive at the best solution. I really don't want to sell my book higher than $9.95 USD. Also, I currently sell through Payhip, a UK firm with a good reputation for providing shop fronts and lots of great data and I pleased with their service - plus they only take out 5% per sale.

So, its a bit of dilemma at the moment, which I will have to work through. At the moment, I just want to see if my type of book is appealing to readers. If not, then the other option is to forget about my current format and just write a normal how-to text book, which is not really my plan.

This is what I wrote in the beginning of my book. Hopefully it explains why my book is different:

"Because I specialize in visuals, I wanted to make this book as visually exciting as possible. This is not your typical how-to textbook. As I explain later, people remember visuals more than text.

I studied various training techniques as part of my former business career. It was here that I discovered a whole new world of exciting ways to teach. One of the newest methods was to incorporate the use of visuals, together with key issues, over just text and data. Research has found that this method greatly increases our capacity to learn, problem-solve and create. It compacts the time necessary for students to absorb and understand information by means of a very practical application. It allows students to reach their goals faster and is a more enjoyable way to learn.

A handbook is a wonderful tool for this type of learning by shortening the length of time students need to absorb information and to provide them with a ready reference manual rather than wading through volumes of text. They are compact practical guides with easily accessible information.

Ultimately, I want you to have fun with this book. Use it to enhance your imagination and creativity because that is what this format is all about."

AM24 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2025, 06:34 »

Explanation of Amazon's royalty plans, for any prospective book writers:

https://www.authorimprints.com/kindle-ebook-royalties-70-vs-35-and-6-essential-things-you-need-to-know/

stoker2014 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2025, 06:48 »

Quote from: AM24 on February 20, 2025, 06:28

My book, because of all the photography is 630mb.

Yes, you know what you're doing.
630mb is good for printing on good paper and selling the book in paper form.
It may also be interesting for those who want to read the book on a tablet or PC. But perhaps in this case the book size can be reduced to 50mb.
Many people read e-books, they read them in fb2 or mobi format. Such books do not weigh many mb, and the photos look black and white, but this is probably not your option.

stoker2014 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2025, 06:55 »

The book can also be sold on Facebook and Instagram. It can be sold not only in electronic form, but also in printed form, if there are buyers.
Many Ukrainian authors do not contact publishers, but collect orders themselves through Facebook and Instagram, and print their books themselves in printing houses, after which they send the books to buyers by mail.

AM24 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2025, 07:09 »

Thank you Stoke!

You are being very kind and helpful - plus you have a lot of technical knowledge. (You should be like this, more often

)

Big Money · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2025, 14:18 »

Just did a quick skim on Annie's book and I love the visuals! My biggest complaint of many restaurants is lack of images of their food items in their menus.

I will be showing my age but I like the story board templates and what each color means! Within minutes I learned that I am over lighting my food pics thus making them look like plastic.

Also all the folks comments on this string have been very positive and helpful- you all have great talent and will to help others.

Off to try new tip from you book on some fine salmon salmon. Thanks Annie!

AM24 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2025, 14:42 »

Quote from: Big Money on February 20, 2025, 14:18

Just did a quick skim on Annie's book and I love the visuals! My biggest complaint of many restaurants is lack of images of their food items in their menus.

I will be showing my age but I like the story board templates and what each color means! Within minutes I learned that I am over lighting my food pics thus making them look like plastic.

Also all the folks comments on this string have been very positive and helpful- you all have great talent and will to help others.

Off to try new tip from you book on some fine salmon salmon. Thanks Annie!

Thank you Tom!!

Are you using natural light?

When I was first accepted by The Picture Pantry, I changed over from studio lighting to natural light because I knew the premium food photography industry prefers natural light. And now when I compare my old stock photos to my new ones, there is such a huge difference. Of course, working with natural light has a lot of challenges, but I found it was worth every moment of my time learning and exploring this new dimension.

Good luck! I can't wait to see the salmon!

Big Money · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2025, 21:10 »

Quote from: AM24 on February 20, 2025, 14:42

Quote from: Big Money on February 20, 2025, 14:18
Just did a quick skim on Annie's book and I love the visuals! My biggest complaint of many restaurants is lack of images of their food items in their menus.

I will be showing my age but I like the story board templates and what each color means! Within minutes I learned that I am over lighting my food pics thus making them look like plastic.

Also all the folks comments on this string have been very positive and helpful- you all have great talent and will to help others.

Off to try new tip from you book on some fine salmon salmon. Thanks Annie!

Thank you Tom!!

Are you using natural light?

When I was first accepted by The Picture Pantry, I changed over from studio lighting to natural light because I knew the premium food photography industry prefers natural light. And now when I compare my old stock photos to my new ones, there is such a huge difference. Of course, working with natural light has a lot of challenges, but I found it was worth every moment of my time learning and exploring this new dimension.

Good luck! I can't wait to see the salmon!

My first round--used lighting from large windows and one white board to splash a little bit on the back part of the image.

AM24 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2025, 23:24 »

Quote from: Big Money on February 20, 2025, 21:10

Quote from: AM24 on February 20, 2025, 14:42
Quote from: Big Money on February 20, 2025, 14:18
Just did a quick skim on Annie's book and I love the visuals! My biggest complaint of many restaurants is lack of images of their food items in their menus.

I will be showing my age but I like the story board templates and what each color means! Within minutes I learned that I am over lighting my food pics thus making them look like plastic.

Also all the folks comments on this string have been very positive and helpful- you all have great talent and will to help others.

Off to try new tip from you book on some fine salmon salmon. Thanks Annie!

Thank you Tom!!

Are you using natural light?

When I was first accepted by The Picture Pantry, I changed over from studio lighting to natural light because I knew the premium food photography industry prefers natural light. And now when I compare my old stock photos to my new ones, there is such a huge difference. Of course, working with natural light has a lot of challenges, but I found it was worth every moment of my time learning and exploring this new dimension.

Good luck! I can't wait to see the salmon!

My first round--used lighting from large windows and one white board to splash a little bit on the back part of the image.

That is one very delicious piece of salmon!! And I love the color of the dish you served it on. It complements the fish perfectly.

I took the liberty of making a few changes to show you how to really hone in on that scrumptious salmon. First of all, your lighter background distracts too much from the meal, so I replaced it with a darker wood background. I didn't realise just how great that piece of fish was until I started playing around with the edit. There are so many incredible textures that make it look superbly delicious. That's what you need to do - focus on what it is about the food that makes it look delicious.

I think you had too much ambient light in the frame. I wouldn't have bothered with the white board. As I mentioned in the book, the lighting aesthetic needs to match the food. Choose which direction of light works best. Here I would have just side lighting coming in slightly in front of the salmon - once again to pick up those gorgeous textures. In my quick adaptation, I increased highlights to demonstrate that. (Click on my photo to see what I mean). I am guessing you haven't got to the section on Editing yet, but you can enhance a lot with some very minor adjustments. (I didn't add saturation or anything else except increase highlights)

Backgrounds, props, plates and light should complement the food and not distract from it. Textures, highlights and shadows are what makes food look authentic, 3-dimensional and delicious. The basics of what you photographed is all there, though. All you needed was some tweaks.

Big Money · « **Reply #19 on:** February 21, 2025, 07:43 »

wow! Thank you Annie! Amazing! Thanks

Tom

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2025, 11:39 »

Quote from: Big Money on February 21, 2025, 07:43

wow! Thank you Annie! Amazing! Thanks

Tom

Everyone who knows anything, knows you never serve food or take food photos, on a BLUE PLATE!

For everyone else, who doesn't understand that, it's a running joke that's been going on for over ten years. And we also know, that the best food photos, are made on polka dot plates!

AM24 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 21, 2025, 12:12 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on February 21, 2025, 11:39

Quote from: Big Money on February 21, 2025, 07:43
wow! Thank you Annie! Amazing! Thanks

Tom

Everyone who knows anything, knows you never serve food or take food photos, on a BLUE PLATE! For everyone else, who doesn't understand that, it's a running joke that's been going on for over ten years. And we also know, that the best food photos, are made on polka dot plates!

hahahahaha - omg, I almost forgot about that!

I better explain so that Tom doesn't throw out his plates. Years ago, yes over 10 yrs as Pete said, we used to have a food competition on the old SS forum. We would pick a topic, for example, 'raw food' and anyone who wanted to participate would go away and shoot raw food that week, and the most innovative photo was the winner, and the winner would pick the next week's topic. That thread went for a long time. A few fights but not too many, considering it was a competition. A lot of people joined in along the way.

There was a guy called Barry who would shoot all his food on these awful plastic blue plates, which Pete said turned him off his food - but I think that's all Barry had. lol. As for polka dots - I have an old dinner setting of different colour polka dot plates. I love quirkiness. I used to shoot red food on red polka dot plates, green food on green polka dot, etc. I still do sometimes.

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #22 on:** February 21, 2025, 13:02 »

Quote from: AM24 on February 21, 2025, 12:12

Quote from: Uncle Pete on February 21, 2025, 11:39
Quote from: Big Money on February 21, 2025, 07:43
wow! Thank you Annie! Amazing! Thanks

Tom

Everyone who knows anything, knows you never serve food or take food photos, on a BLUE PLATE! For everyone else, who doesn't understand that, it's a running joke that's been going on for over ten years. And we also know, that the best food photos, are made on polka dot plates!

hahahahaha - omg, I almost forgot about that!

I better explain so that Tom doesn't throw out his plates. Years ago, yes over 10 yrs as Pete said, we used to have a food competition on the old SS forum. We would pick a topic, for example, 'raw food' and anyone who wanted to participate would go away and shoot raw food that week, and the most innovative photo was the winner, and the winner would pick the next week's topic. That thread went for a long time. A few fights but not too many, considering it was a competition. A lot of people joined in along the way.

There was a guy called Barry who would shoot all his food on these awful plastic blue plates, which Pete said turned him off his food - but I think that's all Barry had. lol. As for polka dots - I have an old dinner setting of different colour polka dot plates. I love quirkiness. I used to shoot red food on red polka dot plates, green food on green polka dot, etc. I still do sometimes.

I don't know if they were awful old blue plates, but eggs for breakfast on a nasty blue plate? At least you guys have some taste in colors. I have generic, kind of white, restaurant and cafeteria plates, so I won't get rejected for the pattern being trademarked. Boring! And I can't defend baked cod dinner, isolated on black. But that's the color of the table top at the hotel.

While you wrote the how to book, I could write the how NOT to, from experience and using my own images. I think the positives and how to do things right, is a better approach.

This is my kind of blue...

AM24 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 21, 2025, 14:46 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on February 21, 2025, 13:02

Quote from: AM24 on February 21, 2025, 12:12
Quote from: Uncle Pete on February 21, 2025, 11:39
Quote from: Big Money on February 21, 2025, 07:43
wow! Thank you Annie! Amazing! Thanks

Tom

Everyone who knows anything, knows you never serve food or take food photos, on a BLUE PLATE! For everyone else, who doesn't understand that, it's a running joke that's been going on for over ten years. And we also know, that the best food photos, are made on polka dot plates!

hahahahaha - omg, I almost forgot about that!

I better explain so that Tom doesn't throw out his plates. Years ago, yes over 10 yrs as Pete said, we used to have a food competition on the old SS forum. We would pick a topic, for example, 'raw food' and anyone who wanted to participate would go away and shoot raw food that week, and the most innovative photo was the winner, and the winner would pick the next week's topic. That thread went for a long time. A few fights but not too many, considering it was a competition. A lot of people joined in along the way.

There was a guy called Barry who would shoot all his food on these awful plastic blue plates, which Pete said turned him off his food - but I think that's all Barry had. lol. As for polka dots - I have an old dinner setting of different colour polka dot plates. I love quirkiness. I used to shoot red food on red polka dot plates, green food on green polka dot, etc. I still do sometimes.

I don't know if they were awful old blue plates, but eggs for breakfast on a nasty blue plate? At least you guys have some taste in colors. I have generic, kind of white, restaurant and cafeteria plates, so I won't get rejected for the pattern being trademarked. Boring! And I can't defend baked cod dinner, isolated on black. But that's the color of the table top at the hotel.

While you wrote the how to book, I could write the how NOT to, from experience and using my own images. I think the positives and how to do things right, is a better approach.

This is my kind of blue...

I love blue cheese and it photographs really beautifully. The only thing wrong with your photo, Pete, is the background. The two-tone is too distracting. But a full black background would have been too flat. It's good to have some texture in your backgrounds too sometimes.

Getting the right background is 50% of what makes a good photo. As you know I used to go to salvage places and get a lot of things there. Like those old wooden large trays that I painted and distressed. Or get some sample vinyl floor tiles. I still use the dark slate ones.

Here is a page I left out of the book because it was getting too large. The background of my black forest trifle in the champagne glass are those dark slate vinyl tiles. Used just 4 - 2 behind and 2 on the base.

Oh, and there are my polka dot cups and saucers !!

AM24 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 21, 2025, 15:10 »

Anyway, I have to go now. If anyone would like to join me on Instagram, that would be great! I have lots of tips and tricks there.

Cheers,
Annie

https://www.instagram.com/millefloredesigns/

AM24 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 23, 2025, 14:49 »

@Tom. If you're still experimenting with lighting, I thought I would add a summary of my section on lighting.

Backlighting adds light to the back and casts shadows in the front, and can flood the image with light. This is used for: adding halos to objects, shooting high-key images, shiny objects, rising steam or transparent glassware. Side lighting, either slightly to the front or slightly behind, is used to highlight food from the side and casts shadows on the other side. This is used to capture shadows and highlights necessary for a dynamic photo. Your image will look three dimensional and, therefore, more authentic and appealing. This is the most popular for food photographers because it works for many layouts.

If you photograph food from the front, it will look smooth. There will be no shadows to capture beautiful textures and no highlights to accentuate the natural contrasts of your subject. Your image will look two-dimensional and unappealing, and should be avoided.

It takes a while to master all of this, so keep practising and experimenting.

All over lighting works for stock photography but has its limitations for food photography. Premium food photography buyers buy images for magazine covers, cookbooks, social media advertising, web banners, blog hero headers, wall art, and even billboards, and need delicious looking food. Textures, highlights and shadows make your food look 3-dimensional, authentic and therefor more delicious.

Big Money · « **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2025, 10:22 »

Quote from: AM24 on February 23, 2025, 14:49

@Tom. If you're still experimenting with lighting, I thought I would add a summary of my section on lighting.

Backlighting adds light to the back and casts shadows in the front, and can flood the image with light. This is used for: adding halos to objects, shooting high-key images, rising steam or transparent glassware. Side lighting, either slightly to the front or slightly behind, is used to highlight food from the side and casts shadows on the other side. This is used to capture shadows and highlights necessary for a dynamic photo. Your image will look three dimensional and, therefore, more authentic and appealing. This is the most popular for food photographers because it works for many layouts.

If you photograph food from the front, it will look smooth. There will be no shadows to capture beautiful textures and no highlights to accentuate the natural contrasts of your subject. Your image will look two-dimensional and unappealing, and should be avoided.

It takes a while to master all of this, so keep practising and experimenting.

All over lighting works for stock photography but has its limitations for food photography. Premium food photography buyers buy images for magazine covers, cookbooks, social media advertising, web banners, blog hero headers, wall art, and even billboards, and need delicious looking food. Textures, highlights and shadows makes your food look 3-dimensional, authentic and therefor more delicious.

thank you so much Annie!

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2025, 11:31 »

Quote from: AM24 on February 21, 2025, 14:46

I love blue cheese and it photographs really beautifully. The only thing wrong with your photo, Pete, is the background. The two-tone is too distracting. But a full black background would have been too flat. It's good to have some texture in your backgrounds too sometimes.

Getting the right background is 50% of what makes a good photo. As you know I used to go to salvage places and get a lot of things there. Like those old wooden large trays that I painted and distressed. Or get some sample vinyl floor tiles. I still use the dark slate ones.

Here is a page I left out of the book because it was getting too large. The background of my black forest trifle in the champagne glass are those dark slate vinyl tiles. Used just 4 - 2 behind and 2 on the base.

Oh, and there are my polka dot cups and saucers !!

Not my photo, just used for an example. However... Good advice on backgrounds and worth remembering. I also have flooring and counter samples for backgrounds. The further advice on side lighting for food is also always something to remember.

Yum, Yum, one of my delicious and attractive food photos.

AM24 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2025, 13:41 »

Well done, guys. Next week, we can move on to Styling.

(just kidding)

yuriy · « **Reply #29 on:** March 02, 2025, 17:35 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on February 24, 2025, 11:31

Quote from: AM24 on February 21, 2025, 14:46

I love blue cheese and it photographs really beautifully. The only thing wrong with your photo, Pete, is the background. The two-tone is too distracting. But a full black background would have been too flat. It's good to have some texture in your backgrounds too sometimes.

Getting the right background is 50% of what makes a good photo. As you know I used to go to salvage places and get a lot of things there. Like those old wooden large trays that I painted and distressed. Or get some sample vinyl floor tiles. I still use the dark slate ones.

Here is a page I left out of the book because it was getting too large. The background of my black forest trifle in the champagne glass are those dark slate vinyl tiles. Used just 4 - 2 behind and 2 on the base.

Oh, and there are my polka dot cups and saucers !!

Not my photo, just used for an example. However... Good advice on backgrounds and worth remembering. I also have flooring and counter samples for backgrounds. The further advice on side lighting for food is also always something to remember.

Yum, Yum, one of my delicious and attractive food photos.

what's funny about this is i have posted and sold kind of similar images. the concept being junk food looking greasy and unappetizing. could be used for an article about clogged arteries or obesity.

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2025, 12:44 »

Quote from: yuriy on March 02, 2025, 17:35

what's funny about this is i have posted and sold kind of similar images. the concept being junk food looking greasy and unappetizing. could be used for an article about clogged arteries or obesity.

Some of the strange images, that I upload now and then as a joke or filler, have actually sold on multiple sites. Heck if I know why. Unlike planned shots with great lighting, aligned subjects, all organized and they just died. I did one of cooking a pizza on a gas grill, and it's not that special. It was sold for an article, "Never cook a pizza on a grill"

AM24 · « **Reply #31 on:** March 08, 2025, 16:20 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on February 20, 2025, 05:22

Sell your book on Amazon, I read it sells well there.

Ok, it's now up on Kindle. Plus a glossy cover Paperback format coming soon. The paperback is taking a bit longer because of some extra formatting changes I had to make to convert it but should be up in a day or two.

For those who don't have Kindle, the eBook is still available in pdf sold through Payhip via my website. But the price has gone up - for all the reasons I mentioned above.

All the details are here: https://milleflore.com/books

So, Stoke, are you going to buy a copy - seeing you put me through all that trouble?

stoker2014 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 08, 2025, 16:43 »

Good decision, now a lot of people will see your book. They won't necessarily buy it, but they will definitely find out about it.
Kindle book format is mobi, and as I understand it, the book should be in black and white. But why does it weigh 750 MB in mobi format?
In fact, the mobi format is understood not only by Kindle, but also by other e-books, even those made in China.
Maybe I'll buy it someday, I need to think about it.
Usually I download all this stuff for free from pirate sites, torrents.

Releasing a paper version of the book is also a very good decision. If you promote this book on Instagram and Facebook, you can have good sales. Because there are many people who want to read such literature not on a tablet, but on paper. It is also nice to put such a book on a shelf, and also to give it to someone. No one gives a book in pdf format.

I also thought that you can also sell the paper version of the book on Amazon, in your ad. I saw similar ads there, you can buy either for Kindle or a paper book. Perhaps it is worth placing a few pages on Amazon as an advertisement.

AM24 · « **Reply #33 on:** March 08, 2025, 16:58 »

It has a LOT of full color photos, plus a lot of special formatting, every page is designed for a handbook format - with visual impact - not a textbook. See a couple of sample pages attached. Even just uploading them here I had to shrink them down a LOT.

But I will look at how I can reduce it.

Oh god, no. Not pirate sites - the bane of a writer's existence

(There's enough problems now with AI and intellectual property.)

stoker2014 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 08, 2025, 18:02 »

Quote from: AM24 on March 08, 2025, 16:58

It has a LOT of full color photos, plus a lot of special formatting, every page is designed for a handbook format - with visual impact - not a textbook. See a couple of sample pages attached. Even just uploading them here I had to shrink them down a LOT.

All e-books are black and white. Kindle, of course, released one color model, but few people have it. Therefore, you do not need to insert color photos into the mobi format, and especially large ones. The size of an e-book is only 6-7 inches, the screen resolution is HD at best.
If you have a regular e-book, see how your book works on it.
Few people are interested in using visual impact on an e-book. I don’t even know if this works in the mobi format.
In general, the size of your book for Kindle should be up to 10 MB. You can also sell pdf format and a paper book in the same ad. Each option may have a different price.

The philosophy of e-books is not about quality. E-books are used to quickly obtain information and quickly access information. Also, e-books are very slow, they have little RAM and little disk memory. Your book with a size of 750 MB will open on such e-book for 10 minutes, and leafing through it will be sheer hell.

AM24 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 08, 2025, 18:32 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on March 08, 2025, 18:02

Quote from: AM24 on March 08, 2025, 16:58
It has a LOT of full color photos, plus a lot of special formatting, every page is designed for a handbook format - with visual impact - not a textbook. See a couple of sample pages attached. Even just uploading them here I had to shrink them down a LOT.
All e-books are black and white. Kindle, of course, released one color model, but few people have it. Therefore, you do not need to insert color photos into the mobi format, and especially large ones. The size of an e-book is only 6-7 inches, the screen resolution is HD at best.
If you have a regular e-book, see how your book works on it.
Few people are interested in using visual impact on an e-book. I don’t even know if this works in the mobi format.
In general, the size of your book for Kindle should be up to 10 MB. You can also sell pdf format and a paper book in the same ad. Each option may have a different price.

The philosophy of e-books is not about quality. E-books are used to quickly obtain information and quickly access information. Also, e-books are very slow, they have little RAM and little disk memory. Your book with a size of 750 MB will open on such e-book for 10 minutes, and leafing through it will be sheer hell.

I have already bought a copy for my own Kindle to check for any issues, and although Amazon puts a warning there that it is a large file, it didn't take that long to download, certainly not as much as 10 minutes, and moving through it wasn't a problem, but thank you so much for all your advice. Very helpful, and I will certainly look at making it smaller. Having that file size warning there might deter some buyers. Thanks Stoke!

ETA. Not sure what you mean about all ebooks are in black and white. Mine was in full color. And very good quality.

ETA

Ahhhhh, I just realised what you were saying. You're talking about the original kindle devices. I am talking about the Kindle App that I have on my tablet (iPad)

stoker2014 · « **Reply #36 on:** March 08, 2025, 18:51 »

Quote from: AM24 on March 08, 2025, 18:32

Ahhhhh, I just realised what you were saying. You're talking about the original kindle devices. I am talking about the Kindle APP that I have on my tablet (iPad)

Most people have black and white books and they are very slow in terms of opening large graphic files. Only tablets or PCs are used for such files.
Of course, I am talking about e-books with an E-Ink screen, which is safe for the eyes and which you can look at for as long as on regular paper.
If someone wants to read your book on a tablet, they will download your pdf file.

stoker2014 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 09, 2025, 03:31 »

So what format do you have uploaded to Amazon under the name Kindle? If you uploaded a pdf file there, then write that it is a pdf file, and not a format for e-books.
You can probably sell pdf format on Amazon. And perhaps you don’t have to sell mobi format for e-books on Amazon. But if you can convert your pdf format to mobi format, then you can also upload mobi format under the category book for e-books (Kindle).
Thus, your ad can consist of three versions of your book:
1. pdf format.
2. mobi format.
3. Paper book.

AM24 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 09, 2025, 03:58 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on March 09, 2025, 03:31

So what format do you have uploaded to Amazon under the name Kindle? If you uploaded a pdf file there, then write that it is a pdf file, and not a format for e-books.
You can probably sell pdf format on Amazon. And perhaps you don’t have to sell mobi format for e-books on Amazon. But if you can convert your pdf format to mobi format, then you can also upload mobi format under the category book for e-books (Kindle).
Thus, your ad can consist of three versions of your book:
1. pdf format.
2. mobi format.
3. Paper book.

Actually, I think these are good questions because there may be other members here who might be toying with the idea of publishing, especially if they have some specialty areas. There's nothing better than expanding one's intellectual property!

Firstly, I want to add again that I was helped enormously by Steve Heap, stock photographer and published author, who was extremely helpful and supportive all along the way - and still is.

OK, this is what I did:
I opened an account on KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and uploaded via Kindle Create. My book was a special format, so I had to use a 'Print Replica" format - designed for books with lots of photography and/or graphics. (Cookbooks, Photography, Comic Books, etc)

I uploaded my PDF to their Kindle Create app, and it turned it into a special format .kpf file that I then uploaded to the Kindle Direct webpage.

More about this here:

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GUGQ4WDZ92F733GC

Once your books are up on their system, under your 'Bookshelf" tab, you will get this. See attachment. And you enter all the relevant details, proof-check physical books for print, etc.

The options they give you are: Kindle eBook, Paperback - and even a Hardcover. They give you a template to design your own covers, and all the printing costs are fully outlined according to book size, cover and color choices. The books are sold as print-on-demand. The commission on physical books are 60% less printing costs. The 2 eBook commission structures are outlined in my early posts.

That's it!

stoker2014 · « **Reply #39 on:** March 09, 2025, 06:23 »

Quote from: AM24 on March 09, 2025, 03:58

I uploaded my PDF to their Kindle Create app, and it turned it into a special format .kpf file that I then uploaded to the Kindle Direct webpage.
More about this here:
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GUGQ4WDZ92F733GC

I read and realized that Amazon now sells books not only for e-books, but also for tablets and applications. Your book is available for reading only on Kindle Fire and Kindle Apps, this is what you wrote there.
I also couldn't find the option to buy your book in paper form, the product page doesn't have the option you attached in your post.
But if Amazon can create a printed book itself and send it to the buyer, this is good for you. However, it is not clear what is more profitable, to print it yourself or to have Amazon print it.
If you want your book to be read on e-books, you need to upload it to Amazon in EPUB or DOCX format. In this case, Amazon will be able to convert them to AZW3 format for e-books Kindle.

stoker2014 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 09, 2025, 06:48 »

There are several ways to convert PDF to EPUB. Here are some popular tools:

Calibre
Calibre is a free and powerful eBook management program that also supports conversion between many formats, including PDF to EPUB.

Adobe Acrobat Pro also allows you to export PDF to various formats, including EPUB.

Sigil is a free EPUB editor. It provides convenient tools for editing existing EPUB files, improving the structure and formatting of the book.

If you want to create a high-quality eBook, with a well-adapted format for reading on devices e-books, EPUB is the best choice.

But your existing option is also good. Adding more buyers who read only on e-books is already your choice.

AM24 · « **Reply #41 on:** March 09, 2025, 13:59 »

The paperback format is now up and available. It was only just approved.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZDYKX3G

Thanks for all your info, Stoke. You've been very helpful. Very much appreciated. (You don't have to buy the book, I was just kidding above.)

stoker2014 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 10, 2025, 10:00 »

I would also add a few preview pages to your Amazon advertising so that the buyer can see not only the cover, but also what the book looks like visually.

AM24 · « **Reply #43 on:** March 13, 2025, 15:04 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on March 10, 2025, 10:00

I would also add a few preview pages to your Amazon advertising so that the buyer can see not only the cover, but also what the book looks like visually.

yes, I agree. that's exactly what I want to do too. But I can't make any changes to my listing at the moment. Not sure why? I may have to write to them. It seems to be stuck or something.

But my own copy of the paperback arrived yesterday - and I am very happy with it. The glossy cover and premium color pages look really good. It's a bit thin, the book is only 106 pages being a condensed handbook, but otherwise, Amazon has done a great job on the printing.

stoker2014 · « **Reply #44 on:** March 13, 2025, 16:55 »

For some reason, I personally prefer books in hardcover rather than paperback. But it doesn't matter.

AM24 · « **Reply #45 on:** March 27, 2025, 18:27 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on February 24, 2025, 11:31

Quote from: AM24 on February 21, 2025, 14:46

I love blue cheese and it photographs really beautifully. The only thing wrong with your photo, Pete, is the background. The two-tone is too distracting. But a full black background would have been too flat. It's good to have some texture in your backgrounds too sometimes.

Getting the right background is 50% of what makes a good photo. As you know I used to go to salvage places and get a lot of things there. Like those old wooden large trays that I painted and distressed. Or get some sample vinyl floor tiles. I still use the dark slate ones.

Here is a page I left out of the book because it was getting too large. The background of my black forest trifle in the champagne glass are those dark slate vinyl tiles. Used just 4 - 2 behind and 2 on the base.

Oh, and there are my polka dot cups and saucers !!

Not my photo, just used for an example. However... Good advice on backgrounds and worth remembering. I also have flooring and counter samples for backgrounds. The further advice on side lighting for food is also always something to remember.

Yum, Yum, one of my delicious and attractive food photos.

This is a cute photo. I really like it. Very AUTHENTIC! And yes, this stuff sells as well as the other.

My book was no 2 best seller in food photography on Amazon au this morning.

I've started writing my next one, Delicious Styling, about 1/3 of the way through, not just for food bloggers but anyone getting into food photography or need styling tips and know-how. That may be of more interest.

stoker2014 · « **Reply #46 on:** March 28, 2025, 02:52 »

The book is even bought on Amazon? Maybe stockers should stop uploading to stocks and start selling their photos as books on Amazon?
Do they buy a paper version or an electronic one?

AM24 · « **Reply #47 on:** April 14, 2025, 18:34 »

No 1 in Food Photography on Amazon USA today!

This whole thing started because Terry once said, take all your blogs and wack them into an eBook and put it up on Amazon.

Well, it ended up being a lot more than that, but very enjoyable. And with some wonderful support. I'm surprised it got to No 1 in USA so quickly, but I've updated the book, added another 80 pages (its now 180p), lowered the price a little - and Amazon's been promoting it.

In its first month of sales (March), I earned more than I did on SS. Just goes to show that there are other ways to boost your income. Just go through your blogs, guys!

cobalt · « **Reply #48 on:** April 14, 2025, 23:33 »

Following this thread with renewed interest.

Not just because the food pics look great, but I have started a new project and might write an ebook.

I have lost over 80 pounds with a healthy morning meal followed by fresh fruits, then chocolate, cake or anything bad.

Combined with intermittent fasting I feel like I have cracked the code for easy and automatic weight loss.

No calorie counting, a pizza every week, very cheap, no gym needed, although I try to go swimming once a week and attempt to walk 4000 steps a day.

The warm cooked healthy morning meal stimulates my metabolism which had slowed down a lot with endless yoyo diets.

Plus there is science about feeding your gut bacteria well and they will produce appetite dampening chemicals and keep you happy.

I started a blog on medium, so people can follow the last 20 pounds of weight loss.

https://medium.com/@jasminsbreakfast

There is also an insta with the same name.

Comments and critique welcome!

No beautiful food pictures yet, but I am trying to improve that.

Also taking little videos for stock.

When I have enough articles and have refined and rethought what I do and why it works, I want to summarize it in a useful little book.

Usually I don‘t follow recipes, but perhaps while doing this project this will improve. I really don‘t enjoy cooking.

One good thing that came from the vurrent Adobe disaster, I finally started the blog.

Apologies for my ugly food pics

AM24 · « **Reply #49 on:** April 15, 2025, 01:45 »

Well done, Jasmine!

Following you on Insta and looking forward to watching your progress.

Following what I wrote on your post, 'the saying "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper" is based on scientific evidence that recommends consuming the bulk of your calories during the day when you are the most active. This approach aligns meal timing with the body's natural rhythms and can offer several health benefits, including improved metabolism, better appetite regulation, enhanced cognitive function, and better weight management.'

I don't have a weight problem, but I suffer from non-diabetic Reactive Hypoglycemia, inherited from my mother, which was getting so bad on my former low-carb diet that I was having blood sugar crashes almost every night. So I swapped to the Blue Zones diet which is high carb and high fiber, and low animal fat. I haven't put on any weight, in fact I even lost some, and my hypoglycemia is under control. My body craves Sourdough Bread (which is really good for blood sugar control) so I recently bought a starter kit to make my own and will be blogging about that soon, too.

Well done on the blog and looking forward to the book - and hey (!) maybe a little cookbook later. You never know

And yeah, big breakfasts are the key. Its helped me!

cobalt · « **Reply #50 on:** April 15, 2025, 04:54 »

Thank you for the encouragement and connecting on insta.

I never had a beautiful insta page, so I am late to the party and still trying to understand it.

My first "contacts" where sexbots, creepy men and then people looking for partners for their affiliate marketing program.

A few friends, but otherwise no organic engagement with people trying to lose weight. So far.

Usually, I don't like to cook and don't follow recipes, but maybe for by ebook project I will try to do better.

Went to the farmers market this morning...and realized I am not rich enough to do all my shopping there

Never heard of non-diabetic Reactive Hypoglycemia, looked it up. Glad it is under control. Lear something new every day.

Personally I don't think the low carb diets are that healthy, especially keto.

The "Mastering Diabetes" people are highly critical of the longterm effects.

https://www.masteringdiabetes.org

They recommend eating lots of healthy carbs, loads of fresh fruits, fresh potato, brown rice.

You can train your metabolism to burn carbs better, apparently that even works for diabetes type1. They have some really impressive results, one of the authors is a type 1 diabetic and was able to drastically cut how much insulin he needs.

Their community is filled with people losing weight while eating gigantic fruit and food platters.

It takes a few months for the body to improve the carb metabolism but it really does work. I got a strong boost in weight loss and really enjoy eating bananas, mango, cherries or grapes that I had avoided for years. It got me reliable below 100kg and now stable at 92kg.

I hope to write enough articles on the medium blog that it can be converted and expanded later for the little book.

But first I have to lose more weight. Now in public

cobalt · « **Reply #51 on:** April 15, 2025, 04:57 »

Bought the book!

eta

fantastic book!

"Don’t rush into your photography
sessions. Have it all planned out
so that the actual shoot flows
easily."

Yes, I will plan and organize maybe a week before I start making new christmas cards, but when it come to daily food, I just drop it down. I do use a tiny reflector and rustic wood background, but i don't style the food itself.

Overall visually very beautiful book.

Hm. I wanted to write a really simple ebook, with simple visuals...maybe I should put more thinking into the design as well.

Anyway, still need to lose the weight first.

eta2

worksheets are exactly what i want to add to my book for weight loss.

make it really easy for people, just print it out or copy write it down and get going.

life is to short to be unhealthy

AM24 · « **Reply #52 on:** April 15, 2025, 06:41 »

Quote from: cobalt on April 15, 2025, 04:57

Bought the book!

eta

fantastic book!

"Don’t rush into your photography
sessions. Have it all planned out
so that the actual shoot flows
easily."

Yes, I will plan and organize maybe a week before I start making new christmas cards, but when it come to daily food, I just drop it down. I do use a tiny reflector and rustic wood background, but i don't style the food itself.

Overall visually very beautiful book.

Hm. I wanted to write a really simple ebook, with simple visuals...maybe I should put more thinking into the design as well.

Anyway, still need to lose the weight first.

eta2

worksheets are exactly what i want to add to my book for weight loss.

make it really easy for people, just print it out or copy write it down and get going.

life is to short to be unhealthy

Yes, the body needs carbs! If you want to do more research for your blog/book, watch "Live to 100' on Netflix if you can, or research that. Very interesting, and aligned with what you are doing. That's what saved me. (You may have to unmute the home page video below)

https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81214929

And THANK YOU for buying my book! Its always a great pleasure and honor to know that someone has gone out of their way to read what one has to say. If you have any questions, or feedback, please message me on Instagram. Love to help.

And as for

"My first "contacts" where sexbots, creepy men and then people looking for partners for their affiliate marketing program."

I started like that too. Everything was hit and miss until I found things that people wanted, which for me was photography of yummy food, and photography tips and tricks. I started writing blogs, they got hits, and then eventually I progressed to the book, which I started last December.

Just keep going!

Cheers,
Annie

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