STW Challenge for November: Back to Black
Flip through old food mags from the 1980s, and you’ll find a common food and prop styling trend. Food was fussily styled like art work, with novel visual forms taking precedence over making the food look particular appetizing. Food was piled as tall as possible, with little regard to how a diner might actually dig in. Starkness, versus lusciousness was “in.” Color was bright and bold, and full of contrast. And, at the center of all of this was the ever present shiny black plate.
Well folks, I don’t know if you’ve noticed it like I have, but the black plate is making a come-back. This time though, it’s not fussy and it’s not shiny. And I, for one, am a fan. The images I’m seeing are rustic and earthy and amazingly inviting. They fit my mood as our season turns cold and dark perfectly. Here are some examples that I just love:
[Credits: Moving clockwise: a. Wedgewood Black Basalt seen in Domino Magazine, via Happy Mundane; b. Staub cocotte found in Saveurs, photo by Valéry Guedes and styling by Valéry Drouet; c. figs in a bowl photo by Colin Cooke and styling by Paul Lowe; d. wintery side dishes from Elle á Table, photo by Jean-Claude Amiel with styling by Valérie Lhomme]
PS: Sorry for missing the ENTIRE month of October folks! Hopefully you’ll find this month’s challenge entertaining though.
I’m so glad someone else likes black in food photos! Your chamba pottery is beautiful! Where did you find it?
How can I contact you with a question?