Kyle Dreier | Food Photographer - Nashville, TN » chocolate

The Invention of Chocolate, Sort of.

Kyle Dreier — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:28:52 +0000

It’s hard to say whether chocolate was “invented” or “discovered”. Honestly, does it matter? It’s here, I love it, and it’s not going anywhere. Right?

According to about.com its origins date back to the Olmec Indians to about 1500 BC with the growing of the cocoa bean to then the making of a cocoa drink by the Mayans around 250 AD and then to the making a chocolate cakes for the elite and wealthy in the 1600s. It has been taxed, considered a medicine and yes, even an aphrodisiac.

I got a healthy dose of wonderful medicine recently with the Miley Barcus, proprietor of Nashville Chocolate Kitchen. I met Miley and her crew about a year ago at Food Network’s Food and Wine Show. Her approach to her creations is that of an artist – it’s more than just baked goods, it’s more than just chocolate. Let’s just say that time in the studio with Miley and her lead baker Jill proved to be a wonderful chocolate adventure.

Actually, there’s more to Nashville Chocolate Kitchen than just chocolate. They make “little cakes” which are like a cupcake but different. They are these great small cakes that are injected with just the right amount of frosting and are a perfect portion for two to share (speaking from experience here). Another fun treat is their “drizzle chips” which is the fun blend of salty and sweet. I could go on and on but I’d rather just stop and let you see the results. Here are a few.

And there you have some of the results from our food photography session in the studio. I’m happy to say that there were a few items that didn’t make it to the set but did make it home where Amy and I enjoyed their medicinal effects. The Mayans would be proud!

- Kyle

Jane, stop this crazy thing!

Kyle Dreier — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:50:17 +0000

I suppose there are days on set with me that might feel a little like an episode of the Jetson’s – crazy contraptions, space-age technology … and me getting a little out of control (in a fun way).

I say all this because looking at this production shot from a recent food shoot looks a bit out of control. Looking at how I lit this vintage hand mixer makes me wonder “Really? Did I really use all these reflectors and flags to get this shot?”

It was worth it – I’m very happy with the final images. Everything cooperated … the mixer suspended precariously in mid-air, the lighting bouncing from every which angle and the hero chocolate holding on for dear life.

This one will be going into the portfolio.

- Kyle

Espresso Shot

Kyle Dreier — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:14:56 +0000

What you see here in this one espresso shot is an espresso shot and three chocolate espresso cookies. So I guess that means this is a shot of four espresso shots … one way or another.

shot of espresso and chocolate espresso cookies

Day Nineteen – Photo a Day

Kyle Dreier — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:04:22 +0000

I’m allowing myself a little grace from this assignment today. While I didn’t actually shoot this today, I did process it today. This is from my Friday shoot with Aux Choux. I love the imperfections of this photo as I was shooting hand-held through a glass in the display case.

- Kyle Dreier