Burning Marshmallow Peeps

Nothing says springtime like the smell of flowers … er, uh … burning marshmallow Peeps.

I couldn’t resist when Harry Frankenfeld offered up the notion after my recent adventure in burning regular ol’ plain boring marshmallows. (See my March 8th post.)

Well, you see, what you don’t likely know is that Harry and I worked together for almost 10 years, and during that time there sat a small package of Peeps Brand marshmallow chicks on his desk, untouched and unchanged the entire time.

So, in honor of the abnormally long shelf life of the marshmallow Peep, I present to you my photo experiment … burning a marshmallow Peep.

There you have it. All my curiosity is satisfied … at least about what a burning Peep looks like.

What next? Any ideas? Harry?

- Kyle

Willa’s Shortbread – tall on flavor!

It’s Friday and I’m feeling the need to blog. I could probably stand a few laps around the track and a visit to the gym but for now … I’m gonna blog.

A few weeks ago at the Food Network Southern Food & Wine Show I met an industrious and personable gentleman (Eric Rion) who makes a killer shortbread cookie. (The Keylime flavor is my favorite.) As it goes, he hired me to do some food photography for an upcoming Southern Living ad for his product.

I know I’ve many times stated and restated my policy about not eating food off the set. And, I have been faithful to that self-imposed charge. But, when Eric brings extra product which doesn’t even make it to set, then I’ve got to at least give in a bit … and I did. Willa’s Shortbread bites are the ticket!

Below is the shot for his ad. It’s his signature/flagship cookie. Nothing fancy but it sure is good and buttery.

Until next photo shoot … got get ya some Willa’s Shortbread!

- Kyle

Out for a Spin

My three boys have an affinity for cars … and the oldest isn’t even 6 yet. I suppose that get that naturally.

So, I thought I’d take their love of cars (and mine, too) and my passion for photography and find where the two converge.

The backdrop for this was shot during the Fall here in Franklin, TN. The colors are incredible that time of year.

The car is a slightly worn/loved Maisto … a Hot Wheel wannabe … from their collection.

Lighting was a little tricky. I can’t imagine lighting a full-sized car.

See a larger photo image here: http://www.dreier.com/kyle/photography/sandbox/

– Kyle Dreier

Day Eleven – Photo a Day

Shooting more food. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing … other than devouring it.

-Kyle Dreier

Another New Toy … Walnut Pinhole Camera

Today I felt a little like Nicéphore Niépce as I shot photos from the top of a building on Main Street in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. My camera? A beautifully crafted 65mm f/130 pinhole camera made of walnut by Dennis Wilder.

This is such a contrast to my “normal” shooting with digital SLRs … and I LOVE the serendipity that this old technique allows. Digital is fast, immediate, highly controlled … where this is slow, clunky and far less control … all good therapy for me.

My first Polaroid pulled from my new pinhole camera. Niépce would be proud.

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One of my favorite Polaroid shots from my afternoon on the roof in 30 degree weather. The exposure time on this was about 6 seconds … as I counted in my head … one Mississippi, two Mississippi. Oh, and the shutter? … my finger.

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What next? Who knows, but one thing’s for sure, I’m having fun.

- Kyle Dreier