Well today is one of those days...I need a little loving.
Have any of you culinary bloggers ever tried to get a food photo published online with foodgawker?
I thought it might be a nice way to get some of my recipes shared and just a little ego kick to boot. Well, that's why I am ranting. The past two weeks I have been submitting pictures left right and centre and every single one of them has been rejected. I tell you, it's left me very bruised in that baby ego and spitting and hissing at the thought my photos are rubbish.
For those of you who don't know, foodgawker is a site of unbelievably delicious recipes and beautiful photography. I don't claim to have the best photography but did I submit my best. Here is the outcome, with "feedback".
Peppermint Ganache Cups "Photo/food composition"
Home Style Sausage Rolls "Photo/food composition"
Strawberry Coconut Swirl Biscuits "Photo/food composition"
Pesto and Cashew Damper Scrolls "Composition - too tight"
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups "Photo/food composition"
Chocolate Jaffa Cornets "Photo/food composition"
Flourless Chocolate Cake "Dull/Unclear Image"
So, are they really that terrible? I've submitted over 12 photos and every single one has been rejected. Sometimes it makes me want to scream. Just saying.
Hey there. I submitted about 20 photographs to foodgawker before I finally got one accepted. Since then I've been getting better at seeing what they want and have been getting more and more accepted. The traffic you can get from just one submission is incredible. Please don't give up! And certainly don't let it hurt your ego! All of the pictures above are miles above the ones I was originally submitting. Just remember that human beings are the ones moderating the photo choices, and you must play to their opinions whether you agree or not. Spend time taking notes of the photos that they do accept. Most of them have bright, white natural light and are not zoomed in very close. I also recommend the book Plate to Pixel. It has helped me with my food styling a lot. Keep trying and I promise you will get accepted eventually! I know it can be disheartening to have your photos rejected, but take it with a grain of salt and know that it will only make you a better food photographer in the long run!
ReplyDelete- Melissa www.melissasmunches.com
Good to know I'm not alone! I'm not a great photographer, and all these rejections really do get discouraging. Thanks for the post!
Deletesince this post I have actually been able to get some on foodgawker! you just have to be persistent. boring as it seems I've been going with plain backgrounds and no props, and it seems to be working. Also they dont seem to like close up pictures. some other foodie sites are easier to get on to, try tastespotting, foodepix or dessertstalking. good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that some are a little harder than other. I only had one approved by Tastespotting but several by Foodgawker & Tasteologie. It really takes practice and learning how to edit your pictures. I'm glad that your pictures have been getting published. Check out my site
Deletehttp://bsugarmama.com
yes it certainly does take patience and lots of hard work, but its worth it in traffic terms...and it's made me step up in the photography department too. hope you get more published soon! thanks for dropping by nicole!
DeleteHaving just had a picture rejected I read your entry with real interest and I am so grateful for the help. I also got a 'too tight' rejection'. There was I thinking that this was all about food when that is only the half of it. The photography is also so important.
ReplyDeleteOn your recommendation I bought 'Plate to Pixel' and I can't wait to get it soon.
Thank you so much.
Hi, just got one turned down and my first one at that. But with this I will not lose hope and so do you! Followed you by the way. Check out mine: http://www.gastronomybyjoy.com/2013/02/bacon-kesong-puti-truffles-with-roasted.html
ReplyDeleteHello,
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Don't feel bad, I'm experiencing the same thing, "too tight". I'm trying to learn from it tho, and trying to back off a bit. I think I'm too eager to get a close up shot and forget to get shots backed off a bit. I'm trying not to take it personally, and learn from it. I just wish they were a little more specific on the rejections, so I could learn more! I did have four get through though, and gave up for a while. But, I'm back with a vengeance! Don't give up!
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to get accepted! I wouldn't let it hurt your ego, because I've been rejected just as many times! We should start our own website for those rejected from food gawker! Okay, just kidding, but good luck to everyone on getting accepted :)
ReplyDeleteThank You!
ReplyDeleteI was losing hope until I saw this post and the comments!
Now i'll never give up... Poor foodgawker :)
Wow, I think your shots are fabulous. Keep going - I've just had my first image accepted and it seems more luck than logic.
ReplyDeleteI don't what camera you are using but it doesnt seem to be getting the job done. Also, the lighting is off on most of them. They have limited dynamic range. The colors aren't terribly rich and the composition is not that interesting. I didn't say WOW to any of them. That said, I think you are going the right direction because you have a clear talent for cooking and with a little more effort, food styling could be a strength too.
ReplyDeleteThat's really ridiculous. Food Gawker sets its own rules and most of the food bloggers find it difficult to please it. The issue should be addressed.
ReplyDelete