Marta is a Polish food photographer who loves creating low-key moods and today she talks about her work, Instagram and being consistent. Discover her captures on her website and Instagram.
“For me a photo has to have that sparkle, more than being pretty.”
Hi Marta, it is nice to have you here. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I was born in Poland and I am currently based in Krakow.
I lived for a couple of years in Andalusia, in Spain. That was an extremely interesting experience for me which gave me the opportunity to kick off my food photography journey.
© Marta Placek
How did your photography journey start? How were the very beginnings?
I have been officially into food photography since last year in April and I am currently specializing in low key food photography.
However, I’ve started doing photography about 8 years ago. I always loved art, I was into drawing, painting and all kinds of creative works. Photography was on my list and seemed the best fit for me at that time. Therefore, I’ve decided to attend the School of Art Photography (in Poland) for two years. Unfortunately, soon afterwards, I had to abandon the photography project for a while.
.And it was only last year that I’ve turned back to my dream.
When the pandemic started and Spain went into a strict lockdown, I had plenty of time ahead and it was an opportunity to refresh my hobby and also to buy new gear.
What attracts you most in food photography?
I am extremely drawn to all creative approaches in food photography, including levitation photos, steam, splashes, etc. I admire people who are trying to create a new style, and have their own vision.
I do not really enjoy a too “easy” approach where you always have the same props, a simple backdrop and easy composition. This seems very “safe" I’d say.
For me a photo has to have that sparkle, not to be just pretty.
What techniques do you often tend to use when you create your scenes?
I do my best to plan my scene before shooting, but I always end up changing things during the shooting.
Lately, I compose my scenes using my intuition and a bit of experience. I am playing around with objects until they look nice in the photo preview.
Before this, I used to draw my future scenes on a piece of paper and I analyzed loads of photographs before shooting.
Do you have an advice that helps creating a scene in a natural yet powerful way?
My best advice would be to enjoy the process and try to not feel the pressure. This will empower your creativity and with time you will find it very helpful to get your own voice in composing your scene and find your signature style.
© Marta Placek
You have recently celebrated one year on Instagram and your audience is growing, how do you manage to be so consistent?
That’s a very good question!
I do my best to shoot in the same conditions every time (be it the light, angles, etc) and I always try to have content prepared in advance.
Also, I use a feed planner so even if I am busy or I am not really in the mood for social media, my post is ready to go as I have prepared the photo and caption in advance.
Besides that, it’s all about finding the right work-life balance. If you do not spend half of your day on social media it is easy and enjoyable!
A lot of people feel overwhelmed with Instagram these days, what would be a way to use it for your purpose and not the other way round?
The best way is to realize that we are not slaves of the Internet, it is a powerful tool which we can use instead. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed, bored, even trapped, with all of the mass of information.
If you do so, take a break. Maybe you need one day off, maybe you need a weekend off or longer holidays, just do it. The Internet is not going anywhere, it will be here when you are back.
Despite of Instagram being overcrowded, do you think that it can still be a valuable ressource for marketing these days? Do you use other tools to help you with your business?
I still see Instagram as a powerful marketing tool. I base my opinion on my work experience as online marketing manager.
Instagram is targeting and attracting type of audience that is interested in food photography.
However, if you are addressing your marketing message to other types of audiences it is good to consider sources like Google Ads, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, or even good old Facebook. All depends on how you define your audience!
What kind of brands do you like to work with?
© Marta Placek
I really like working with brands related to all kinds of drinks.
Drink photography is very challenging and very rewarding when you nail it. If you have to work with glass it is a very tricky material as it has reflections, so you need to know techniques on how to use the light to photograph it in a professional way. Also, drink photography requires loads of post- production work, which I really love!
What’s your favorite french dish and would it make a great subject for a shooting?
I am very simple and I just love french baguette !
I would love to create a French breakfast scene inside the studio and also outside in nature. I would present it with several kinds of cheese, white wine, olives etc.
My second choice are macarons, as they are among the most adorable things in the french cuisine!