This isn't food related but it's photo related. I do hope that's ok.

I recently completed my first big ad agency shoot on Monday (that picture above is from last month) and man oh man I couldn't be happier. I don't want to get in trouble by revealing too much about who it was for and all that stuff just yet but here are some of my initial observations:

1. Accept the fact that the prop stylist will bring things you covet and drool over and no, you cannot keep them and take them home. Including that perfect little glass you've been looking for for about 6 months. This makes my heart hurt.

2. My first time around and the big wig agency people were dreams come true; gorgeous, warm, all smiles, friendly with an idea of what they wanted. It was magic.

3. After all this time I actually feel like I know what I'm doing. Who knew?

4. Do not tease, provoke, annoy or trip the food stylist. You've been warned.

5. Mary Sue Milliken is as nice in person as I thought she'd be. She rocks.

6. Staring at avocados for 10 hours did nothing to diminish my unshakeable love for those things.

7. Do not leave obnoxiously-sized muffins laying about in the late afternoon. They will be consumed by me until they're gone. So much for my recent pattern of healthy snacking.

8. When technology and creativity work together it's a beautiful thing. When they fight or argue, well, I never realized I knew so many swear words.

9. Ok, I give up, I admit it. I WILL hire an assistant. I promise.

10. When you love what you do and have the best significant other in the entire world, well, let's just say life is a blessing and the work has meaning. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Please forgive the hokey illustrations. I have never claimed to be an illustrator and just looking at the uneven drawing of the glass in item #1 proves that I should stay away from pen and paper.

Comments

[Jen Yu]

I love this post! Matt, you are such a sweetheart :)

[amy]

dude. I just love you!

[Sara, Ms. Adventures in Italy]

Your "hokey" illustrations are better than half the world and very cute (especially the avocado!). You've just earned another "reason to be jealous of Matt" point. Argh!

[Kharina]

Your illustrations are damned cute and your scribbles scarily very much like mine.

Good to know that dreams can come true. :D

[fanny]

I find your illustrations beautiful, no matter what you think about them

love xx

[West]

the food is talking to you...the beer shouldn't be talking to me this early in the day.

[180/360]

I would work for you for FREE if I lived in LA!!! :)

I liked your illustrations. And I hope we get to see some avocado pics. I bet that was an interesting shoot!

[Anita]

1) the illustrations are charming and lovely. I kept thinking "holy crap, he can draw, too" -- so quit yer self-deprecating nonsense, man.

2) I wish I had vacation days to blow so I could offer to pop down to LA on a moment's notice and be your assistant / intern when you needed one.

[Deann B.]

Yay! So glad the experience went so well for you. And I loved the illustrations... since your photography is perfection, the illustrations keep you human. :)

[jenniferL]

i like the "hokey" pictures! i've heard horror stories about ad agencies glad to hear yours was a good one!

[jen altman]

i don't think that i could adore you more matt... xoox

[mimi]

as a devoted lurker, i just had to post and say i love your blog! your whismy and beauty come out in every post, and i love the illustrations for this one. and i loved mary sue way back when the foodnetwork was just a blip on tv! i would love to be your assistant, if only you worked here in nyc :)

[keiko]

So happy that things have been going well for you (and you know I would move to LA if you let me be your assistant ;)) Love the illustrations, hope you are all well. kxxx

[kitchenbeard]

Have I told you lately that I hate my current job and I'm an excellent exec. assistant with my own camera? Have I? Huh? Have I?

[heidi]

the illos are GREAT! Can't wait to see the pics.

[kristina]

that's you looking like you're gonna smack that food for talking back!!!!!!!!!!!

that's my favorite picture!!!!!!!! of you...

[Linda]

you're adorable. congrats on the ad shoot! big steps. BIG steps. i think you're a fine illustrator. they make me smile.

[helen]

The illustrations are charming. Please do more!

[Suresh]

Matt,

I absolutely love your blog and I absolutely love this post. Please post more
You are a truly an inspiration.

[dana]

I've been visiting your blog for awhile, and love your food photography. I'm just starting out, and I know you asked this, but I would LOVE more about the photos themselves. I'm having such a hard time finding books on lighting specific to food... my setup seems to be working for now but know it can be better. I'm also thinking of upgrading from the d70 to d200. Anyhow, would love to see more technical, behind the scenes stuff!!!!

[andreea]

this post made me smile. loved it

[chanelle]

i LOVED this post! how fun!!! the avocados were my favourite part. i would frame that in my kitchen. seriously. no REALLY - you should make up some prints and offer 'em on etsy. they would be so cute!

pretty much everything you do rocks.
have i mentioned how much i love you?

[Allen]

Ha -- great post! I enjoy reading your blog and this post is no exception :-)

[kathleen]

If I lived in LA, I'd apply to be your assistant!

[ames]

i've recently stubbled onto your blog - love this post, illustrations and all, and the beautiful photos! thanks for the fun read and inspirational creativity :)