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Cookbook Shoot Secrets and Bay Area Food Finds

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Visual Story of Bread Toast Crumbs

A vibrant display of food photography props, including kitchen utensils and fresh ingredients, set against a bright backdrop, hinting at the creative process behind a cookbook shoot.
The magic unfolds: A glimpse into the bustling set of the Bread Toast Crumbs cookbook photo shoot.

Have you ever paused to wonder what truly happens behind the lens during a cookbook photo shoot? It’s a world teeming with creativity, meticulous planning, and collaborative energy, a realm I was privileged to immerse myself in this past March. For ten exhilarating days, I joined my mother in vibrant Oakland for the much-anticipated photo shoot for my cookbook, Bread Toast Crumbs. This intensive period was a fascinating deep dive into the art of food photography, a stark contrast to my usual food blogging routine. I chronicled the entire intricate process – from the initial search for the perfect photographer and the painstaking creation of mood boards and detailed shot lists, to the dynamic day-to-day happenings at the studio in Emeryville – in an article for Food52: How My Cookbook Photo Shoot Was Nothing Like My Food Blogging.

This journey wasn’t just about capturing beautiful bread; it was an experience woven with professional collaboration, family connection, and an incredible culinary exploration of the Bay Area. Beyond the studio, my mother, my brother (who calls Oakland home), and I embarked on a delicious adventure, sampling the region’s diverse gastronomic offerings. Highlights included unforgettable meals at iconic establishments such as Pizzaiolo, Ramen Shop, Ippuku, and The Mill in San Francisco. I’m thrilled to share a selection of exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot itself, alongside some mouth-watering snaps of the incredible food we savored.

The Art and Craft of Cookbook Photography

Creating a cookbook is a labor of love, a culmination of countless hours of recipe development, testing, and writing. But bringing those recipes to life visually requires a dedicated team of artists, each contributing their unique expertise to tell a compelling story through images. The Bread Toast Crumbs shoot was no exception, transforming a simple studio space into a vibrant hub of creativity.

Essential Tools: Props and Surfaces

Every photograph, especially in food styling, hinges on the details. The right props and backgrounds can elevate a dish from mere sustenance to an edible masterpiece. Our studio was filled with an array of carefully curated items, ready to set the perfect scene.

An assortment of vintage and modern kitchen utensils, including spoons, spatulas, and whisks, neatly arranged as props for a food photo shoot.
A selection of charming props, ready to enhance the visual narrative of each bread creation.
The photographer, Eva Kolenko, in a striped shirt, and prop stylist Natasha Kolenko, attentively examining a collection of props and tableware for the cookbook shoot.
That’s Eva Kolenko (in the stripes), our incredibly talented photographer, collaborating with her sister, Natasha Kolenko, the visionary prop stylist. Their keen eyes meticulously assess every ware, ensuring visual harmony.
A bright, sunlit studio space with large windows, indicating a professional photography studio setting.
The spacious and naturally lit Sara Remington Studio in Emeryville, our creative home for ten days.
A collection of diverse background surfaces, including wooden boards and textured tiles, essential for creating varied moods in food photography.
Carefully chosen background surfaces, crucial for setting the right tone and texture for each shot.

The Team in Action: Bringing Recipes to Life

Every successful photo shoot is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the team. From the photographer expertly manipulating light to the food stylist ensuring every crumb is perfect, it’s a symphony of specialized skills.

Photographer Eva Kolenko professionally capturing food shots with her camera and lighting equipment in a studio setting.
Eva Kolenko, a true artist, meticulously composing each shot, capturing the essence of every dish.
Food stylist Jeffrey Larsen carefully arranging food on a plate, using tweezers and brushes to perfect the presentation for a photo shoot.
Jeffrey Larsen, our gifted food stylist, ensuring every crumb, every glisten, is picture-perfect.
Eva Kolenko, the photographer, and Stephanie Huntwork, the art director from Clarkson Potter, reviewing images and discussing creative directions.
Eva in discussion with Stephanie Huntwork, the astute art director from Clarkson Potter, collaborating on the visual direction.

The Stars of the Show: The Bread

Of course, the true stars of the Bread Toast Crumbs cookbook are the breads themselves. Each loaf, slice, and crumb was prepared with care, styled to perfection, and photographed to inspire. Witnessing my recipes transform into such stunning imagery was truly magical.

A beautifully baked loaf of oatmeal-maple bread, perfectly sliced to reveal its moist texture, ready for a close-up photo.
A glorious loaf of oatmeal-maple bread, one of the many recipes brought to life for the cookbook.

A Family Affair: Special Guests on Set

Towards the tail end of the trip, the atmosphere on set gained an extra layer of warmth and joy with the arrival of my husband, Ben, his parents (my absolute heroes!), and our energetic kiddies. Our son, Tig, had made quite the odyssey, not sleeping a wink from Albany to Newark to San Francisco, but his boundless energy was infectious. On the very last day of the shoot, these precious little hands and adorable faces even made their way into a few of the photographs, adding an authentic, heartfelt touch to the cookbook. This blend of professional focus and personal joy truly made the experience unforgettable. I simply cannot wait for everyone to finally see Bread Toast Crumbs in its entirety! The culmination of so much love, effort, and deliciousness is almost here.

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Little hands making a memorable appearance on the last day of the shoot.

Culinary Adventures: Savoring the Flavors of Oakland and San Francisco

Amidst the intensive photo shoot schedule, we carved out precious time to indulge in the Bay Area’s legendary food scene. This culinary journey was an integral part of the experience, offering delicious sustenance and inspiring discoveries, from bustling street food to acclaimed fine dining.

Oakland’s Eclectic Eats

My arrival in Oakland set the tone for the gastronomic exploration. Stepping off the Bart at MacArthur station, I was conveniently within walking distance of both my Airbnb and my first culinary stop, Cholita Linda. This vibrant eatery instantly won me over with its authentic flavors. I devoured two exquisite tacos, one perfectly flaky fish and one savory carnitas, accompanied by a refreshing agua fresca. It was a delicious welcome to the city’s diverse food landscape.

Two delicious tacos, one fish and one carnitas, alongside an agua fresca, served at Cholita Linda in Oakland.
My flavorful introduction to Oakland’s food scene at Cholita Linda: irresistible tacos and a refreshing agua fresca.

Throughout the rest of the week, guided by invaluable recommendations from local Instagramers and dear friends, we explored a variety of culinary hotspots. Each destination offered a unique taste of the Bay Area’s rich food culture:

Ippuku, Berkeley

Our visit to Ippuku in Berkeley was an unforgettable immersion into Japanese izakaya culture. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was simply outstanding. We may have indulged in a bit too much sake, but it was perfectly paired with plate after plate of their exquisitely prepared yakitori. Each skewer, from succulent chicken to perfectly grilled vegetables, was a tiny masterpiece.

A spread of various yakitori skewers, including chicken, vegetables, and other delicacies, served with drinks at Ippuku in Berkeley.
An array of delectable yakitori at Ippuku, a highlight of our Berkeley culinary tour.

Ramen Shop, Oakland

Oakland’s Ramen Shop lived up to its reputation and then some. The ramen here is truly exceptional – rich, flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender toppings create an unparalleled bowl of comfort and complexity. It’s a must-visit for any ramen enthusiast.

The exterior of Ramen Shop, an acclaimed restaurant, with its distinctive signage in Oakland.
The inviting exterior of Oakland’s popular Ramen Shop.
A steaming bowl of expertly crafted ramen with rich broth, noodles, egg, and pork belly, served at Ramen Shop.
A tantalizing bowl from Ramen Shop – truly, so good!

Pizzaiolo, Oakland: A True Gem

Without a doubt, Pizzaiolo quickly became my absolute favorite spot of the entire visit. Its charm and culinary excellence captivated me. We enjoyed an exquisite dinner featuring incredible pizza, crusty house-made bread, unbelievably delicious meatballs (a definite highlight!), fresh salads, and a perfect affogato to finish. But Pizzaiolo wasn’t just for dinner; their breakfast offerings, particularly the delicate morning buns and expertly brewed coffee, left me wishing for more time to savor every moment. This place truly embodies the essence of Oakland’s vibrant dining scene.

A classic Margherita pizza with fresh basil and melted mozzarella cheese, served at Pizzaiolo in Oakland.
The quintessential Margherita pizza at Pizzaiolo, a testament to their artisanal craft.
A fresh arugula pizza, topped with vibrant green leaves, served on a wooden board at Pizzaiolo.
A delicious arugula pizza, another perfect creation from Pizzaiolo.
A rustic table setting with coffee and pastries, depicting a cozy breakfast scene at Pizzaiolo.
A delightful breakfast setup at Pizzaiolo, offering the perfect start to the day.
Freshly baked artisanal bread with a perfectly crisp crust, served on a cutting board at Pizzaiolo.
The glorious house-made bread at Pizzaiolo, a simple yet profound pleasure.
A golden, flaky morning bun with a sweet glaze, served on a simple white plate at Pizzaiolo.
The irresistible Morning Bun from Pizzaiolo, a treat worth waking up for.

The CRO Café, Oakland

Just around the corner from Pizzaiolo, we discovered The CRO Café, a perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up. I enjoyed an excellent latte there, expertly crafted and a truly satisfying sip amidst our busy schedule.

A perfectly frothed latte with delicate latte art, served in a ceramic mug at The CRO Café.
An exquisite latte from The CRO Café, a hidden gem for coffee lovers.

San Francisco Escapades: A Day of Delicious Exploration

During our sole day off from the demanding 10-day shoot, my mom and I ventured into the iconic city of San Francisco for a much-deserved break and further culinary exploration.

The Mill, San Francisco

Our day began with breakfast at The Mill, a celebrated joint venture between Josey Baker Bread and Four Barrel Coffee. This establishment is a testament to the art of artisanal baking and masterful coffee brewing. The atmosphere was buzzing, and every item on the menu sounded incredible.

The bright and minimalist interior of The Mill in San Francisco, showcasing its high ceilings and warm lighting.
The welcoming interior of The Mill, San Francisco, a haven for bread and coffee enthusiasts.
A close-up of freshly baked artisan bread loaves displayed on shelves at The Mill, San Francisco.
A glorious display of artisanal bread at The Mill, a feast for the eyes and palate.
A rustic menu board showcasing various toast options and prices at The Mill, San Francisco.
The innovative toast menu at The Mill, offering creative combinations and exquisite ingredients.
An appetizing slice of toast with spread, served on a minimalist plate at The Mill, San Francisco.
A beautifully presented slice of toast, epitomizing The Mill’s commitment to quality.

I’m still vividly dreaming about their oat porridge bread, served simply with rich butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. The texture, the subtle sweetness, and the satisfying chewiness were pure perfection – a true highlight of our San Francisco food tour.

A generous slice of oat porridge bread, glistening with butter and maple syrup, served on a cutting board.
The incredible oat porridge bread, a simple pleasure that lingers in memory.

Presidio’s Off the Grid Picnic

Our San Francisco adventure continued at the lively Presidio’s Off the Grid Picnic, a bustling outdoor food market. Here, we discovered “Powder” – an innovative dessert that brilliantly combines the lightness of shaved ice with the creamy indulgence of ice cream. It’s incredibly light, refreshing, and utterly unique. We sampled both the black sesame and horchata flavors, and honestly, loved both equally! It was the perfect sweet treat on a beautiful San Francisco day.

A cup of 'Powder' dessert, featuring delicate shaved ice with toppings, held against a blurred background of an outdoor market.
The innovative “Powder” dessert at Off the Grid, a delightful fusion of shaved ice and ice cream.

Beauty’s Bagels, Oakland

No trip to the Bay Area would be complete without a stop for excellent bagels. We made sure to visit Beauty’s Bagels, renowned for its Montreal-style bagels baked in a wood-fired oven. The chewy texture and distinct flavor made for a truly authentic bagel experience.

A freshly baked bagel with cream cheese, served on a wooden board with a knife, at Beauty's Bagels.
A delicious bagel from Beauty’s Bagels, a Bay Area institution.

A Glimpse of Chez Panisse

We even managed a quick visit to the legendary Chez Panisse, albeit just the upstairs part. I couldn’t resist sneaking a photo of my water glass, a small memento from a place that has profoundly influenced American cuisine.

A close-up of a simple water glass on a table, hinting at a visit to the iconic Chez Panisse restaurant.
A subtle nod to our visit to the renowned Chez Panisse.

The Final Days: Family, Food, and Farewell

As the photo shoot neared its end and my husband Ben, our children, and his parents arrived, we moved to a more spacious Airbnb nestled in the beautiful Oakland Hills. This offered a wonderful setting for family time after the intense work days.

A cozy and inviting living space within an Airbnb rental, featuring comfortable seating and natural light.
Our comfortable Airbnb in the scenic Oakland Hills, perfect for family relaxation.

One evening, seeking the comfort of familiar deliciousness, we ordered Pizzaiolo to go. It was the perfect way to enjoy our favorite Oakland flavors in the comfort of our temporary home, surrounded by loved ones.

Several pizza boxes from Pizzaiolo, ready to be enjoyed as a take-out meal at home.
Pizzaiolo to-go, a delightful family meal at our Oakland Hills Airbnb.

Just before embarking on the long journey home, we captured one last family picture, a cherished memory from an unforgettable trip. The odyssey home, though lengthy, was met with a sense of accomplishment and happy anticipation for the release of Bread Toast Crumbs. We were all incredibly happy to finally get back to our own beds, but the memories of this Bay Area adventure will last a lifetime.

A family group photo taken outdoors, signaling the end of a memorable trip.
Our last family snapshot before beginning the journey home, full of cherished memories.

This 10-day period was a whirlwind of creative intensity, collaborative energy, and incredible culinary discovery. The experience of bringing Bread Toast Crumbs to life through stunning photography, surrounded by a talented team and the vibrant culture of the Bay Area, was truly profound. It was a journey that blended the professional demands of cookbook creation with the invaluable joy of family and the pleasure of shared meals. I eagerly await the moment when you can hold Bread Toast Crumbs in your hands and experience the visual and culinary story we worked so hard to tell.