Sony Foodie Photo Contest — WIN a new Sony Cybershot WX9

Sitting amidst a table full of people who were just as crazy about taking pictures of their food (and eating it) as I am was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life as a blogger and photographer. It's something I rarely—if ever—get the opportunity to do. I wish that it were something that I could do more often, actually. I felt so inspired and energized when I could freely (and furiously) take pictures until I was truly finished for a change.

More often than not, I feel rushed and like a nuisance when I'm in a typical restaurant, so I try to get my shots off quickly, and without attracting too much attention from other people. Although that still doesn't stop me from shooting my food anyway. It's just so much more fun when you aren't the only one hovering around the plate with a camera in hand looking for the most flattering angle.

Since the Sony Foodie Blogger Event in San Diego, CA. took place a couple of months ago, I'd say that my habit of shooting my food has gotten ten times worse than it was previously, especially since I have the WX9 to help me be a little more discreet. Taking pictures of my food is something I've done for a while now, I just didn't realize how many other people were doing it too. I'm relieved to know that I am not alone! (It makes me feel like less of a dork.)

The only bad part about food photography, for the viewer, is the fact that you're forced to look at something that you probably can't have at that particular moment. As for me, looking at pictures of food is like my form of porn. I love seeing a yummy photo that can instantly make me salivate, even if I don't get to eat it. Just seeing it and thinking about it is enough for me sometimes, although it can induce some wicked cravings that I end up caving into from time to time.

How about you?

Do you love looking at photos of food, or taking photos of food?

What about eating what's in the photos of food?

If you're like me, the answer is probably all of the above!

Well, the reason that this post is talking about food photos is because Wayfaring Wanderer is hosting its first-ever food photography contest! If you've followed along with the Sony Foodie blog posts that I've shared up until this point, you know I was invited to San Diego, along with 12 other foodie bloggers, to test out a new point and shoot camera Sony released this past April. The Sony Cybershot WX9 is an amazing little p&s that has great features and takes wonderful photos. If you enter the Sony Foodie Photo Contest, you can WIN a new WX9 of your very own! Thanks, Sony :D

TO ENTER

To enter, just upload your favorite Food photo to the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page wall. (Be sure to tag yourself.) In the caption, you must note that 'this photo is your entry into the Sony Foodie Photo Contest', a link to this blog post must also be included for consideration.

Anything goes; just be sure that the subject matter involves something you can eat!

The (5) entries with the most FB “LIKES” will advance to the next round of voting. You have until June 23^rd to enter a photo. After this date, the 5 finalists' images will be reposted on the WW Facebook page for the final round of voting. The winner will be announced on June 30^th!

THE RULES

Only one entry per person.

The photo submitted must be one that you have taken.

Invite your FB friends to “LIKE” your image to increase your chances of winning!

THE PRIZE

1^st Prize – New Sony Cybershot WX9 (Retail value $200)

2^nd & 3^rd Prize – Argus Bean Sprout Carabiner Camera (Retail value $20)

If you have any questions whatsoever,
please feel free to post them in the comments here or on the FB page.
Have fun! And good luck! I can't wait to see your tasty entries :D

Interested in finding out more about my trip to San Diego? 

Follow these links:

• 10 Reasons Why You Want to Win a Sony WX9: Detail about the new Sony camera I tested out.
• The Best Meal I've Ever Eaten: Dinner at Sony Headquarters
  
• Rancho Bernardo Inn: A gorgeous resort!
  
• Oceanside Farmer's Market & Picnic: !Warning! This post will make you hungry :D
• Sony Foodie Sneak Peak: An Overview of my San Diego Trip and how I got there?!?

Like it? Share it!
Tweet

The Best Meal I've Ever Eaten | Sony Headquarters in San Diego, CA

The Sony Foodie blogger event happened nearly two months ago, but I still can't stop thinking about how awesome everything was from the food to the WX9 to the outings they organized, each detail was thoughtfully planned and prepared by the Sony Electronics staff and Chef Chris Ivens Brown, vice president of culinary development at the Compass Food Group (the world's largest foodservice company).

So far, I have shared a few aspects of the two-day event I attended. I've posted images of the field trip we took to the Oceanside Farmer's Market followed by the picnic overlooking the beach, and the lavish Rancho Bernardo Inn they put us up at for two nights. However, there was one part of the trip I have neglected to share, which happened to be the best part of the entire event!

After a breakfast buffet at the resort, and the amazing picnic lunch we had by the ocean, thinking about having another meal in a few hours seemed almost impossible! We had some time to spend at the resort to relax and get ready for the next get-together, although it wasn't nearly enough time to gain an appetite. Nonetheless, I knew we were in for a treat after the lunch they cooked up for us, so it didn't matter if I was hungry...I planned to eat anyway!

The charter bus picked us up at the resort and carted us to the Sony Electronics headquarters. We checked in at the front desk for our visitor passes before heading upstairs. It was explained that the dinner would take place in the Sony 'cafeteria', but the space we walked into was unlike any cafeteria I'd ever been in. It was pristine, chic and extremely modern, definitely not what I was expecting! Tall glass windows surrounded the expansive room, and the panoramic view we had was lovely, especially once the sun started to set.

Once we had the opportunity to take it all in, we were ushered into the kitchen where Chef Chris Ivens-Brown gave us a cooking demonstration. He showed us how to make the potato baskets we would be eating later. As soon as I saw the food, I was ready to start nibbling. Forget the fact that I wasn't hungry! The appetizers looked too delectable to pass up. I'm glad that the portions were tiny! After mingling and viewing 3D images taken with the Sony WX9 on a huge 3D TV—which was wicked cool—we took our seats to begin the amazing seven-course meal that I managed to somehow make room for.

 A few of my absolute favorites included the slightly tangy Ahi Tuna & Baby Beet Carpaccio with pickled papaya, baby arugula, clementine, whipped goat cheese, & orange blossom honey. The Spring Asparagus Salad with black truffle, prosciutto rose, mascarpone cream, & a meyer lemon emulsion was light and refreshing. I found out how much I love prosciutto during this course!

While the food we had thus far was all extremely delicious and masterfully presented, I was blown away by the course we received mid-way through our meal. The Sweet and Sour Lobster Salad with white radish and ginger salt was incredibly good, however, what really blew me away was the actual presentation. It was served with a LIVE beta fish swimming around the bottom of the bowl! This was Chef Chris' take on the Chik-fil-A's cows that urge you to eat more chicken. Well, his beta fish is telling us to eat more shellfish, hence the lobster salad on top. I wanted to take mine home, but he wouldn't pass security, I'm sure.

Chef Chris and his crew continued to stun our taste buds during the rest of the dinner with the Smokey Cedar Striped Black Bass with eggplant caviar, bok choy, spicy tomato ketchup, and potato bite basket. Another interesting course was the 3 Way Cannelloni with fillings of beef, rabbit, or duck topped with horseradish foam. I was really only a fan of the duck, the others were way too salty for my taste. At this point, I was only taking a few bites of each plate because I had little room left and I wanted to make it to the end.

For dessert, we were pleasantly surprised with a steaming pot of Pineapple Pot Pourri, a seasonal fresh fruit salad with a hazelnut nougat semi freddo (like a very light ice cream). It was a shame that I couldn't enjoy more of this, but I was stuffed! I don't know how I made room for the Chocolate Malt Shot we were served at the end, but I downed the chocolatey goodness with ease.

After all of the amazing food we were served, our evening ended on a patio outside by a fire. It was chilly, but the lights blanketing the town below were dazzling. What an incredible evening my dinner at the Sony Electronics headquarters was, and not just the evening, the entire day they planned was perfect in every way. I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of this special event! Hands down, it was the best meal I've ever eaten. EVER!

Now that I've made myself supremely hungry by revisiting and reliving this event, I think it's time to eat!

What part of this Sony Foodie post makes you hungry? 

Anything you wish you could try yourself? 

All of the Images in this post were taken w/ the Sony Cybershot WX9. 

On June 9th, I will be announcing how you can win one of these awesome little point and shoots, so stay tuned!  

Find WW on Facebook for exclusive photos & videos not featured on the blog or anywhere else!

Interested in finding out more about my trip to San Diego? 

Follow these links:

• Rancho Bernardo Inn: A gorgeous resort!
  
• 10 Reasons Why You Want to Win a Sony WX9: Detail about the new Sony camera I tested out.
• Oceanside Farmer's Market & Picnic: !Warning! This post will make you hungry :D
• Sony Foodie Sneak Peak: An Overview of my San Diego Trip and how I got there?!?

Like it? Share it!
Tweet

Andi & Ryan {Engaged} | Sneak Peek

 

On Memorial Day, I had the opportunity to do a photo session for a newly engaged couple that happens to also be my neighbors. We scheduled the shoot at a nearby trail since both Andi and Ryan are pretty active people who spend a lot of time outside. An outdoorsy session surrounded by lovely scenery was the perfect backdrop for their photographs.

We incorporated their bikes since it's something they enjoy doing together. While it was a bit challenging for Andi to ride a bike with a dress on, she managed to do so with grace (and without flashing anyone). We worked up a sweat moving all over the place. For Boone, it was pretty hot outside, so we stuck to the shady areas.

At the beginning of our session, I asked how lovey-dovey of a couple they were and whether or not they are the type to make out in public. They shyly responded by saying that really wasn't their style. Although I couldn't get these two to stop kissing the whole time! (hehe...I kid) They were adorable and I had a lot of fun with them during the session. Along with lots of kisses, we also had a lot of laughs!

I couldn't stop smiling when I got back home to look through their images. Hope you enjoy the sneak peek of this fun-loving couple!

Wayfaring Wanderer is a natural light photographer specializing in family portraits (including newborn & maternity photography), and is located in Boone, NC. Instead of shooting in a studio, WW has a lifestyle photography approach and prefers to have a photosession in surroundings that you are comfortable in--whether that be in your own home or another location of your choosing. A dedicated photography website is currently in the works, however, if you are interested in family photos to document your life and think that my style will suit your needs, please inquire via email (wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com) or through my Facebook page.