Success is as fresh for Maria Koutsogiannis as the meals she prepares and shares with her 154,000 followers on Instagram. With her @foodbymaria account, website, and an impending cookbook, the healthy living advocate only invested in developing her photography skills three years ago when, as she confesses to Adorama, she “realized how [compelling imagery] would change my business and the way I could tell a story through my food.”
That story is one of a life where fitness and nutrition are priorities, as is providing proof that, as she states in her profile, “food is your friend,” even when it’s vegan or vegetarian cuisine.
Adorama spoke with Koutsogiannis to get her top tips for food photography and to discover how her images have impacted the diets of others.
Adorama: First things first. What is your gear setup and your usual editing workflow?
Koutsogiannis: I was using a Nikon DSLR, but now I am using the newest Sony Alpha and I am in love. I don’t use tripods but that’s just personal preference. I am currently using a 24-77mm lens and it’s been great for food photography. For editing, I use Adobe Lightroom and try to keep it pretty basic. I have a few presets that I like to use to make sure my feed stays cohesive, and I also really enjoy using the apps UNUM and Planoly to stay organized and keep a fluid feed.
Adorama: What would you consider to be elements of your signature style?
Koutsogiannis: I would have to say bright and colorful. People always know it’s my photo because I try to keep my fruits and veggies as close to natural as possible. There is a sense of moodiness to my images, but that’s usually dependent on how I feel that day. Isn’t it crazy how emotions can come through in photography? Also I always shoot outside! Natural, shaded light is the key factor in my photography.
Adorama: What sort of challenges do you face when photographing vegan food? Is it any more difficult not to be able to rely on elements of food photography that command easy likes? (for example: glistening meats, oozy junk foods, colorful dairy ice creams)
Koutsogiannis: It’s the same or better. I don’t find cheese, oozing yolks, and meats sexy so I really don’t like photographing it. I love crisp greens, gorgeous colors, and nourishing foods that are full of life for the camera and for the soul.
Adorama: Has your work—your photography, your recipes, your Instagram—”turned” anyone vegan? If so, how does this make you feel?
Koutsogiannis: Yes, many people. Maybe not completely, as I am not myself 100% vegan, but I am highly plant-based and love every minute of it. I am not here to preach how to eat I simply show people what I eat and how amazing it tastes, and it leaves people feeling inspired and ready to make their own versions. It makes me so happy to know that my works helps other and really heightens their quality of living and health.
Adorama: How do you make a living right now, and how big a role does your photography play?
Koutsogiannis: I make a living with FoodByMaria. I have been full-time with it for around eight months and it’s been the best time of my life. I do everything from products, sponsored posts, public speaking events, collaborations, workshops, and more. It’s the best job ever!
Adorama: You’ve got a cookbook—Mindful Vegan Meals—coming out soon. How do you see something so analog (a physical book) complimenting your brand built on digital content?
Koutsogiannis: I am super excited. This is a dream come true and all I know is that it will complete a chapter of this amazing book of my life. Becoming an author will completely up my game and further show people of this world how serious I am about my career, inspiring others, and changing the lives of many people worldwide.
Adorama: Can you recommend any destinations in the world where travelers can go for healthy eating?
Koutsogiannis: Everywhere in the world is catching on with this amazing movement, but I think I would have to say Greece, Bali, Mexico, Nicaragua, California, Australia, and Hawaii. They all seem to be on-trend and really roaring to change and influence people’s eating, in a really positive way.
Adorama: Is Canada represented in your recipes and creations at all? And, if so, how and why is this important to you?
Koutsogiannis: Sort of. I geotag my location, Calgary, in every post and I post photos of myself and sometimes my boyfriend and I in the mountains. I am so proud to be Canadian and am one of few in this amazing country who do what I do. It’s important for me because I want to help a meat-eating country see that plant recipes can be fun, easy-to-make, and really delicious.
Adorama: What are some simple tips you have for capturing sharp shots of food that also convey the deliciousness?
Koutsogiannis: 1. Make sure what you’re photographing is actually pretty. No photo will fix ugly food. 2. Never shoot in the dark with food unless you have a tripod and great technical strategy. 3. Shoot in natural light. 4. Use gorgeous props, backdrops, and garnishes. 5. Make sure to focus your image on the storyteller. 6. Work really hard to master the art of composition. It’s a game changer.
Check out Maria’s full Through the Lens: Canada episode below:
For more inspiration, check out our Through the Lens: Canada-influenced Spotify playlist here:
