"shot" news and stories

It's tempting to opt for heavy, indulgent food and drinks for Valentine's Day, like chocolates and cream-based soups and sauces. Keeping flavors light is a much better idea because, unless your idea of a romantic evening is being lulled to sleep by a full stomach, brighter flavors, like citrus, are a fun and palate cleansing choice. The Sweetheart Shot uses citrus in the form of Cuervo Citrico, the new citrus flavored tequila from Jose Cuervo. It primarily has a lime flavor, but unlike simply squeezing a lime into a regular shot, there is a sweet undercurrent that cuts the acidity. This drink is not the sort of romantic one you sip by the fire; shots usually go down quickly. Think of it as a light, quick kiss - but still with some heat to it.

All you aspiring food photographers (and some of you professionals) should have a look at photographer Michael Ray's Food Photography Blog. Organized more as collection of Ray's articles than as a blog, the site has tons of interesting tips and techniques that pros and amateurs will find useful. Granted, those of us that take pictures for our blogs probably aren't going to hack up our barbecue grills and install lights and gels underneath them when we photograph our tuna steaks. Nevertheless, plenty of Ray's insights about lighting and composition are good to keep in mind for when we're in our own studios, er, kitchens. This step-by-step photo walk-through of setting up a shoot is especially cool.

[Photo: Michael Ray]