all the pumpkin

Easy to make pumpkin cake… with maple frosting. Yes, Yes, Yes! It’s fall and time to bring on the pumpkin recipes people! I’ve been on a roll making everything pumpkin. Gotta say, I’m pretty happy munching on some pumpkin cake. And this maple frosting. Well, let’s just say that it’s my new favorite frosting! And it’s made without refined sugar or dairy!! This light and airy pumpkin cake is delightfully spiced with all the fall flavors. Topped with a creamy and smooth frosting, it is the perfect fall dessert. Unless your into snacking on cake mid-day like I am;) In that case, it’s just a new snacking addiction.

So, real moment guys. I wasn’t too happy with the way things turned out today. And mostly I think it was just the clutter that got to me. When my mind is in every place at once, it’s hard to focus my creative, ya know? Anyway, today’s photos shoot was… well, a yummy one for starters. But it was more than that. 

After my three week absence from any photoshoots, due to traveling, today was my first day back. Being back behind my camera and styling food made me happy today:) Due to settling back in, my brain was spread out in every direction. I guess I missed a few details. Halfway through this recipe, I realized I didn’t have all the ingredients I needed! 

real moment

So, after sending my (very much appreciated) assistant out for eggs, She came back with just what I needed. Third time is the charm. After visiting three neighbors in pursuit of a handful of eggs, She landed two eggs- just enough! 

I mentioned in the beginning of this post that I wasn’t too pleased with todays photoshoot. I just want to be real with you guys. Because I remember being on the other side of the screen drooling over amazing photos and food. It seemed unattainable to reach my dreams and goals in food photography. I know a lot of my readers are aspiring food photographer themselves. And I just want to say, I have been there. I feel ya! 

taking a step back

Sometimes I just need to take a big step back. Take time to appreciate everything that’s going right. Today I was reminded why I do what I do. Finding the still and beauty in the details is what makes a great photoshoot come together. Taking a breathe. Stepping back. Appreciating the work of my hands is sometimes much needed. 

After abandoning my editing process in frustration I let it sit awhile. I have a tendency to get all caught up in trying to make it perfect. And that just doesn’t happen. The beauty is in the raw. In the mistakes. I was reminded that It’s about the learning. So, today was another step. I always say that what I love about my job is that I get to learn something new every day I go to “my office”. It’s true I just have to remind myself of that when I don’t see what’s going on. 

So, there you have it. My messy, real, and raw learning process and frustrations. After coming back to it a few hours later, I realized I was refreshed and had renewed passion and vision. In my high paced pursuit for perfection, I sometimes loose sight of what’s important. 

What I loved about todays photoshoot was the memories. The soft rain that surrounded the afternoon. Laughing with friends over recipe taste testing. Being thankful for the details that went into the photoshoot. All of these little things are worth remembering. Worth savoring. And worth focusing on.  

Need some more paleo pumpkin inspiration this fall? Check out these rad paleo pumpkin recipes!

Best Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes

Top Paleo Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes