Savory Shot

069: Embracing the Creative Chaos with Ren Fuller

Embracing Creative Chaos in Food Photography
Hey friend, picture this: you're knee-deep in a shoot, sweat dripping, props scattered, and that one shot refuses to cooperate. Sound familiar?
What if embracing the mess unlocked your most magical work? In this episode of Savory Shot, we dive into building a creative life that fits you perfectly.
Meet Ren Fuller
Ren Fuller shines as a food and lifestyle photographer in LA. She photographed the stunning Mi Cocina cookbook in Mexico, trekked to Everest Base Camp, rocks climbs with ease, and raises her little one, whom she calls a professional mess maker. Her film background fuels her storytelling magic in every bright, playful image.
Episode Highlights
Ren shares raw stories from her dream shoots, like guerrilla beach sessions with laptops on rocks and stylists shaping sand. Learn to light with heart by studying real sunlight, golden-hour glows, and scene stories. She opens up on tough shots that nearly broke her, saved by team collaboration and bold moves outdoors. Ren empowers us with contract wisdom: demand full upfront advances, share daily proofs, and walk from bad deals. Discover freedom in ditching heavy cameras for vacations, nurturing non-competitive networks, and weaving motherhood into creativity. Her honesty inspires sustainable passion.
 
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Ren Fuller
Website:www.renfuller.com
Instagram:www.instagram.com/ren_fullerPodcast: linktr.ee/photodump.club
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/renata-x-fuller
 
Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.
 
 

068: From Hustle to Harmony: Finding Passion and Peace with Naomi Smith

From Burnout to Brave Boundaries with Naomi Smith
Have you ever looked at your calendar and thought, “No wonder I feel so tired”?
What if your creativity is not asking you to do more, but to care more for yourself? In this episode of The Savory Shot, Mika sits down with Naomi Smith, a multi-passionate art director, food stylist, prop stylist, and film director who has built a meaningful creative career with heart, courage, and strong boundaries.
Meet Naomi Smith
Naomi started in photography and grew into a sought-after stylist and director, working across commercials, film, and editorial projects. Her path is full of grit, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning from every experience.
What You’ll Hear In This Episode
Naomi shares how years of nonstop hustling led to burnout and how the pandemic became a turning point for her health, mindset, and work habits. She talks about:
Learning to say “no” with confidence
Using food, rest, and movement to support her body
Building a flexible, prepared kit for set life
Speaking up, asking better questions, and reflecting after every shoot
This conversation is a gentle invitation to create a career that feels sustainable, joyful, and aligned.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Naomi Smith
Website:naomismith
Instagram: @naomismith_
LinkedIn: @naomismith
 
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067: The Art of Food, Friendship, and Finding Your Flow with Kaitlyn Hale

A Creative Life Built Plate by Plate
Have you ever wondered what your life could feel like if you followed the pull of your creativity with your whole heart? This episode explores that question through a story filled with courage, curiosity, and the power of community.
A Question to Ground the Soul
What if finding your voice is less about perfection and more about trusting the places that feel like home to you?
Meet Kaitlyn Hale
Our guest, food stylist Kaitlyn Hale, has built a career shaped by art, flavor, intuition, and deep connection. With a background in marketing, a love for studio art, and years of hands-on experience assisting, styling, cooking, and learning, Kaitlyn brings a perspective that is grounded, generous, and richly creative.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
In this conversation, Kaitlyn opens up about finding her creative voice, leaving traditional expectations behind, and building a career that feels aligned with her strengths. She shares how community fuels her growth, how storytelling guides every plate she styles, and how confidence grows when you follow your instincts. You’ll learn how creative friendships, cookbook club gatherings, test shoots, and small leaps of bravery can shape a fulfilling career. This episode is a reminder that the path forward expands when you trust what lights you up.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Kaitlyn Hale
Website:kaitlynmhale
Instagram: @kaitlynmhale_
LinkedIn: @kaitlynmhale
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066: Cooking Up Dreams with Danielle Campbell: The Real Story Behind Creative Hustle

When Passion Starts Feeling Heavy
Have you ever loved something so deeply that it began to feel like a weight? That moment when your creative spark starts flickering under the pressure to perform?
In this heartfelt episode of The Savory Shot, host Mica McCook sits down with Danielle Campbell, a Los Angeles–based chef, food stylist, and recipe developer, for an honest conversation about what it really means to live a creative life.
The Real Story Behind Creative Hustle
Danielle opens up about her journey from private chef to full-time food stylist, revealing the messy middle that rarely gets talked about. She shares how burnout, financial struggles, and being the “only one” in the room shaped her into the artist she is today. Together, Mica and Danielle explore what it means to find purpose again after exhaustion, how to set healthy boundaries, and why representation behind the camera matters.
They also dive into the challenges of freelancing, the emotional toll of underpayment, and the growing presence of AI in creative work. Yet beneath it all runs a thread of hope—a reminder that creativity still belongs to those who keep showing up with heart.
Tune In and Be Inspired
If you’ve ever wondered whether your dream is still worth chasing, this episode will meet you where you are.
Listen to “Cooking Up Dreams with Danielle Campbell” wherever you get your podcasts and be reminded that the journey to purpose is always worth taking.
Meet Danielle Campbell
In Episode 66 of The Savory Shot, Mica McCook chats with food stylist Danielle Campbell. They dive into the highs and lows of the food industry, overcoming freelance struggles, and the need for diversity. It's an honest talk filled with laughs, real stories, and empowering advice!
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Danielle Campbell 
Website:https://www.danielle-campbell.com/
Instagram: @daniellecampbellfoodLinkedIn: @daniellecampbell
 
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065: Adrian Mueller on Turning Curiosity Into a Creative Superpower

Curiosity. Simplicity. The courage to pivot.
What if those were the keys to unlocking your next big breakthrough?
What if you didn’t need to have it all figured out? What if all you needed was just a willingness to follow what lights you up?
These are the powerful themes Adrian Mueller and host Mica McCook unpack in this episode of The Savory Shot.
Adrian shares how his never-ending curiosity keeps him learning, growing, and evolving in his work. He reminds us that being a student of your craft is a mindset. One that opens doors, builds momentum, and leads to fresh ideas.
He also dives deep into the art of simplicity, and let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks. Adrian explains how creating something clean, focused, and truly beautiful takes serious intention and skill. 
Feeling stuck? Wondering what’s next? This episode will challenge you in the best way. It’ll have you looking around with fresh eyes, asking “What if I tried that?” and “Why not go for it?”
Whether you're ready for a pivot or simply need a spark to re-ignite your passion, this conversation is your reminder to stay curious, get clear, and keep going.
Meet Adrian Mueller
In Episode 065 of The Savory Shot, we sit down with Adrian Mueller, a commercial photographer and tabletop director based in New York by way of Switzerland. With a career that started after walking away from a life of professional soccer, Adrian brings a thoughtful, humble approach to his work that’s rooted in his belief that “beauty lives in simplicity.”
What You’ll Learn in This Conversation
Adrian shares how curiosity helped him pivot his life, how simplicity shapes his creative process, and why your style is your niche. He opens up about collaboration, communication, and staying grounded in an industry that often pushes noise over meaning.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/adrian-mueller-photographer/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Adrian Mueller 
Website:https://www.fabrik-studios.com/
Instagram: @mueller.adrianLinkedIn:/in/adrianmueller
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064: Building Standard Affair: How Kira Corbin Designed Her Next Chapter

Are You Allowed to Outgrow Your Own Dream?
What if the thing you once wanted more than anything suddenly stops feeling like enough? It’s a question so many of us quietly carry, especially when we’ve built our lives around the dream. The business. The title. The identity. So… what now?
Meet Kira Corbin: Stylist, Creative, and Founder of Standard Affair
In this episode of The Savory Shot, I sat down with Kira Corbin, an incredible prop and interiors stylist with over 13 years of experience working with names like Bon Appétit, Food Network, and Pendleton. After running a beautiful retail shop and styling countless sets, Kira chose to walk away from something she loved—so she could make space for what was next. She’s now the founder of Standard Affair, a homewares brand built from her soul out.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
We talked about why it’s okay to evolve, even after you’ve “made it.” Kira shared how she learned to rest without guilt, what it means to invest in yourself, and how starting over doesn’t mean you’re lost—it means you’re listening. Her story is a reminder that clarity comes not from hustling harder, but from slowing down and asking better questions.
Listen In and Let It Land
 If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that once felt exciting, this conversation is for you. Tune into The Savory Shot and be reminded: growth is never failure.
Your permission slip to begin again is here.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/kira-corbin-prop-stylist/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Kira Corbin 
Website:https://www.kiracorbin.com/Standard Affairs Website: https://standardaffair.com/
Instagram: @kiracorbinStandard Affairs Instagram: @standardaffairLinkedIn: @kira-corbin
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063: Unlock LinkedIn Magic with Jeff Brown’s Inspiring Success Tips

Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunities and take your creative business to new heights? 
Join us as we explore the power of LinkedIn with the insightful Jeff Brown, a photography business mentor, bestselling author, and former Royal Navy photographer. With four successful businesses under his belt, Jeff now helps photographers worldwide build standout brands. Specializing in mindset, branding, and LinkedIn strategy, Jeff’s mission is to help photographers become the go-to experts in their niche.
The Power of LinkedIn
In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for professionals across all industries. But it can be so much more than just a platform for job searching. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for building relationships, establishing thought leadership, and growing your business.
Jeff Brown’s Expertise
Jeff shares his expertise on how to leverage LinkedIn to achieve your business goals. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal brand, creating valuable content, and engaging with your network.
Key takeaways from this episode:
The importance of mindset and goal setting
How to create a captivating LinkedIn profile
Strategies for building relationships and generating leads
The power of LinkedIn newsletters
Common mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn
Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence and unlock new opportunities? Delve further into Jeff’s insights by listening to the full episode. And don’t forget to check out his latest book, “The Photographer’s Missing LinkedIn.”
 
LinkedIn is a goldmine of opportunities for photographers and other creative professionals. By following Jeff’s advice, you can leverage this platform to build a thriving business and achieve your dreams.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
 
📣 Follow Jeff Brown 
Website:https://thephotographersmentor.com/
Facebook: @focusonmarketingLinkedIn: @thephotographersmentor
Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

062: Dish Decisions: Nancy Ingersoll on Capturing Restaurant Menus

The Secret Sauce to Drool-Worthy Food Photography
Picture this: You're scrolling through Yelp, stomach rumbling, overwhelmed by choices, and then BAM! A perfectly lit, mouthwatering dish catches your eye, stopping you mid-scroll. The crisp edges of a golden-brown crust, the vibrant pop of fresh herbs, the glossy sheen of a perfectly plated sauce—it all screams, "Order me now!" Your decision is made. That, my friend, is the undeniable power of great food photography. But how do restaurants determine which dishes deserve this kind of spotlight? What makes a meal truly photogenic, and how can images drive sales and brand loyalty? That's exactly what food photographer Nancy Ingersoll unpacks with expertise and passion.
Meet Nancy Ingersoll: The Woman Behind the Lens
Nancy is more than just a photographer—she's a strategist, stylist, and storyteller. With eight years of experience photographing food and products, she's worked with over 200 brands, ranging from small local restaurants to big-name food companies. She understands branding and marketing inside and out, so she makes sure every photo she takes perfectly captures a restaurant's unique style and what they're trying to achieve. Her expertise goes beyond photography—she curates props, advises on plating techniques, and even helps businesses understand how to leverage visuals for social media and advertising. She doesn't just capture dishes; she helps restaurants tell their story through compelling visuals that drive customer engagement and sales.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Nancy shares her step-by-step process for guiding restaurants in selecting the right dishes for a photoshoot. From asking the right questions (What's your most profitable dish? What's seasonal? What makes people say WOW?) to ensuring variety in textures and colors, she breaks it all down with clarity and expertise. Plus, she shares her Give, Get method to help restaurant owners feel confident in their choices.
Take This With You
Whether you're a food photographer, restaurant owner, or just someone who loves food (hi, same!), Nancy's insights prove that a well-thought-out photo can do more than just look good—it can create cravings, drive sales, and shape a brand's identity.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/nancy-ingersoll/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
📣 Follow Nancy Ingersoll 
Website: https://nancyingersoll.com/
Instagram: @thecreativeresource
Facebook: @thecreativeresourceLinkedIn: @nancyingersoll
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061: Evolving Through Photography and Identity with Kris Connor

Evolving Through Photography and Identity with Kris Connor
Have you ever wondered how your personal experiences shape who you are as a creative? In this episode of Savory Shot, we dive deep into the journey of Kris Connor, an award-winning New York-based celebrity chef and restaurant photographer. With over 30 years behind the camera, Kris shares his unique perspective on how his life experiences have influenced his photography career.
Meet Kris Connor
Kris Connor is a well-known name in the world of food photography. He's worked with renowned chefs like Carla Hall, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay, and brands like Food Network and Casamigos Tequila have featured his work. But Kris's journey is far from ordinary. Born with achondroplasia, he underwent multiple limb-lengthening operations that gave him a unique outlook on life. This outlook is evident in his photography, as he seeks to highlight the beauty and craftsmanship in both food and the people who prepare it.
In this episode, Kris opens up about his personal and professional journey, sharing valuable insights and experiences. He discusses his transition from photojournalism to food photography, the importance of personal branding, and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a constantly evolving industry. Kris also shares his thoughts on the importance of giving back to the photography community and the need for more inclusive and diverse representation in the field.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.

060: Fresh Beginnings: Sheila's Leap into the World of Food Styling

Discovering Your Creative Spark: A Conversation with Food Stylist Sheila Jarnes
What if the most unexpected detours in life turned out to be your calling?
Sheila Jarnes, a food stylist, prop stylist, and hand model based in Midcoast Maine, sat down to share her journey from environmental conservation to the deliciously visual world of food styling. With her hands in everything from gardening to cooking, Sheila’s story is a testament to the beauty of embracing curiosity and finding art in the everyday.
Sheila’s career took root in the restaurant industry, followed by an “accidental” entry into food styling in 2016. She described her early days as a mix of excitement and learning, styling recipes for Boston Globe Magazine in her tiny apartment with no formal training. From makeshift shoots with a point-and-shoot camera to working on high-profile campaigns, Sheila’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s what makes it inspiring.
The episode dives deep into what it takes to style a dish to perfection, from the chaos of on-set dynamics to navigating creative briefs. Sheila also shares her heartfelt goal to align her work with brands that emphasize sustainability, blending her love for food with her background in environmental conservation.
Take ActionAre you ready to embrace the unknown and tap into your own creative spark? Take a moment to try something new in your craft this week. Experiment, explore, and let curiosity guide you.
Closing ThoughtAs Sheila so beautifully put it, “This work is a constant reminder of having to be okay being uncomfortable.” Let her words nudge you toward growth—because magic lives just outside your comfort zone.
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Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/sheila-jarnes/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.