Deeba Rajpal (www.passionateaboutbaking.com), discusses with Blogmint her inspiration and journey of food blogging. She also hands over some
sound advice behind the superb food photography :
How did your blogging journey begin and what motivated you for the same?
My journey into blogging began in 2007 when I was deeply inspired by food
blogs that I saw on the net. An internet connection, time on hand and a digital
camera made it an easy and fun hobby to pursue. I have to add that the
beginning was very intimidating, the fact that anyone could judge what I was
blogging. Soon it became addictive!
As seen in your blog, imagery is one thing which stands out
for food bloggers, can you share some tips and tricks to bring out the best in
food photography?
Invest time to hone your talent and browse for inspiration. Try and figure out the style you like. Shoot lots and
ask your friends for a feedback. It's not the camera but certainly your eye
that will capture creatively.
What are your characteristic learnings which
you would like to share with Budding food bloggers?
Respect copyright, be ethical. Plagiarism has no place in this world.
Give credit where due. Turn out quality content consistently. Take pride in
what you do.
What is your definition of being an
‘Influencer’?
That you can correctly and genuinely offer advice towards a choice or
trend. Times are changing. More and more folk turn to a review before making a
choice, so 'influence' responsibly.
And Influencer Marketing – what it holds for
bloggers?
The world is their oyster but ethics come first. Find a niche area; everyone
cannot do everything. That said, be large hearted. There is plenty of space for
all of us in this world. Find your focus.
Engaging in influencer marketing is fruitful
but most of the bloggers feel there are some characteristic problems while
engaging with brands. How is your experience of engaging with brands and
problems, if any?
I have been fortunate to work with brands that respect my time, my
honest opinion and my images. I do not work for free. Please learn to say no. I
often find that certain brands will willingly 'dump' their products on you for
an online mention and link back. Be convinced because it's your reputation. If
I like something I buy, I will blog or talk about it anyway. If a product or
experience bothers me, I will first get in touch with the brand. I don't
believe in negative publicity for a little social mileage.
Coming onto food blogging, Blogmint recently
launched #BloggerDreamTeam for Food and Travel Blogging. What you think of the
initiative as such?
I think it's a great initiative because it brings together two very
nostalgic and dynamic aspects, food and travel, that are so closely intertwined.
Images of both create lifetime memories. To top it, a team led by the uber
talented Vir Sanghvi can only be a DreamTeam!
What you think of Blogmint as a product?
I have worked with BlogMint for about a year. I find them ethical and
thoroughly professional. Seeing them grow over this year makes me happy to see
the expanding platform bloggers can
interact on. I am really enjoying being part of BlogMint