Resplendent Kitchen
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FAQ

I have put together some frequently asked questions, such as the gear I use, whether it's expensive to eat vegan, and how I started my blog. If you have a question that you don't see here, feel free to get in touch!

FAQ

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I only link to products and services that I highly recommend, personally use and trust. There is no additional cost to you if you purchase something through one of these links. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything mentioned below.

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Where are you located?

I am in Tucson, Arizona. If you would like to know more, take a look at my about me page

Can I use your recipe or photos on my website?

Please DO NOT re-publish my recipes or photos without my express permission, since they are copyrighted.

 If you wish to use a photo for a recipe round-up post or referring to one of my recipes, you may use one photo and a clear link back to the recipe.

Do you accept guest posts or articles?

No, I do not.

I am interested in working with you. Do you have a price list?

Please use this contact form to connect with me! I'd love to discuss how I can help you and give you a custom proposal based on your needs. I have starting rates, however each project is unique and is priced individually.

Can I send you my product in exchange for content creation?

While I love to try new products, it is vital for me to maintain my fee integrity. Out of respect for the brands I'm working with for payment, I do not work for product. There is a considerable amount of time that goes into creating content. If you'd like to learn more about sponsorship and product reviews with Resplendent Kitchen, please use the contact form above.

Is it expensive to eat vegan?

It can be expensive if you shop at pricey grocery stores and buy a lot of processed and prepared foods. However, it can be quite affordable if you make most of your meals at home with whole food ingredients. Beans, greens, legumes, whole grains, rice, and potatoes are some of the most inexpensive foods you can purchase.

What kind of gear do you use?

When I started learning about food photography and how to use a DSLR, I got a Nikon D3400 kit which is a crop sensor camera. Since then, my needs have changed and I now take my photos with a full-frame Nikon D810.

The lenses I frequently use are:

Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro OS for side angle, 3/4 angle and macro shots

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens for overhead

Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 G ED as a macro lens for my crop sensor camera

The tripod I use:

Manfrotto 290 Dual Aluminum 3-section tripod kit with ball head (MK290DUA3-BHUS)

For achieving proper white balance, I love this Lastolite collapsible grey card. Depending on the background I choose, sometimes I do not get an accurate white balance so this grey card has come in handy many times.

To make sure my camera is level, particularly for overhead shots, I use this bubble level.

Where do you get your backdrops?

Many of my backdrops are from Capture by Lucy and Bessie Bakes Backdrops. I highly recommend them! I also have a double-sided backdrop from White Canvas that I like. If you want to know about a particular background, feel free to ask.

What lighting do you use?

When I started my blog in early 2019, I was using natural light. I was intimidated by the thought of using artificial light. From September 2019 onwards, I have been using artificial light primarily.

Most of the time, my home isn't conducive to shooting with natural light due to the layout of the windows and color cast, not to mention the harsh Arizona sunlight.

I started feeling limited with natural light, so in September 2019, I decided to learn flash photography, which is what commercial photographers use. It is freeing to be able to control the light source at any time of day.

I signed up for Joanie Simon's Artificial Academy course, and it's been a total game-changer for me. I highly recommend her artificial light course! When learning artificial light, there is a steep earning curve and it is a bit overwhelming in the beginning. Joanie's course is just what I needed to get comfortable with using artificial light.

To get started with artificial light, I purchased Godox SK400ii strobe lights. I bought a kit with everything I needed, including the light stands, trigger, wireless transmitter, softbox, lights, and more. Since then, I have purchased strip boxes to achieve moody lighting and for product photography.

What program do you use for client management?

I love Honeybook! Their customer service is excellent. When I started with them, I sent them my proposals, contracts, and templates. Their concierge service set everything up for me, saving me so much time! Honeybook helps me book clients more efficiently and stay organized. If you are looking for client management software, head over and check Honeybook out with a free trial and 20% off your first year!

How did you start the website?

  • As a member of Food Blogger Pro, I created my self-hosted WordPress site (WordPress.org) step by step with their helpful videos. They have a wonderful and supportive community with valuable information on how to start a website. 
  • Bigscoots is my hosting company. They offer the fastest Managed WordPress Hosting Plans and outstanding customer service. I have never had to wait longer than a few minutes to get a friendly response whenever I have a question. I recommend them highly!
  • I selected my WordPress theme through Feast Design Co. Their minimal blog designs are perfect for food bloggers.
  • I use a recipe plugin called WP Recipe Maker, Premium version, and I find their support to be responsive and excellent.
  • To make my website run faster, I have WP Rocket for caching.
  • For social sharing including Pinterest, I utilize a WordPress plugin called Grow by Mediavine. I love it for its customizable options for social sharing buttons as well as Pinterest.