We recently connected with Cameren Rogers and have shared our conversation below.

Cameren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning how to take photos of food is often a more involved process than people expect. Beyond knowing how your camera works, to be a good food photographer, you need to have command of composition, texture, color and, most importantly, light. Many photographers, especially early on, rely on natural light to create their photographs. I don’t blame them — the sun is a photographer’s best friend! However, it can also be your worst enemy… and that’s why I recommend mastering artificial light for food photography. Whether you’re dealing with a rainy day or only have space to work in a dark studio, learning how to use your lights will elevate your photos from average to awesome. You also need to have patience with yourself as you start learning. Use the dinner you’re making anyway to make a photo; study your favorite photographers’ Instagram accounts. Once you figure out what looks good and WHY, then everything will start to click for you on your own journey.

Cameren, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into photography back in high school. From high school and all throughout college, I was into all types of photography — portraiture, sports, events, photojournalism — you name it. However, I never photographed food until after I’d graduated and was working in my first job at a social media agency in Atlanta. I am now a freelance photographer running Cameren Rogers Creative and an Instagram account called Cameras & Cravings, as well as working with many social agencies around the city to create work for a variety of clients.

I believe what sets me apart from other food photographers is my background in social media. When I’m working with you to create content for your social media clients, I’m coming at it with a social eye. I’ve spent over 2 years working in social media outside of managing my own, so when it comes to “social-first” content, I find that to be my expertise. Rather than just capturing food content, we’re capturing food content that is tailor-made for social media, rather than using photos that were created for, for example, a website, and repurposing for social media.

Overall, I think I’m most proud of my ability to be versatile in the creative space. I love a creative challenge, and in this line of work, there is no shortage. I appreciate everyone who’s given me the opportunity to work with them so far, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The biggest goal driving my creative journey is my dad. I lost him to cancer in 2019, but throughout my life he instilled in me that I am more than capable of creating any type of life I want for myself. He did that — I liked to say he was a jack of all trades. In his lifetime he worked in a tobacco field, pumped gas at his father’s gas station, owned a gym, owned a restaurant, flipped houses and owned an accounting firm; he was an entrepreneur at heart and was never afraid to try something he thought he might want to do. I’ve taken that legacy to heart as I’ve started to dip my toes into owning my own business. I just try to remind myself that it’s okay to fail, and that failure is a learning opportunity, not a sign that you’re not doing the right thing. I know he’d be proud of me for forging my own path and trying my hand at being a business owner.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I’ve learned quickly that the social media space in Atlanta is small — much smaller than you’d think. Word of mouth is powerful, so it’s incredibly important to practice good communication skills and keep up good rapport with the people you work with! You never know what opportunities it could lead to in the future. Additionally, keeping up with my Instagram page and ensuring my website is up-to-date are two of the most important marketing functions I have as a creator. These days an Instagram serves as a mobile portfolio, and it’s an opportunity to expand your audience! Don’t ignore the rewards you can pull from being active on social media as a business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: camerenrogerscreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasandcravings/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameren-rogers/

Image Credits
Feature photo: Shea Lyons All other photos: Cameren Rogers