A behind the scenes (BTS) look at what goes on during our photoshoots- Mina Test Kitchen (video)

“NOOO CYN! Don’t eat the props!”

That’s what goes through my mind 99% of the time.

Today I’m giving you guys a glance at what really goes on behind the scenes at one of our photoshoots.

On this particular day, we were shooting at Mina Test Kitchen. If you guys haven’t heard of MTK-  think of it as an R&D lab for Michael Mina and his amazing team of chefs.

Seriously though, it’s genius. He keeps things INTERESTING. We basically get to try all of Michael Mina’s latest concepts before it becomes a restaurant in a different part of the country.

Some previous concepts include Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke (BBQ) and Postcards From La Costiera (Italian):

Now that’s a-lobsta goodness on a plate 🤤👏#MTKPostcards

A post shared by The MINA Test Kitchen (@minatestkitchen) on May 11, 2017 at 8:45pm PDT

Okay back to the photoshoot. Now full transparency here guys… it’s not all glitz and glam.

I feel like you can’t really tell that from looking at the photos we take, because you can’t see what goes on behind the scenes.

There’s a whole lot of “holding food” but not actually “eating food.”

We’re also standing on chairs and getting a decent arm workout.

But besides the physical aspect, there’s also the mental side.

I’m constantly trying to find different angles, playing with shadows, and looking for new inspiration with each photo. My style of photography is always evolving (<–I might turn this into whole separate post? Let me know if you guys are interested in learning about my thought process when I take photos for clients).

Anyways, here’s a little behind-the-scenes video on our last shoot at Mina Test Kitchen:

So here I am…. Hungry. It’s been 3 hours. And I’m feeling like I’m about to roll over and DIE of starvation. I know, I know. I’m totally being dramatic.

Usually I can contain myself (because I’m a professional, duh). This new concept though… the food is UNREAL.

Mi Almita is a collaboration between Michael Mina and with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Hugo Ortega.

For $39, you get 5 COURSES. I mean, that’s almost like finding a rent controlled apartment in a new high-rise building in San Francisco.

Our task for the day was to shoot their whole menu. Think: authentic flavors, trio of ceviche, little neck clams, house-made Mexican-style chocolate… and need I say more?

We are so HONORED to share this incredible piece from Michael Bauer in the @sfchronicle about Mi Almita – “With Mi Almita I’ve found another concept I hope that Mina and his crew can bring back as a full-time restaurant. For now, you have until the end of the year to check it out” – Michael Bauer

A post shared by The MINA Test Kitchen (@minatestkitchen) on Sep 1, 2017 at 8:20pm PDT

Holy fig-mole that is one crispy duck! The #CrispyDuckFigMole is part of our 5 course offering for $39 ❤️🍴#SurprisingTwists #MiAlmita #minatestkitchen

A post shared by The MINA Test Kitchen (@minatestkitchen) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:23pm PDT

If you want to try the best tacos I’ve ever had, ditch the taco shops in the Mission. And come here for $3 Taco Tuesdays.

We’re bringing taco Tuesdays to Mi Almita!! $3 tacos starting next week 😋 Come for the drinks, the tacos, and the vibes (peep our IG story). See you here! 🌮🍹 #mialmita #sfeats

A post shared by The MINA Test Kitchen (@minatestkitchen) on Sep 12, 2017 at 8:48pm PDT

Which BTW… won BEST TACO at this year’s Taco Knockdown at Eat Drink SF.

And this photo? Our friend Ashley had to “hold” it and “pretend” to eat it 10 times.

So there you have it! If you guys enjoyed the video, please give it a thumbs UP and subscribe. I’ll be creating more weekly vlogs for you guys! Let me know below what you’d like to see more of.

PS: If you haven’t made plans to visit Mi Almita yet…. do it ASAP! Their tables get booked up fast.

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