As I am currently not doing Local Guides research, which usually involves taking pix, I thought what can I do to keep occupied during the lockdown?
My response to myself was two-pronged.
Firstly, try to style my meals for photographic purposes, using what I call my narrow kitchen bench-top studio. I’ve used this in the past with good results. The other aspect to this is to make the dishes look interesting. That’s a big ask from me as I’m not a great cook and don’t know the tricks food stylists use, about which I’ve read many articles.
And, secondly, playing with the camera app on my smartphone, which is the camera I have with me when I’m out reviewing. It is quite powerful and comprehensive in its capabilities.
The two images below relate to the one form of cooking I love - hearty soup meals. With Winter upon us, they warm and fill and hit the spot. I’ve been trying out the pouches of soup, rather than cans or dried soup packets. I’m very pleased as they are just like home made, and I like to add fresh ingredients to boost the flavour profile and healthy eating habits.
For this particular soup, I added Dutch carrots, celery and its leaves, and a handful of small penne and farfalle pasta, along with a good pinch of black pepper and nutmeg. With grated parmesan, of the Kraft kind, on top. It was delicious. I had it with dry wholemeal toast.
Preparing the ingredients:
The finished product:
So, how did I do? Any tips?
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It is good to practice your skills @janina1 we learn every day when we practice.
Do you know about my workshops series on photography? https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Online-Photo-Workshop-Series-Ten-Meet-Ups/td-p/2478087
Paul
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Hi @PaulPavlinovich I have seen the links in your post signature and had a look. I may investigate the YouTube videos after the events, as I am not geared up with all the Google meet-up setups, nor do I wish to be. Great that you are doing this, as I was going to make a suggestion in the Idea Exchange forum that all Local Guides have some training. I’ve seen so many not-good pix on reviews, it astounds me they were accepted!
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Hi @janina1 thanks for saying you’re interested in the YouTube videos. I am putting them up there as a free resource for Local Guides who either cannot come or don’t desire to join the meet-up itself. You’ll be able to fast forward through to the bits that you’re interested in.
Training for all aspects of Local Guides is important, there are plenty of How To articles here on Connect but there are also tremendous community driven efforts like @AdrianLunsong 's GoLoco Podcast and @JanVanHaver Let’s Guide Postcast.
Go Loco is more about the culture and lives of Local Guides where Let’s Guide is more about the technical aspects of Google Maps and Local Guides. Both are well worth spending some time on.
Paul
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Thank you @PaulPavlinovich I’ll check these other links too. I appreciate the heads up. 
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