Behind the Scenes - The Artful Gourmet

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026

Kristen Hess Featured on Women in Power TV | The Artful Gourmet

Reinvention Is Power

Watch Kristen Hess in Women in Power TV series on Inside Success Networks! I’m so happy to share this amazing journey and the show with you all as there are so many other amazing and inspiring women on the show and each story, including my own is heartfelt, and full of lessons for life and business. My episode goes into how I built a life shaped by creativity, resilience, and reinvention.

Growing up in Rochester, New York, I was inspired early by art, ambition, and the electric energy of New York City. Years later, that childhood dream carried me through careers in graphic design, advertising, and ultimately into entrepreneurship as the founder of The Artful Gourmet.

As a food stylist, photographer, writer/recipe developer and creative entrepreneur, I help brands make their food beautiful while sharing mindset lessons with creators and small entrepreneurs through my Artful Gourmet Podcast series. When personal loss and unexpected challenges shake my world, I face a defining choice. Through food styling, photography, cooking, podcasting, video, and storytelling, I began transforming pain into purpose, proving that creativity, determination and resilience can reshape a life – and that your past doesn’t define your future.

Kristen Hess joins the Cast of ‘Women in Power’ on Inside Success Networks

Kristen Hess in Women in Power TV show

Kristen Hess builds a life shaped by creativity, resilience, and reinvention. Growing up in Rochester, New York, she was inspired early by art, ambition, and the electric energy of New York City. Years later, that childhood dream carries her through careers in graphic design, advertising, and ultimately into entrepreneurship as the founder of The Artful Gourmet.

As a food stylist, photographer, and creative entrepreneur, Kristen helps brands make their food beautiful while sharing mindset lessons with creators and small entrepreneurs. When personal loss and unexpected challenges shake her world, she faces a defining choice. Through food styling, photography, and storytelling, Kristen begins transforming pain into purpose, proving that creativity and resilience can reshape a life. Watch this inspiring interview about creativity, reinvention, storytelling, and turning passion into purpose.

📺 Watch the full episode on Inside Success TV:
Women in Power Episode

🌐 Websites:
The Artful Gourmet Blog | Food Styling + Photography Portfolio

🎙 Listen to The Artful Gourmet Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music & iHeartRadio.

📺 Watch the full episode on The Artful Gourmet YouTube Channel

✨ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE with fellow creatives and entrepreneurs!

Key Takeaways

Building a successful creative brand from scratch
Transitioning from advertising into food media and entrepreneurship
The evolution of The Artful Gourmet brand
Food styling and photography as storytelling tools
Reinvention, resilience, and creative confidence
Expanding into podcasting, TV, and multimedia content creation

Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Intro + Welcome

01:12 – Meet Kristen Hess & The Artful Gourmet

03:40 – From Advertising to Entrepreneurship

07:18 – Discovering Food Styling & Photography

11:05 – Building a Multimedia Brand

15:42 – Podcasting, Storytelling & Creative Content

19:10 – Advice for Creatives & Entrepreneurs

22:30 – Women in Power Closing Thoughts

24:00 – Where to Follow & Watch More

“At the end of the day, if you’re excited about whatever it is you’re selling, people are going to buy from you because they like you and your enthusiasm.”

If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been diving deeper into storytelling across platforms—and it’s been such an exciting ride.

New episodes are live across all of my podcast series:

#UNFILTERED — real conversations with creators, tastemakers, and innovators

Into Focus — mindset, clarity, and building a creative life with intention

Groovy Eats — where food, music, and nostalgia come together in the most fun, retro-inspired way

Each one is a different lens… but all rooted in the same idea:

living creatively, boldly, and sharing that journey out loud.

✨ “The more I create, the more I realize—this isn’t just content, it’s a conversation.”

Coming Home

And maybe the biggest shift of all…

I’ve finally moved back to New York. I’ve been planning this move for quite a while now, and the process has been a brutal one (getting out of a lease, and moving out of a huge apartment/photo studio that I’ve been in for almost 5 years. (How, just HOW do we accumulate SO MUCH STUFF???)

For now, I’ll be staying in Upstate NY helping out family for a little while in Rochester… then I’ll be moving back to the NYC full swing later in the year and I can’t wait!

It feels like a full-circle moment—returning to my roots, my creative foundation, my people. The city where so much of this journey began.

There’s something about New York that sharpens your edge, expands your vision, and reminds you what you’re capable of.

✨ “Some places don’t just inspire you—they remind you who you are.”

I’m beyond excited to step back into that energy, reconnect with friends and family, and open the door to what’s next.

And speaking of Rochester, I wanted to share a link to my delicious Rochester-Style Famous Chicken French (Francaise) Recipe that landed me on the front page of the NY Times Food Section a few years ago when I was interviewed by Julia Moskin, Staff Food Writer for the story… The recipe and styling suggestions of mine were quite the hit! In fact, it was their #1 most popular recipe for ALL OF 2018. You have to try this, you guys, it’s absolutely amazing. And one of my proudest moments in my culinary career – EVER.

News + Events

Download my free resource guide “The Art of Food Photography”

I’ll be showing you my basic food styling tips and tricks, and an easy natural lighting setup you can do at home with just a few tools and a camera. The demo will be about an hour and a half, with Q+A the last half hour.

Don’t miss it!

New Episode of Groovy Eats coming soon!

Stay tuned for my next episode of Groovy Eats coming soon!

We’re going all the way back to 1978 – for Disco Night with Donna Summer, retro cocktails, a groovy playlist and a few late night bites from a famous Tiki bar, The Islander, on Restaurant Row in LA.

So get ready for lots of sparkle, fun retro eats and drinks, lights, groovy tunes and a #disco party waiting to happen…You guys, it’s going to be SO. MUCH. FUN.

🍽️ Follow Us for More

👉 Read more stories, essays and recipes on Substack

💌 Subscribe to my Kit community page and newsletter for seasonal recipes, creative inspiration, and behind-the-scenes from The Artful Gourmet

👉 Follow The Artful Gourmet blog for more stories + recipes

👉 View our food styling + photography packages – you can now book a photoshoot or food styling session with Kristen online!

Check out our Amazon Store and ShopMy store with our curated favs from fashion, beauty, cooking and baking items, books and cookbooks, photography gear and more. Plus many of the brands I partner with offer special discount codes for 10-45% off their items on my shop! I’ll be posting all the specials and goodies on my Instagram, Facebook and TikTok pages so keep an eye out for these!

That’s all for the news and updates for now, stay tuned for more later this month..and thanks so much for being here! Your readership and support means so much, and keeps me motivated to keep creating fun content for all of you!

If you enjoy what you’re reading and watching, feel free to share this post and our blog with your followers and friends too. Hopefully the show inspired you all to keep believing in yourself, in your dreams and to never, ever give up!

And if you’ve already watched my episode, tell me in the comments below:

What inspired you MOST from this episode of Women in Power with Kristen Hess?

🔘 Building a creative business from scratch
🔘 Food styling + photography insights
🔘 Reinventing your career path
🔘 Personal branding + storytelling
🔘 Expanding into podcasting + media
🔘 The overall entrepreneurial journey

Cheers until next time!

xo Kristen

The Artful Gourmet | Kristen Hess

April 11, 2026April 23, 2026

The Art of Light: Dark vs Bright Food Photography

How Lighting Shapes Mood, Story, and Craveability

There’s a moment in every shoot where everything clicks.

The light hits just right.

The texture comes alive.

The food stops looking like… food—and starts feeling like something.

That’s the moment I chase every time I step behind the camera.

Because food photography isn’t just about capturing a dish—it’s about shaping how people experience it before they ever take a bite.

And the most powerful tool in that transformation?

Light.

Dark & Moody: Depth, Drama, and Desire

There’s something undeniably magnetic about dark and moody food photography.

It pulls you in. It slows you down. It makes you look closer.

This style is all about contrast, shadow, and depth—and it works beautifully for brands that want to feel elevated, rich, and a little bit indulgent.

Think:

a glass of red wine catching the last light of the evening
a perfectly plated pasta with deep shadows and texture
a chocolate dessert that feels almost cinematic

“Light makes the photograph. Shadow makes the story.”

That balance between light and shadow is where the magic happens.

How I approach it:

One directional light source (usually side-lit)
Letting shadows fall naturally (not over-correcting)
Layering texture—linen, wood, ceramics
Styling that feels intentional, not overworked

Dark doesn’t mean heavy.

It means controlled, intentional, and emotionally rich.

Light & Bright: Fresh, Clean, and Effortless

On the other end of the spectrum is light and bright photography.

This is where things feel:

fresh
modern
effortless

It’s the aesthetic you see in lifestyle brands, cafés, wellness spaces, and clean, minimal packaging.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

This style is less about drama—and more about clarity and ease.

How I approach it:

Soft, diffused natural light (almost always window-based)
Light surfaces and minimal props
Gentle shadows (never harsh)
Clean compositions with breathing room

The goal is to make the food feel approachable, inviting, and beautifully simple.

Choosing the Right Light for Your Brand

Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:

There is no “better” lighting style.

Only the one that tells your story best.

Dark & Moody Works For:

Wine & spirits
Fine dining
Rich, indulgent dishes
Luxury or editorial brands

Light & Bright Works For:

Cafés & bakeries
Wellness brands
Fresh, seasonal menus
Lifestyle-driven content
Recipe photography and cookbooks

Color & Contrast Works For:

A more colorful direction can communicate energy, creativity, and modernity.

Bright colors work well for ads, social media, point of sale, signage and billboards
Calls attention to the food and beverages or products
Gives a vibrant, modern, youthful feel

None of these are trends.

They are choices.

“Color is storytelling without words.”

The key is consistency.

When your lighting style aligns with your brand, your visuals stop feeling random—and start feeling intentional.

Where Strategy Meets Art

This is where I live creatively.

At the intersection of:

visual storytelling
brand strategy
food styling and photography

Because at the end of the day, great food photography isn’t just about aesthetics.

It’s about creating images that:

capture attention
communicate identity
and ultimately drive action

Watch the Full Series

If you want to see exactly how I create these looks in real time:

Watch the Reel and Shorts Series (Instagram / YouTube)

https://www.instagram.com/artfulgourmet

https://www.youtube.com/@theartfulgourmet

The Art of Light Series

Light and Bright Photography Reel

Dark & Moody Photography Reel

Bright Colorful Photography Reel

Food Photography Lighting Tips

Explore the Full Gallery

See more examples of dark & moody and light & bright work:

View Portfolio

https://www.kristen-hess.com

Go Deeper (Podcast + Behind the Scenes)

I talk a lot about the creative process, storytelling, food styling and photography and building a visual brand inside my podcast.

Listen to The Artful Gourmet Podcast

(Available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart and Substack)

Let’s Create Something Beautiful

If you’re a brand, restaurant, or creative team looking to elevate your visuals—

this is exactly what I do.

I don’t just photograph food.

I create visual experiences that align with your brand and connect with your audience.

Kristen Hess, NYC Food Photographer + Food Stylist — Kristen Hess Food Stylist/Photographer

Request a Custom Quote

https://www.kristen-hess.com/contact

View & Book Photoshoot Packages

https://kristen-hess-artful-gourmet.kit.com/profile/products

Final Thought

Light isn’t just technical—it’s emotional.

It shapes how we see.

How we feel.

And how we remember.

And when it’s used with intention—

it turns food into something unforgettable.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

Until next time- stay inspired, stay focused, and stay hungry.

— Kristen

The Artful Gourmet – Living life artfully, one bite at a time.

April 5, 2026April 23, 2026

Happy Easter! A Sunny Peach Salad + The Latest News

There’s something about Easter that always feels like a gentle exhale.

A shift.

A soft return to light.

A reminder that something new is always just around the corner.

This year, I found myself leaning into that feeling more than ever—creating a menu that’s bright, fresh, and full of life… while quietly stepping into a brand new chapter of my own.

At the heart of this Easter table is a Grilled Peach and Avocado Salad that feels almost too pretty to eat—almost. Juicy, ripe peaches layered with crisp greens, a kiss of citrus, and just enough richness to balance it all out. It’s simple, but elevated. Effortless, but intentional.

The kind of dish that doesn’t try too hard… and still steals the show.

✨ “This is the kind of recipe that feels like golden hour on a plate—fresh, glowing, and just a little bit magical.”

It’s everything I love about spring cooking: seasonal ingredients, vibrant color, and letting the natural beauty of food do the talking.

It’s made with juicy grilled peaches, avocado, arugula, baby kale and spinach mix, red onions and topped with a lovely Shallot Vinaigrette and crumbled feta and honey toasted pecans.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some Summer sunshine in my life!

Enjoy ☀️

theartfulgourmet

Grilled Peach + Avocado Salad

A beautiful sunny Spring salad made with juicy grilled peaches, avocado, arugula, baby kale and spinach mix, red onions and tossed with a lovely Shallot Vinaigrette and garnished with crumbled feta and honey toasted pecans.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings: 2 people

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 870

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 large peaches, thoroughly washed
1 tbsp shallots, finely minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp whole grain mustard
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
5 oz arugula, baby spinach and kale mixed greens
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
1/3 cup honey toasted pecans, crushed
1/3 cup red onions, sliced thin or shaved
1 large Hass avocado, diced

Method

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cut peaches into wedges while grill is preheating.
Spray hot grill liberally with non-stick spray. Grill peaches for 4 to 6 minutes or until peaches are nicely marked on all cut sides. You can also grill the peaches in a grill pan for the same effect.
Make vinaigrette by combining shallots, lemon juice, mustard and olive oil, salt and pepper to taste - whisk until just combined.
Assemble salad, in a large bowl. Add mixed greens, peaches, avocado slices and red onions.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
Top with crumbled feta (if using) and toasted pecans for garnish on top of the salad. Add more avocado slices on top if desired.

Notes

If you are vegan and want to make this recipe dairy-free, simply remove the feta cheese crumbles and substitute with a soy-based vegan cheese or more nuts, fruit, or veggies.

Nutrition
870 cal | 45g carbs | 73g fat | 15g protein

Recipe adapted from H-E-B

📸 SOME NEW NEWS

I’ve recently opened a new ShopMy online shop where I’m curating some of my favorite things – food, wine, books, cookbooks, cooking and baking supplies, clothes, shoes, cosmetics and homegoods and so much more.

One of my ShopMy Partner merchants, @campsnapcamera, just gave me a NEW custom discount code for my followers – and it gives you 7% off all Camp Snap cameras!

Code: KRISTEN-HESS7
Discount: 7% off

Check out this camera below 👉🏻 https://shopmy.us/shop/product/207870

Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

No Screen
Point and Shoot
Light & portable
500 Shots on One Charge
Reusable & Rechargeable
The photos have a cool vintage look
It comes in 12 fun colors 🎨

Claim 7% Discount

More info on the camera: https://www.campsnapphoto.com/products/screen-free-digital-camera-v103

New Linktree page & Online Shop

I created a new Linktree page which has literally every single link to get in touch and follow me on social, web, etc.

Curated online shopping pages featuring my favorite kitchen, styling, and entertaining finds. I have new shops with curated finds on my Linktree shop and my Amazon shop as well.

Check out my other cool curated products on my new ShopMy store

Check in often as I’ll be partnering with more cool brands to offer special discounts to my followers!

And if you’re not in the mood for shopping but are liking my content, you can support me with any amount donation at Buy Me A Coffee

New Community Pages + Upcoming Online Courses

I also have a new Artful Gourmet Community Page where I’ll soon be offering online Food Styling & Photography Courses, free downloadable PDF resources, cookbooks, e-books, 1:1 coaching sessions, and live demos and teaching sessions (also starting these soon on my Substack!) so stay tuned for more so you can sign up for these.

📸 Work With Me – Online Booking Site

Behind the scenes, there’s been just as much blooming happening as there is on the plate.

This season marks a new evolution of The Artful Gourmet—one that feels more expansive, more connected, and more aligned than ever.

I’ve been building out new ways to experience the brand, including:

Curated online shopping pages featuring my favorite kitchen, styling, and entertaining finds
A new Kit Community space to connect, collaborate, and share resources
Updated photoshoot packages for brands and restaurants
Streamlined online booking to make working together easier than ever

I do custom estimates for larger shoots including food styling, photography, food and branded videos, social media content creation, and multi-platform brand collaborations and sponsored campaigns.

Reach out and send me a message on the contact form on my portfolio site or send an email to studioinfo (at) theartfulgourmet.com with your project details and contact info and I’ll be in touch to discuss and provide a quote.

If you’re interested in my preset food photography packages – you can book me online here.

The Artful Gourmet Podcast + YouTube

If you haven’t tuned into The Artful Gourmet Podcast yet we have three podcast mini-series you can check out – each with a different theme but all related to food, creativity, mindset and living an Artful Life.

INTO FOCUS Series

A series on mindset, resilience, and the business side of being a creative entrepreneur. In these inspiring motivational episodes, I delve into the stories and insights that will shape the series, offering a sneak peek into the compelling narratives and thought-provoking discussions of what it takes to become a successful creative business owner, photographer and creator.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to The Artful Gourmet community, this series promises to captivate and inspire. Stay tuned to discover what lies ahead in “Into Focus.”

Listen to the latest episode

#UNFILTERED Series

A new interview series where I sit down with creators, tastemakers, movers and shakers to talk about the journeys behind the work. The inspiration. The challenges. And the lessons learned along the way.

So pull up a chair…pour a glass of wine or grab a coffee…

And join the conversation.

Listen to episode 1 on Spotify

GROOVY EATS Series

Groovy Eats is pure nostalgia! This is the place where we highlight and bring back to life all of our favorite retro music, recipes, history and “vibe” of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You’ll find heartfelt storytelling with personal memories, great food, and a lot of groove.

Season 1: The 1970s is live!

The show is available on The Artful Gourmet Podcast and you can find all of the Season 1 episodes also on my YouTube channel .

Kristen Hess, Host of Groovy Eats YouTube cooking show series

I also produce companion essays, stories, playlists, videos, photos from every Groovy Eats episode on the blog and Substack to give you a full picture of that time and place with multimedia storytelling.

Stay tuned for episode 4 launching in April. We’ve got disco, 70s cocktails, late night party bites and plenty of sequins and disco lights to bring the house down.

Don’t miss this one!

Season 2: The 1980’s and Season 3: The 1990’s will be coming out later this year and next year, so stay tuned for more retro food, music and fun 🤩 ☮️ 💃

Listen to the latest episode

Watch the latest episode

And you can also tune into all of the Groovy Eats companion podcasts on YouTube and Substack, or wherever you get your podcasts.

MORE NEW NEWS!

🎥 Women In Power TV Episode

My TV documentary episode on Women In Power is airing in mid-2026 on Inside Success Networks on major streaming platforms!

The new show highlights women entrepreneurs and small business owners and leaders in their industries and each episode tells a story of the women’s experience starting their business, their biggest achievements and how they found success- even in the midst of obstacles and struggles by simply believing in themselves and working hard to follow their dreams.

My episode was shot in South Beach last November and the whole experience was so. much. FUN!

I had a blast meeting Rudy Mawer, Producer and Owner of Inside Success TV and we had a great conference and parties, meetups etc. where I got to hang out with all of the cast and crew from the show.

I’m so excited for the episode to air soon!

Read more about my episode

Read the full press release

Final Thoughts

Well that was a lot of news yes?

And maybe the biggest shift of all…

I’m getting ready to move back to New York.

It feels like a full-circle moment—returning to my roots, my creative foundation, my people. The city where so much of this journey began.

There’s something about New York that sharpens your edge, expands your vision, and reminds you what you’re capable of.

✨ “Some places don’t just inspire you—they remind you who you are.”

I’m beyond excited to step back into that energy, reconnect with friends and family, and open the door to what’s next.

As always, wishing you all a fabulous Easter, and week ahead – remember to stay inspired, stay happy and stay hungry.

Kristen 😃

Kristen Hess | The Artful Gourmet

Food. Style. Travel. Creative Living.

Hi, I’m Kristen—food stylist, photographer, and creator behind The Artful Gourmet. This is where I share a curated mix of elevated recipes, food styling and photography tips, travel-inspired dishes, and creative lifestyle inspiration designed to make everyday moments feel a little more artful.

From behind-the-scenes looks at my shoots to seasonal cooking ideas, mindset insights, and the tools I actually use in my work, you’ll find a blend of beauty, flavor, and storytelling woven into everything I create. If you love thoughtfully styled food, fresh ingredients, and living well with intention, you’re in the right place—pull up a chair and stay awhile. 🍷✨