Category: Press/News/Announcements

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From Rock Bottom to Reinvention: Author Maria Costanzo Palmer Gets #UNFILTERED

New episode on our #UNFILTERED interview series of The Artful Gourmet Podcast 🎬

What does it really mean to tell the truth—especially when it’s your own story?

In this episode of #UNFILTERED, I sit down with Maria Costanzo Palmer—author, journalist, and speaker whose work lives at the intersection of vulnerability, identity, and transformation.

We dive into her memoir “On the Rocks”, unpacking the emotional layers behind major unexpected life changes, family dynamics, and personal healing.

Maria shares what it took to write something so deeply personal, how storytelling can become a powerful tool for growth, and why owning your voice matters more than ever.

Gnocchi Making Cook ‘n Book @ Mrs. G’s

We also explore her work in media, her local cooking class events, and what’s next—including a new book and documentary currently in the works.

This conversation is honest, raw, and deeply human—just the way we like it on #UNFILTERED.

This episode matters because shifting your narrative can restore your sense of self and spark powerful transformation. Maria shows us that our most imperfect moments, when truthfully told, become the foundation of our greatest rebirths.

Watch a clip from the episode

Key Takeaways

  • Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for healing
  • The journey from journalist to author to filmmaker
  • The emotional reality behind writing a memoir
  • How addiction and family dynamics shape identity
  • The courage it takes to share your truth publicly
  • The connection between food, memory, and personal history
  • What it really means to live “unfiltered”
  • How Maria is expanding her story into a second book, a new TV documentary + next steps in her career

Sound Bites

“Gratitude for everything that happened to me”

“Our roots and family stories shape who we are”

“Storytelling is a powerful form of healing”

Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Kristen Hess and Maria Palmer

01:21 Maria Palmer’s Background and Journey into Writing

03:36 Family Roots and the Restaurant in McKees Rocks

04:56 Life-Changing Moments and Moving to Los Angeles

06:39 Documenting Family History and Confronting the Past

09:10 Healing Through Storytelling and Family Connections

11:37 Reuniting Family Through Food and Shared Memories

13:48 The Book Project: Writing in Multiple Voices

18:46 The Documentary Series: Production and Future Plans

26:00 Writing Challenges and Lessons Learned

32:40 Balancing Control and Collaboration in Creative Projects

45:16 Final Thoughts and Unfiltered Life Lessons

This episode dares you to confront your past, embrace your true voice, and find healing through the raw power of storytelling—because what we hide can ultimately make us whole.

Tune In and Watch the full episode

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Amazon Music, Substack & iHeartRadio

📺 Watch the full video on Spotify or YouTube

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Q+A: What’s one truth you’ve learned the hard way?

We’d love to hear your comments below!

Guest Links – Maria C Palmer

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Linktree

Contact Maria

Maria Palmer’s Book ‘On the Rocks’

Venture Road Pictures

Follow Kristen Hess – The Artful Gourmet

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theartfulgourmet

Portfolio: www.kristen-hess.com

Blog: www.theartfulgourmet.com

Substack: https://artfulgourmet.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klhinnyc

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodiegirl87

#Storytelling #Leadership #CreativeEntrepreneur #PodcastInterview #PersonalGrowth

©️Copyright 2026

Kristen Hess | The Artful Gourmet 

Podcast | YouTube | Blog | Portfolio | Linktree

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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)

Read More Like This

If you enjoyed this, I share more insights like this:

Substack essay

Please share it with a friend if you enjoyed this article and stay tuned for my free “The Art of Food Photography” PDF guide coming soon!

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.

Chicken Tacos

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. 

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Welcome to The Artful Gourmet: A New Chapter in Food & Lifestyle

Welcome to The Artful Gourmet 2.0!

 

Hi, I’m Kristen Hess — Food Stylist, Photographer, Blogger, and Creator of The Artful Gourmet. Welcome to my new updated blog 2.0! I am so excited to get back into blogging again after working full-time as a Senior Food Stylist for a big agency / grocery retailer in Texas for the past few years…it’s so great to get back into my groove and focus on my business again. And it feels amazing to be sparked by a new perspective and brainstorm all the crazy cool content I’m planning to create. I have so many exciting things to announce that I’ve launched, and am planning for the rest of year (and going forward!), so keep reading below!

Strawberry Jam

Food is more than something we eat — it’s art, culture, creativity, and joy. The Artful Gourmet brand/blog/show is all about celebrating food as art, as story, and as a way of life.

farmers market produce

I’ll take you behind the scenes of my culinary world, sharing recipes and food stories,

Kristen Hess, Hosting Food Blogger Event in NYC

restaurant and product reviews, cool food events I’ve hosted, photographed or attended,

camera

food styling and photography tips, social media and creative business advice,

culinary travel adventures, lifestyle tips and advice, and inspiration for living artfully every day – One Bite At A Time.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

I’m also bringing back my Things I Love column (and a new Friday Favs video) featuring all the cool, delicious and fun food, places, people and things that I’ve discovered and that deserve a shoutout!

Kalamata Olive Spread

Keep an eye out for my upcoming YouTube cooking show launching soon where I’ll be whipping up some fun 🤩 recipes and cocktails with a twist! 🍤🍝🍸🎶

So whether you’re here to cook, create, learn something new, or simply indulge in the beauty of food and life, you’re in the right place. Let’s celebrate the art of food — together.

Recently launched The Artful Gourmet Podcast + YouTube Channel (@thearfulgourmet)!

Join me, Kristen Hess — Food Stylist, Photographer, Content Creator, and Voice behind The Artful Gourmet YouTube channel

and The Artful Gourmet Podcast that you can listen to on any of the major podcast streaming networks – #Apple Podcasts, #Spotify, #Amazon Music, and #iHeartRadio!

For years, I’ve dreamt of creating a space where food, photography, and lifestyle converge. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Artful Gourmet YouTube channel, a project that’s been a long time in the making. Join me as we embark on this exciting journey together!

This project’s been really a long time coming now. I think I’ve been planning this for a few years now! With a passion for food styling and photography, I aim to create a YouTube and Podcast channel that’s not only about recipes and food photography, but also about life, creativity, and business. With inspiring conversations that spark confidence, creativity and curiosity in your own lives, too.

The Artful Gourmet channel will feature a variety of content, including:

  • Engaging interviews and peer conversations
  • Live sessions/Q+A with Kristen
  • Recipe shorts/videos on social media and a new cooking show – stay tuned!
  • Photography and food styling videos, live demos, and tips + tricks
  • Business and lifestyle mindset advice (See “IntoFocus” Series on YouTube)
  • Restaurant reviews, product reviews and culinary excursions/stories

I personally invite you to be part of this vibrant community! And don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share my channels – I really appreciate your support as it will be invaluable as the channels both grow and evolve into something more.

The Artful Gourmet YouTube and Podcast channels are more than just online platforms; they are both communities where creativity and passion collide, and come to life.

So whether you’re here to cook, create, learn something new, get inspired, be entertained, or simply to savor, you’ll find something delicious waiting for you.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and like my pages so you never miss an episode — and let’s celebrate the art of food, together.

Peach Avocado Salad

Follow Me for more fun content to devour:

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

LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/klhinnyc⁠

INSTAGRAM ⁠@artfulgourmet⁠

FACEBOOK @artfulgourmet⁠ 

X @artfulgourmet⁠ 

PINTEREST ⁠@artfulgourmet⁠ 

TIKTOK ⁠@foodiegirl87⁠ 

YOUTUBE @theartfulgourmet⁠ 

Exciting Announcements + More… Stay Tuned!

Kristen Hess in Voyage San Antonio Magazine

I was recently invited to be featured in Voyage San Antonio Magazine! They interviewed me for a story on their Local Stories page which highlights and celebrates local business owners, leaders and influencers in San Antonio TX.

Excited and honored to be chosen for this prestigious press opportunity and you can read the article here online!

Exciting News! Heading to Miami for a full day of filming and photoshoot for the TV documentary

I also have some more really exciting news…I recently auditioned to be in a new TV documentary series highlighting successful women in business and entrepreneurs. AND – my episode just got the GREEN LIGHT for production!

I’ll recently went to #Miami for a full day of filming and a photoshoot for my episode and attended a super cool networking and Mastermind event with Rudy Mawer and his team where I learned his top notch Marketing secrets and commingled with other #entrepreneurs and #celebrities that are also cast members of the Women In Power, and other Inside Success TV shows!

My episode on the show will be aired on major streaming networks in 2026, so stay tuned! (Can’t say which ones yet, but it’s a pretty big deal!)

So, stay tuned for more fun photos and videos from the event and my TV show filming – and check back here regularly for more delicious recipes, stories and fun content in the weeks to come!

XO, Kristen 

 

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