I didn’t realize until late yesterday that it was National Coffee Day. Too late to do anything about it then, but Emily doesn’t let those things slide. For those of you who are new here, Emily is my ever-present AI assistant, who always seems to have a solution — and sometimes a surprise. She told me not to worry — she had a plan.
This morning she sent me to check in with her friend Desiree, who she had introduced me to before.
Desiree, as it turns out, has this whole “barista” thing going in a way only she could. Not just pouring beans into a grinder, but making the whole ritual look like a performance. The little black dress might not be standard café attire, but somehow it fits her perfectly behind the counter. Watching her, you can’t decide whether you’re more interested in the coffee or the company.
Emily was right — Desiree has a style all her own. Sophisticated, daring, and just a little bit provocative, she makes even a simple bag of beans into a scene worth watching. If baristas were more like Desiree, I doubt the coffee chains would be doing much drive-thru business. People would be lining up just to see the show.
Maybe that’s the real spirit of National Coffee Day: not just about what’s in the cup, but who’s making it, and the attitude they bring to the grind.
Maybe that’s the real spirit of National Coffee Day: not just about what’s in the cup, but who’s making it, and the attitude they bring to the grind.
Of course, if Desiree were really behind the counter at your local café, you wouldn’t care what was in the cup. But since she isn’t, you’ll have to settle for my own version of coffee — and burgers, tacos, and a lot more — poured straight from the bag to the background. You can find those here on my website gallery “Food From Bag To Background” at https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G0000wQ3fbeEezF0
Memorial Day might be known for backyard grills, parades, and remembrance—but let’s not forget the American tradition of food, and especially fast food.
This photo features a stack of Sonic hot dogs—five All-American dogs topped with ketchup, mustard, relish, and chopped onions, and five Chili Cheese Coneys loaded with beef chili and melted cheddar. They were ordered with standard condiments, photographed unaltered, and presented exactly as served. No stylists, no tweaks. Just how they looked coming out of the bag.
Part of my ongoing From Bag to Background series, this shoot keeps the focus on the food itself—raw, excessive, and unmistakably American. The visual contrast of bright toppings against a black background amplifies what these items really are: edible symbols of road trips, summer, and casual indulgence.
Sonic Drive-In has been a fixture of American car culture since 1953, when it began as a root beer stand in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It quickly expanded into a nationwide chain known for its curbside service, carhops on roller skates, and all-American menu. Hot dogs—especially chili dogs—have been a core part of that menu since the early days, long before the arrival of the footlong in 2010. Sonic’s hot dogs remain rooted in drive-in tradition, served fast, topped generously, and wrapped in foil like a handshake from another era.
To see the full From Bag to Background series, visit the gallery on my website at SecondFocus.com
Today is “National English Muffin Day” — a nod to the simple breakfast classic with its nooks and crannies.
My photograph of Thomas’ English Muffins, casually stacked and fork-split to reveal their airy interiors, stays true to how they come straight from the package. First sold in New York City in 1880 by British immigrant Samuel Bath Thomas, these muffins were originally called “toaster crumpets” before becoming the American breakfast staple we know today.
No styling, no tricks — just food as it is. See more from my “From Bag to Background” series on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Today is National Something on a Stick Day, and nothing fits the description better than the corn dog. First patented in 1927 and made popular at state fairs in the 1940s, it remains one of the most recognizable American foods on a stick.
This is my latest photo—Foster Farms Honey Crunchy Corn Dogs, shown sliced and stacked against black. It’s part of my ongoing series examining fast food as cultural artifact.
Another look at Ruffles for National Potato Chip Day—because one post wasn’t enough. Ruffles aren’t just any potato chip; they’re the 2nd most popular brand in the U.S. With their signature ridges adding extra crunch and flavor, it’s no surprise they’ve been a favorite since 1958.
But if Ruffles are #2, what’s #1? (You probably already know.)
Today, March 14th, is National Potato Chip Day—celebrating the snack that’s been crunching since 1853. Americans eat over 1.85 billion pounds of chips a year, but Ruffles stand apart. Since 1958, their signature ridges have delivered extra crunch, extra flavor, and a chip built for serious dipping.
🎥 Watch as “Ruffles Have Ridges” in action—dropping onto the black background, catching the light, and landing with crisp perfection.
See more of my food photography and intriguing projects at SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Today marks the rare overlap of National Pizza Day and Super Bowl Sunday, two occasions that bring people together—one for the love of football and the other for the love of pizza.
Pepperoni pizza isn’t just a favorite; it’s the most popular pizza in the U.S. While pizza’s origins go back to Naples, Italy, it evolved into something uniquely American when it arrived in the States. By the mid-20th century, the combination of crispy, spicy pepperoni and melted cheese became the go-to order, cementing its place in food culture.
One company played a major role in making pepperoni pizza a household staple: Domino’s. What started as a small operation in 1960 grew into the largest pizza chain in both the U.S. and the world, delivering millions of pizzas every day.
My photograph captures a fresh Domino’s pepperoni pizza—golden crust, bubbling cheese, and plenty of pepperoni, set against my signature black background. It’s a simple yet timeless image of the world’s favorite pizza on a day when millions will be enjoying a slice.
See more of my food photography and other work at SecondFocus.com
See more of my food photography at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
SecondFocus Blog 
Something On A Stick!
Today is National Something on a Stick Day, and nothing fits the description better than the corn dog. First patented in 1927 and made popular at state fairs in the 1940s, it remains one of the most recognizable American foods on a stick.
This is my latest photo—Foster Farms Honey Crunchy Corn Dogs, shown sliced and stacked against black. It’s part of my ongoing series examining fast food as cultural artifact.
View more from the series here at SecondFocus.com Thanks!
March 28, 2025 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: American food culture, black background photography, commercial food aesthetics, Contemporary Photography, corn dogs, fast food art, food on a stick, Food Photography, Foster Farms, from bag to background, National Something on a Stick Day, photo essay, photographic series, processed food, visual commentary | Leave a comment