More Popcorn!
Here’s a big pile of popcorn for you to enjoy throughout the day!
No need to pace yourself—just grab a handful (or ten) and dive in. I photographed this to mark National Popcorn Lovers Day a few days ago, but popcorn never goes out of style. Just try not to drop too much between the couch cushions.
Want to see more of my food photography and other intriguing projects? Check out my website at https://www.secondfocus.com Thanks!
Popcorn: A Cinematic Take for National Popcorn Lovers Day
Popcorn: The Movie. Or maybe the documentary.
Either way, I shot this for today—National Popcorn Lovers Day.
Popcorn in motion, a tumble of light, airy kernels against an all-black background. No frills, no distractions—just the texture, the movement, and the simple pleasure of this timeless snack. Shot in crisp detail, this video captures the weightlessness of popcorn as it falls, a moment suspended before the next handful disappears.
This is part of my ongoing food photography project, where fast food, snack foods, and more are captured straight from the bag, isolated against a black backdrop. You can see more of my work—food, bold portraits, aviation, and other intriguing projects on my website at https://www.secondfocus.com
Fast Casual vs. Fast Food: A Look at Farmer Boys Most Popular Sandwiches
Did you know there’s a difference between fast casual and fast food? While both offer quick service, fast casual focuses on made-to-order meals, and fresh preparation—never pre-made or heat-lamp-held.
Founded in 1981 in Perris, California, Farmer Boys is a prime example of fast casual, with over 100 locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona. Customers order at the counter or drive-thru, but the food is cooked fresh to order, using farm-fresh ingredients and generous portions that set it apart.
This photograph features four of Farmer Boys’ most popular menu items—Farmer’s Burger, Big Cheese, Loaded Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich—stacked against a deep black background. Flame-grilled beef, hand-battered crispy chicken, fresh produce, and toasted brioche buns define these sandwiches.
See my food photography, along with bold, provocative imagery, aviation, and other unexpected projects at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
The Crunch Heard Around the World: National Corn Chip Day
A heap of golden, salted corn chips against a deep black background—simple, unfiltered, and bold. Today is National Corn Chip Day, a celebration of a snack with deep roots in both American and Mexican culinary traditions.
A Brief History of the Corn Chip
Corn chips trace their origins back to ancient Mesoamerica, where indigenous cultures used ground maize to create the first versions of masa-based snacks. But the modern corn chip as we know it took off in 1932, when Elmer Doolin bought a fried corn snack recipe from a street vendor in San Antonio, Texas. He refined the process and founded Fritos, turning a humble chip into a mass-produced American staple.
Crunchy, salty, and unmistakably distinct from tortilla chips, corn chips have become a favorite whether eaten alone, smothered in chili, or loaded with toppings in a Frito pie. Their satisfying texture and bold taste have made them a permanent part of snack culture.
My Take on Corn Chips
This image captures corn chips in their raw form—no branding, no distractions, just texture and contrast. The stark black background isolates the subject, highlighting every crisp fold and golden hue. It’s a simple food, yet visually striking.
More Than Just Food Photography
This is just one side of my photography. On my website, you’ll find everything from aviation to x-rated—bold imagery that spans genres and challenges perspectives.
👉 See more at SecondFocus.com.
What’s your favorite way to eat corn chips? Let me know in the comments.
National Chocolate Cake Day
Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! Chocolate cake has been a favorite for centuries, but few desserts are as iconic as Hostess CupCakes. First introduced in 1919 and sold for just 5 cents each, they were America’s first mass-produced cupcake. The now-famous cream filling wasn’t added until the 1950s, along with the signature white swirl designed to set them apart from competitors. With over 600 million sold annually, Hostess CupCakes have cemented their place as America’s most popular chocolate cake.
More of my food photography on my website, which also includes aviation, Palm Springs, fitness, and provocative nude art photography. Explore at http://SecondFocus.com
National Fish Taco Day: Rubio’s Baja-Style Tacos
Today is National Fish Taco Day! Rubio’s, the originators of the Baja-style fish taco craze, created this holiday to celebrate their iconic dish. Back in 1983, Ralph Rubio brought the first fish taco to the U.S., inspired by the flavors of Baja California, and it quickly became a beloved classic.
This photograph showcases Rubio’s original fish tacos: crispy beer-battered fish fillets on warm corn tortillas, topped with shredded cabbage, fresh salsa, and lime wedges, all set against my signature black backdrop.
Love bold food photography like this? There’s so much more to discover! Visit http://SecondFocus.com to explore my unique take on food and much more. Dive in and look around—you might just find something that whets your appetite.
Celebrating National Popcorn Day
Today, National Popcorn Day, here is a nod to this iconic snack with roots stretching back thousands of years. Popcorn, first enjoyed by indigenous peoples over 5,000 years ago, has evolved into one of the most beloved snacks worldwide. Americans consume an astounding **15 billion quarts of popcorn annually**, averaging 45 quarts per person. From its ceremonial uses in ancient times to its place in movie theaters and gourmet kitchens, popcorn has remained a simple yet endlessly versatile treat.
Previously exhibited at 40×30 inches at the Artists Center at the Galen, people stared imagining what the patterns they envisioned in it. Explore more of my photography, from evocative to food, at http://SecondFocus.com
National Bagel Day
Happy National Bagel Day! I chose to photograph the simple plain deli bagel—a classic that carries the most historic significance. Originating in 17th-century Poland, bagels were brought to America by Eastern European Jewish immigrants and gained popularity in New York City’s Jewish delis. This humble bread became a cultural staple, deeply rooted in tradition and history.
Today, bagels are a global favorite, with U.S. sales reaching $1.54 billion in 2021. Grupo Bimbo, a multinational baking company founded in Mexico, leads the market with its Thomas’ Bagels brand, generating over $952 million in revenue in 2023. While countless varieties like everything, asiago cheese, and cinnamon raisin have emerged, the plain deli bagel remains the most iconic and historic choice.
Explore my food photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
Today is **National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day**, and here is my photograph of New York-style hot pastrami sandwiches to commemorate the day. Stacked with smoky, tender pastrami on fresh rye bread and topped with vibrant yellow mustard, the essence of a true deli classic.
Pastrami sandwiches have been a favorite since their origins with Eastern European Jewish immigrants who brought this tradition to New York in the late 19th century.
Delis across North America have elevated the pastrami sandwich to iconic status. Katz’s Delicatessen in New York (established 1888) is renowned for its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches. Langer’s in Los Angeles (established 1947) is famous for its #19 sandwich, combining pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Manny’s in Chicago (established 1942) serves oversized pastrami sandwiches, perfectly paired with matzo ball soup. Schwartz’s in Montreal (established 1928) offers its legendary smoked meat sandwiches, a Canadian twist on the pastrami tradition.
To see more of my food photography and evocative imagery, please visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
3 Billion Pizzas Every Year
National Pizza Week is here! Did you know that pizza, which started as a simple flatbread in ancient times, has become a cultural icon in the United States, with 3 billion pizzas sold every year? And pepperoni pizza reigns supreme as America’s #1 favorite. Here’s my photograph of this classic, featuring a golden crust, bubbling cheese, and perfectly crisp pepperoni against a dramatic black background. Hungry for more? Dive into my world of bold food photography and much more at SecondFocus.com —you don’t want to miss it!
National Bacon Day: A Tribute to Bacon Classics
“Happy National Bacon Day! Every year on December 30, we honor one of the world’s most beloved foods: bacon. This photograph features a BLT sandwich, a classic favorite with layers of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato on toasted bread. The BLT is joined by other iconic bacon dishes like the indulgent bacon cheeseburger and the timeless pairing of bacon and eggs—true staples of comfort food. With a history spanning centuries, bacon continues to have a fan base unlike any other. See more of my food photography—along with much more—on my website at http://SecondFocus.com
#NationalBaconDay #BaconLovers #BLT #BaconCheeseburger #BaconAndEggs #FoodPhotography #ComfortFood #ClassicFavorites #Foodie #BaconForever”
“National Chocolate Covered Anything Day”
It is “National Chocolate Covered Anything Day” — and marking the occasion, one of the most favorite chocolate-dipped treats. My photograph of chocolate-covered strawberries captures the indulgence with dramatic lighting and sharp detail. Randomly cut and stacked, the strawberries are coated in smooth milk chocolate.
Chocolate-covered strawberries top the list of popular chocolate-dipped treats, followed by pretzels, almonds, bananas, and marshmallows.
See my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
The McRib: Stacked and Photographed
My latest food photograph features six McDonald’s McRib sandwiches, casually stacked onto a black background. Straight from their packaging, the sandwiches showcase the iconic barbecue-glazed pork patties, cornmeal-dusted buns, and classic toppings of crisp white onions and pickles. The glossy barbecue sauce seeps between layers, creating a visual sense of indulgence and texture.
The dramatic black backdrop isolates the subject, enhancing the visual impact of this limited-time McDonald’s menu item. With professional lighting and composition, the photograph preserves the unstyled, straight-from-the-bag authenticity of the stack while elevating the overall presentation.
Check out my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Big Tacos at the Galen
Excited to share my photograph “Big Tacos,” currently on display at the Artists Center at the Galen!
Last night’s opening reception featured the beautiful Rosemary as my spokesmodel. The piece is presented as a striking 40″x30″ aluminum print, with vibrant, dye-infused colors that make the tacos almost leap off the surface. The unique luminescence and durability of the aluminum truly bring the image to life.
The exhibition runs through December 8th—be sure to check it out! The Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert California.
National Pickle Day
Happy NationalPickleDay! Celebrating with a close-up of the *crunchiest* classic: dill pickles—America’s favorite! From their tangy kick to their iconic snap, these beauties are the ultimate snack, sandwich sidekick, or late-night craving. Let’s hear it for the pickle that always steals the show! See my food photography and so much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com
Big Tacos
Excited to share that my photograph “Big Tacos” is featured in the “Off The Wall” exhibition at the Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert, California! The exhibition is open now through December 8, 2024.
Join us for the opening reception on **Thursday, November 14th, from 4–6 PM**. The Artists Center is a stunning, museum-standard space, formerly the East campus of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Hope to see you there—thank you for your support!
Chicken Strips
Working on my food photography project, I came up with an idea for a fast food chicken place. I think it would work! And yes this was AI. It is not perfect but I didn’t want to spend time on it. You can see my real food photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
National Chinese Food Takeout Day!
I know it is Election Day however it is also National Chinese Food Takeout Day!
To celebrate here is my close-up of Panda Express’ signature Orange Chicken, glistening in its tangy-sweet sauce. The crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are perfectly coated, with flecks of orange zest and sesame seeds peeking through. This dish, created in 1987 by Panda Express’ head chef Andy Kao, quickly became the chain’s most beloved item, fueling the brand’s rise in popularity across the U.S. and beyond. With over 2,000 locations worldwide, Panda Express continues to serve millions of customers who crave the bold, addictive flavors of their Orange Chicken—a dish that has become a fast-food legend in its own right.
For my Food Photography and much more visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
World Sandwich Day
November 3rd, Happy *World Sandwich Day*! It’s also *International* and *National Sandwich Day*—a trifecta celebration of this iconic meal!
So, what’s the world’s most popular sandwich? Many surveys point to the *Banh Mi*, Vietnam’s delicious gift to sandwich lovers everywhere. This creation brings together crusty French baguette, savory fillings, typically featuring marinated meats like pork or chicken, crispy cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili.
As a side note, the most popular sandwich in the USA is the classic *Grilled Cheese*!
For my food photography and much more, visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
No Licking
Please restrain yourselves if you go see my Ice Cream in person. Being very realistic we have had to keep cleaning up the lick marks. Although the red lipstick has been somewhat erotic. Thanks I like it! At the “Hot Times Call For Cool Art” show at the Artists Center At The Galen in Palm Desert California.through October 6th. More of my Food Photography on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
National Ice Cream Cone Day!
🍦 Happy National Ice Cream Cone Day! 🍦
We all know the ice cream cone, which made its debut at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis when a clever ice cream vendor and a waffle maker joined forces to create an edible cone! 😋✨ But let’s not forget the iconic drumstick! This beloved treat was invented in 1928 by the Parker brothers, who owned the Drumstick Company in Texas. These brothers took the classic cone to the next level, sealing a scoop of ice cream inside a waffle cone, dipping it in chocolate, and topping it with crushed peanuts! 🍫🥜In 1931, the Parker brothers sold their brilliant creation to the company we now know as Nestlé, making the drumstick a worldwide favorite. 🎉
Visit my website for my Food Photography and much more at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
National Pepperoni Pizza Day!
Oops, almost missed it! Happy National Pepperoni Pizza Day! 🍕 This most popular of all types of pizza was likely crafted by Italian immigrants in NYC back in 1919. Pretty sure they didn’t envision pineapple as a topping! 😄 Check out my mouth-watering food photography and more at http://SecondFocus.com It’s a feast for the eyes (and your taste buds)! Thanks!
National Cheeseburger Day!
Happy National Cheeseburger Day! 🍔 Did you know the cheeseburger was first invented in 1924 at a sandwich shop in Pasadena, California? Fun fact: the biggest cheeseburger ever made weighed a whopping 2,104 lbs, created at Black Bear Casino in Minnesota back in 2012!
To celebrate, here’s my photograph of a cheeseburger. And yes I ate it. Can you guess where it’s from? 🤔 Check out more of my food photography (and more!) over at http://SecondFocus.com You will find more cheeseburgers too! Thanks!
National Guacamole Day!
**Happy National Guacamole Day!**
September 16th celebrate this delicious Mexican creation with my vibrant guacamole-inspired artwork! Featuring the rich colors and textures of creamy avocado, tomato, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime, this rotating view honors the roots of guacamole while bringing its flavors to life in a fun tribute to the timeless Mexican dish. See my Food Photography, videos and so more, much better seen, on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
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