Photography by Ian L. Sitren

Posts tagged “secondfocus

Ruffles: The 2nd Most Popular Potato Chip—But Who’s #1?

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.)

🥔 See more of my food photography at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!


A Deli Icon for National Reuben Day and My St. Patrick’s Day Favorite

March 14 – National Reuben Sandwich Day

A true deli icon. My photograph of a Reuben sandwich—layered with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on crispy grilled rye. A sandwich with history, tracing its roots to early 20th-century America. Some say it was created in Omaha during a late-night poker game in the 1920s, while others credit Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City. Either way, it’s been a staple for over a century.

And with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, this is my way to enjoy corned beef, instead of corned beef and cabbage, which I don’t like a lot!

See more of my food photography and other intriguing photo projects at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!


Ruffles Have Ridges: A Crisp Drop for National Potato Chip Day

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!


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


Celebrating National Oreo Cookie Day: A Look at the World’s Best-Selling Cookie Through My Lens

It’s National Oreo Cookie Day! Since their debut in 1912, Oreo cookies have become the world’s best-selling cookie, with over 34 billion consumed annually across more than 100 countries. Originally created by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco), the first Oreos sold for just 25 cents a pound. From the classic chocolate and creme combo to countless limited-edition flavors, Oreos have cemented their place as a global snack icon.

My photograph captures a pile of these beloved cookies, showcasing their signature design and creamy filling against a deep black background. Explore more of my food photographs and other intriguing projects on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!


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!


M&M’s in Motion: A Study in Color & Texture

Some things are so familiar that we rarely stop to look at them differently. In my latest video, M&M’s take center stage—not as a snack, but as a mesmerizing display of motion and texture. Shot in close-up, the candy-coated chocolates rotate, filling the frame with an endless blur of color. With no background or outside context, the viewer is fully immersed in their movement.

The History Behind M&M’s

M&M’s were first introduced in 1941, designed specifically for U.S. soldiers in WWII who needed a chocolate treat that wouldn’t melt in their hands. The sugar shell coating solved that problem, making them a practical ration. In 1954, their branding became legendary with the introduction of the slogan: “Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.”

Over the decades, M&M’s evolved. The colors have changed (tan was replaced by blue in 1995 after a public vote), and flavors expanded beyond the classic milk chocolate. Today, Mars Inc. produces over 400 million M&M’s every single day.

Exploring Motion in Food Videography

This piece is an exercise in minimalism. By removing distractions, the focus remains solely on the candy’s glossy texture, uniform shape, and movement. The rotation creates an almost hypnotic effect—what is normally a static object becomes dynamic, alive.

Food photography often emphasizes stillness, but motion transforms perception. Whether it’s steam rising, a sauce dripping, or candies rotating, movement brings a new layer of engagement to an otherwise simple subject.

For more of my striking food photography and other visual work that challenges the expected, visit SecondFocus.com.

How does movement change the way we experience everyday objects? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.


National Pizza Day x Super Bowl Sunday—A Perfect Pairing 🍕🏈

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


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 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


30,000 People Per Month

Have you ever visited my website? https://www.secondfocus.com It is a site created on liveBooks which I subscribed to at least 20 years ago. liveBooks became the de facto standard for professional photography. I was one of the very first to use them. Likely now I am the longest running photographer on their huge platform. It is visited by some 30,000 people per month. I will be making some changes to it in the next few weeks to exhibit my new projects. But for now, take a look and Thank You! https://www.secondfocus.com