Mieko Horikoshi

It's summer in Hawai'i, too! You might think it's always "Summer" in Hawai'i. However, we do have seasons. From April to October, we have an ample amount of sunshine and see the colors burst in nature. It's a joyful time. I went to the farmer's market especially to get some inspiration to create a seasonal image for Foodelia Award. The cutest things I could find were these three. Miniature pineapple, local citrus, and delicious Mango. I wanted to re-create the feeling of the 60s-70s in this image by choosing this color palette.

I love dark chocolate. I wanted to approach the minimalist style to bring the viewer's focus to the subject, nothing else. I used mostly natural light from the left and added a slight fill light for the face of the chocolate to show off the texture. I intentionally left a bit of chocolate on the negative space. Don't you thin, it gives you a space to think deeper about the chocolate? It's a little bit of Wabi-Sabi. Ha, I'm always a Japanese even living in the US for 25 years. Thank you, Foodelia for another award.

It looks simple, yet the chef of Ka'ana Kitchen had orchestrated to create this dish like a maestro. My job was to find the perfect lighting on the location, make sure every ingredient look at the top and shoot. My Kudo's to Ka'anakitchen of Andaz at Wailea on the island of Maui.

What I love about being a food photographer is the inspiration I receive from food artists. This shot was created at the Rock Salt Restaurant of Sheraton Resort and Spa in Maui. They were renovating the looks of the restaurant as well as the menu. The flavor of fruits gets enhanced by dehydration. They crafted this libation from dehydrated fruits and fine vodka. It was served in the giant wine glass. Fun to share. Cheers!

Tea Time with Fresh Berry Parfait. Washing vegetables and fruits is one of my favorite parts of cooking. While I do so, I get inspirations of how I would like to present them. This Fresh Berry Parfait has a vanilla cake inside layered with whip cream. I am getting hungry!

My morning ritual. Chia seeds with coconuts water, any fruits i have in my kitchen, some crushed nuts and seeds, yogurt, and granola. Simple is the best.

Special thanks to Banyan Tree Restaurant at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. First class hotel has first class restaurant. They have a tranquil view. It’s a quiet restaurant to enjoy the really good food.

There is an Italian Restaurant on a quiet resort, Kapalua, far west side of the island of Maui. Talented Chef orchestrate his kitchen to serve authentic Italian Food. House-made pasta is cooked perfectly cooked in al dente. From homy meat balls to tiramisu, you will be surprised to enjoy the true Italian taste on this small tropical island. Italian food to me is something very noisy, and alive. It is not the kind of food to eat quietly. It is loud and exposed. I wanted to express that energy in this photograph.

There is a restaurant by the sea. The host will take you up to the big roof top seating with shade. Your heart palpitate with excitement and expectations. You are sitting on the pillow filled sofa with your loved one and looking at each others eyes. Just right amount of trade wind coming down from the valley will cool your face and sway your hair. Friendly server, adventurous mixologist and skilled chef will amaze your every senses when you come to this restaurant. The image was shot for Globe-Trotter Travel Guide Book at Fleetwood’s on Front Street

Come on every fruits! You are going to represent the harvests of the island! Wash up well! The chef will make you look good! Smile on your face and Cheese! (Even you are not the milk products…) The image was shot for Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine at Banyan Tree Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.