Behind the Scenes at Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine

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By Elizabeth Taliaferro

We have an amazing staff here at Cooking with Paula Deen. And their talents are clear to see in the pages of the magazine, especially the pictures. (By the way, it’s easy to get a free trial issue. Visit cookingwithpauladeen.com.)

When it comes to photography, our work begins in a meeting of creative minds that includes art directors, editors, stylists (for both food and props), and photographers. The team discusses the message and visual concept we are after. The magazine page above is a good example. It’s the Hey Y’all page for our May/June issue where Paula shares with readers what’s in store in the issue. (It’s on newsstands now.) This particular issue is full of recipes that make the most of early-summer produce. Visually, we knew we wanted to photograph Paula where she was most comfortable and in a place she loves to be—the kitchen.

The logical location for this shoot was in her home. Art directors shared example images. Color palettes, clothing, and props were discussed until the vision was clear. At this point, editors prepared a list of desired shots, stylists began the search for ideal props, and art directors prepared templates. When the day arrived, we focused on executing the plan—and hoped that all the uncontrollable factors would be in our favor. And in this case, they were. Above is a pic of our team in action.

By the way, have you ever wondered whether the food in our pictures is real? You bet it is! Of course, our stylists are skilled, talented, and know the tricks of the trade to present food at its best. But I can assure you, every morsel is real and real good!

Heather Martin Jeffcoat recalls an early love of being in the kitchen. It developed from the days of being beside her Grandmother Louise as she cooked for everyone who visited her small-town Alabama home as well as time spent baking with her mother, a Michigan native transplanted to the South after marriage. To this day her mother combines the best of Northern and Southern fare. Heather now spends every spare moment in the kitchen. It’s a way for her to relax and enjoy time with her husband, son, and daughter, who often participate in cooking meals at their home. A love of writing steered Heather into journalism school and then into publishing. After several years working in print and online media, she began freelancing for Cooking With Paula Deen magazine, and she was recently tapped to join the staff full time as the managing editor. She has come to realize that her childhood memories cooking in her grandmother’s and mother’s kitchens, full of love and hospitality, have given her the best education she could have asked for.

Read More From Blogs.

Read More From Heather Martin Jeffcoat.

Reader Comments:

OH BOY!! Dear Paula, I think you are a beautiful lady and you have 2 handsome sons, and love your recipes, but why is it that every time you or your boys use a spoon to taste something you put it back in the pan or pot??????? This is my only concern, because a good cook will NEVER!!!!! DO SUCH THING and I think to myself, do the cooks do that at your restaurant??? I do not believe that is healthy and I don't feel it looks appetizing on T.V. I am so sorry to bring this up, but even my friends have mention this to me.. perhaps you can stop the double spooning? maybe? I know every single chef who teaches cooking, this is the first thing they tell their students... Soooo sorry for my observation, honest to God I don't mean any harm to you... Love your show otherwise....

By bellamonalisa on June 13, 2012

paula, we grew up in albany just down the street from each other on whitney. i am your age so please stop smoking. i have smoked for 49 yrs and was diagnosed with a cancer on my right kidney in january of this year. i quit smoking the day before my surgery. it has been hard but i hope i have added a few years to my life. if i can do it, i KNOW you can!!!

By kaye taylot on June 08, 2012

Hi Paula, I love your show, but I just heard something disturbing about you and I cant get it off my mind. If you are a 2 pack a day smoker, than I think you should be real with your show and you should be cooking with a cigarette hanging out your mouth. That is the only way I vison you now. So Sad, but I love you, but I hate cigarettes. Please STOP Smoking DJ

By DJ on June 04, 2012

I just finished reading your book "It aint't all about the cooking" and really enjoyed it. Reading your book made me like you all the more, you are a dear, sweet lady so down to earth. Your recipes are awesome, your family amazing. "You've come a long way baby", keep up the good work. Keep enjoying life and keep the love comin through your recipes. My son's girlfriend is from Alabama, a sweet, beautiful, young Southern lady, blessed with southern charm and southern manners. I was born in Virginia but have lived all my life in Illinois. TJM

By Terry Jean on May 31, 2012

Dear Sweet Lady, You are my all time favorite Chef. I've tried a lot of your recipes and loved everyone. I really admire the relationship between you and Michael. Not many real and true love stories out there today, good to know that it's still that way between some folks. I want to personally congradulate you on all you have accomplished thru your life. I admire you. Sure hope you have a great day.... Thank you for reading.....Sincerely...Yvonne Taylor

By Yvonne on May 22, 2012

I just love your recipes you are from the deep South Atlanta, Ga. I recently saw you on episode of" Who do you Think You Are" I loved, I'd love to trace my ancestors on my Daddy's side " Bell" We're fromTennesee, and I have always wanted to trace my heritage but due to finances I have had the money to do. I'd just wanted to write you and tell you that I think you are amazing and wonderful and maybe one of these days we can meet, You never know and as you would see y'all Love and Blessings, Liza j. bell from Radford, Va,Thank you and take care and keep on cooking !

By liza Bell on May 22, 2012

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Behind the Scenes at Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine

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