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To my family and friends,

Remember the last time that you ate with me? Do you remember that feeling of excitement at seeing your long awaited entree finally come out? Do you remember me pulling out my phone to your dismay and requesting that you wait and "let me take a picture"? Do you remember feeling annoyed during the next 30 seconds at not being able to eat right away and expressing that annoyance through either your countenance or an impatient remark?

I must apologize if my actions caused you any inconvenience in that moment. Maybe if I explained why I take pictures of the food that I eat with people and posted them on my food blog, you would be more forgiving.

First, I take pictures for my food blog because I can express myself through them.

My blog is a space where I can freely share my experiences and the food that I find appealing. Over time, I have found certain angles of taking pictures, filters, and formats of captions that I like. The visual collection of pictures according to these specific details creates a theme that has become my aesthetic. Food aesthetic is an art of my own creation that brings me joy.

I also I take pictures for my food blog so that I can share it with others who are not physically present with me.

Just in case there's ever someone who couldn't be there with us that day, I share pictures so that they can enjoy our experience too. Through the instantaneous sharing and response that is made possible through social media, I feel like people who are physically far from me aren't missing parts of my life anymore. They're only a picture away. In this way, they can keep up with the events and activities in my life.

Lastly, I take pictures for my food blog so that I can participate in a community.

Actively creating content in the food community allows for me to build relationships. Through the use of hashtags and location services, I can connect with people in the area with the same interests as me. These interactions can lead to real life connections in the form of food conferences and social gatherings. Through these connections, I may learn of discounted rates or promotions that would benefit us both because I would share them with you.

The next time you feel that wave of irritation wash over you when I ask you to restrain yourself from sticking your fork into the dish for 30 seconds so that I can first take a picture of our food, please allow me to take that picture and enjoy all the rewards that come from doing so. I would be so grateful to you.

Sincerely,

A Food Blogger