Pumpkin orange photography and styling challenge October
What is autumn for you? Do you huddle indoors, afraid to go in the dark windy wetness? Or do you embrace the autumn season in all it’s glory? As I am sure I have said many times before, I love the beginning of each new season and even though autumn means shorter days, longer nights, trying to shoot your meal in semi darkness and lots and lots of rain (Where is that actually different from our summer I wonder?) I still love it.
Right now we still have some light left. Darkness here sets in around 6.30 pm at the moment but it is going down fast. And pretty soon we will be going to wintertime meaning it will be seriously dark late afternoon very soon. That’s my least favorite part of autumn!
But over to the topic of today; our photography challenge, which – you guessed it – has everything to do with autumn. I kind of liked the color theme we had last time with the white and the entries that have come in just blew me away. So beautiful! So what color does autumn belong to? To me autumn is orange and then orange is the color of pumpkins!
So our new theme for the month of October is twofold. Pumpkins and orange. What I want you to do is to create a dish that features pumpkin (or carrots if you don’t like pumpkin) and that uses as a dominant color; orange.
The most important part is that is has to be one of those images where you know immediately that it is an autumn image. It needs to be obvious and it needs to be orange. Additional colors are ofcourse allowed otherwise we’ll all be color blind by the end of the month, but you get the idea I am sure. Apart from the pumpkin dish that I made I am also giving you a couple of autumn examples where orange is the main featured color. Just for inspiration and to get you going. You can find those as before on the pintrest board for the October challenge here
And to give a few tips to watch out for when shooting with orange:
- Orange is not an easy color to pair. So be careful when picking your secondary colors in your setup. Warm tones go well with autumn; browns and beiges, but you still want the image to pop. Don’t make it too boring!
- Autumn for me can do with some heavier shadows then normal. If your style is normally very light and airy; try to make it dark and moody, as long as you include pumpkin and orange…
- White balance tends to get a bit of track when shooting a lot of brown and orange colors together in a scene. Be careful that you correct those either by usual your manual white balance setting or by correcting it in software such as lightroom later. Only do this when you shoot in raw though!
- Pintrest inspiration board can be found here
Before and after editing the photo in Lightroom. This is a raw image so some editing is always needed. As you can see the color is a bit too cool on the left image, it lacks contrast and punch. So in the right image it is cropped a bit, contrast is adjusted and white balanced corrected.
Picture of my setup when shooting the pumpkin
And then the rules:
THEME FOR OCTOBER ; PUMPKIN ORANGE
- Create a setting which shows of orange as the dominant color and uses pumpkin. If you do not have pumpkin this time of year where you live you can use another orange food (carrots for instance). Create an autumn atmosphere with your photo/styling. Check out the examples in this inspiration board here. ( I might more examples during the month) I realize that there are parts of the world where it is never autumn or where it is now spring instead of autumn, but everyone knows (more or less) what autumn should look like, right? So use your imagination. I often have to shoot Christmas scenes in blisteringly hot weather when everyone is lying in bikini on the beach!
- Use whatever props you have at your disposal
- Pick whatever recipe you think will work with this theme as long as it uses pumpkin or another orange food.
- Post before the deadline of October 31st
- Enter your link through the Linky Tool shown below and make sure to link back to this post in your blog entry
- If you do not have a blog you can still enter your photo for the challenge, as long as you make sure we can view your photo online somewhere
- Once you have entered please send me an email at
Junglefrog with the name of your blog, your own name, the link to your post and your entry photo in the size of 500 px wide max. - Entries must be made specifically for this challenge
Our judging panel consists of the lovely and talented ladies mentioned below and we will do our very best to post the end result of the challenge the first or second of the next month. No guarantees though!
Meeta from What’s for lunch Honey
Jenn from Jenncuisine
Kay from kayotickitchen
Roasted pumpkin with cream, parmesan and thyme
Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 55 mins
I made this roasted (and delicious!) pumpkin with a smaller sized one. It weighed roughly half of the size mentioned in the recipe but it still need a good 1 hr and 15 minutes to roast and even then the sides were cooked but the bottom not entirely.
Ingredients:
- 1½ kg pumpkins
- 300ml pot double cream
- 150ml milk
- 3 garlic cloves , crushed
- 2 tsp thyme leaves
- 85g grated Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
Directions:
- Heat oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2. Cut lid off pumpkin and scoop out seeds and strands. Put the pumpkin on a baking tray. Meanwhile, heat the cream, milk, garlic and most of the thyme, with plenty of seasoning. When hot, pour into the pumpkin and stir in 50g of the Parmesan. Put on the lid.
- Bake for 1½ hrs, take from the oven, then turn up the heat to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Remove the lid, sprinkle with pepper and the rest of the cheese, then bake for 15 mins more until golden. Scatter over the remaining thyme leaves. Scoop the pumpkin flesh into bowls with the cheesy cream and serve with crusty bread as a starter.
Recipe from BBC Good Food
Appetizer
Asian
Bread
Breakfast
Desserts & other sweets
Healthy
Gorgeous Simone! I am so tempted to try this one but
this is not my area of expertise at all. I will live vicariously through
all your gorgeous entries. I do love pumpkin though xx
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 09:29
Thanks Mona! Even if you don’t take part you can still enjoy this delicious roasted pumpkin. Not very light, but it is quite good..
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Looking forward to participate again! And thanks for the tips and tricks, that’s really helpful to get started!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 09:29
Can’t wait to see what you come up with Klaartje!
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Interesting but its going to be quite a challenge I think.
We don’t have autmn in India, so its just going to be about orange for me….
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 09:30
Yes I realize it is not autumn everywhere in the world but orange and the use of carrots for instance is fine too! Hope you will participate again Aparna!
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I also love the different season, but when it get really dark early then I don’t like , but then ofcourse we make it ourself cosy inside with cnadles etc…minus poin I will have no lights to take pictures of the dishes.
We love pumpkin soup so i think i will make soup and tke part, but i will be checking the link you gave for inspiration.
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 09:31
Yes early darkness is an issue in the autumn and winter season and I agree that the fact that it gets dark early is a bit of a challenge but still… it does have it’s plus sides too..
Can’t wait to see what you make Finla!
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A wonderful challenge! I’m sure the roundup will be amazing.
cheers,
Rosa
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 22:38
I think so too Rosa. can’t wait to see all the entries!
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We don’t have autumn here only one season all year round. At least I’m happy I’ve learned something new from you.
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 16:23
O but you can still recreate an autumn feeling Ann. I sometimes have to shoot wintery scenes in the middle of the summer so I would just say; that’s even more of a challenge!
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Good one and don’t you love how this Autumn color palate has become just about universal in October. I have my house oranged up quite a bit, so I look forward to this challenge. Now just need a recipe!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 16:24
I love autumn. it’s so beautiful outside at the moment. Not looking forward to the moment when all the leaves are gone but for now it’s nice and colorful!
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Dear Simone,
These are great tips and the props made the pumpkin look as though it’s in the middle of a beautiful autumn garden!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 22:39
Thanks so much! Yes, that was the look I was going for..
Mission accomplished!
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OMG!! Simone, the first photo is just ethereal!! And I that it was an outdoor shoot till I saw the set up on the table!! Where did you get the turf??
I am going to see if I can contribute to this month.. Love the theme! And Orange (and Fall) is my favorite color!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 22:40
Haha… Looks can be deceiving right? I got the turf from the gardencenter! They had an autumn setup with pumpkins and this fresh turf… It probably won’t last long even though it is a bit dried… I so hope you will contribute! Would be fun!
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Great Fall shots, Simone! I also love, love your tasty recipe! Looks freaking delicious too!
I hope to see what other blog people come up with.
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 22:41
Thanks so much Sophie! And yes the recipe is absolutely worth it! Delicious!
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Wow! My first reaction when I read this challenge was something like “äääh… ohhh…. nooo….oh no no..” A very tricky (and therefore also great) challenge you have chosen, Simone! Maybe you should start also a parallel challenge like “guess the theme of my next challenge.”… hahaha… I guess that this would be similair tricky
Anyway, after I even found a pumpkin recipe in my mums collection my plan is to participate also this time 
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 22:43
Hahaha… Well that’s gonna be an interesting challenge Eva… The thing is I already know what the next challenges are gonna be all the way up to May of next year… Just so I can give my self enough time to find a recipe and think about styling and all that kind of stuff..
And that’s the fun part for me too and then waiting and seeing how everyone likes the challenge and what they make out of it! Love that! And I am sure you’re gonna be fine with this challenge, so look forward to seeing the entry Eva!
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Well this looks absolutely exquisite
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And I think I will have a go at the challenge too!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 5th, 2012 at 00:02
Thanks Hamilton! I hope you do!
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Tempting recipe, great presentation and lots of tips. Thanks!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 5th, 2012 at 00:02
Thanks so much Joan!
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I love looking at everyone’s photography set up. Your’s makes me very jealous
I need a bigger house haha!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 5th, 2012 at 00:03
O but I have a normal house Nic and you don’t really need that much space.
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Love it!!
Your autumn set is so gorgeous
I’ll try to make something for the October’s challenge.
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 5th, 2012 at 00:04
Thanks Sandra. I hope you do too! Would love to see what you make!
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Sandra — October 22nd, 2012 at 15:22
Hi Simone
are almost ready. Today I prepared the recipe!
I hope that my set is pretty orange.
Sandra — October 22nd, 2012 at 15:25
I’m almost ready, sorry!
Sandra — October 25th, 2012 at 19:03
I have a problem with photo
Simone,
I don’t know whether I should grab my kitchen gear or my photo gear first! The recipe you posted looks too yummy and makes me actually “want” cold days!
I’m looking forward to this project – just the fun of looking into different dishes is part of the fun, THEN you get to make (and eat it), albeit, better to shoot it first!
Cheers and thanks also for the great photo tips.
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Gorgeous! I opened up the post and was blown away by your photo! And I don’t have to say that it screams Autumn! Stunning. And I love love love when you show us the set up from a distance. That so helps people like me (and Mona ha ha) who are not stylists or photographers. Oooh and now I want to play. I absolutely love autumn, love the blustery chilly weather. I find it wonderful and romantic and I am excited that autumn fruits and veg are starting to show up on the market. Love your soup. I need to make pumpkin soup again.
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 7th, 2012 at 10:45
I love autumn too Jamie… I love that crispness in the air when it’s nice and sunny outside. A little but chilly but just perfect for a lovely walk…. Would love it if you have the time to participate! Tough I can certainly understand it if you don’t !
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A great theme for a challenge! I love every shade of orange and I hope, I will find the time to take part in your challenge. There is a little sweet orange recipe in my mind
Simone, awesome orange pictures and a nice “making of” shot!
Hugs, Sandy
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 7th, 2012 at 10:46
Thanks so much Sandy! Yes I hope you have the chance to participate again!! Would love see the results!
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I’ve started looking at recipes for this challenge — would any orange coloured food be accepted, or do you prefer pumpkins? I was thinking about sweet potatoes….? Please just let me know and I’ll hone my tastebuds and lens!
Bon weekend : )
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 7th, 2012 at 10:35
He Andree! It’s fine to use any other orange colored food if you prefer. The dominant theme is orange so as long as its that, it’s all good!
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I am looking forward to this one! Orange is such an energetic colour and one of favourite colours. The soup looks lovely!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 13th, 2012 at 09:50
Great Harini! Can’t wait to see what you make!
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Aaah! Now I am not going to miss this one for sure
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 8th, 2012 at 07:59
Great Grishma! Looking forward to seeing your entry..
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I noticed this post, and got excited, I really want to try to participate. I try not to commit much to things with my crazy schedule, but can say I will for sure try to be a part of the fun! Gorgeous pictures, Hugs, Terra
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 8th, 2012 at 07:59
It’s always dangerous committing to certain blog events and I’ve made the mistake thinking I had time only to be sadly mistaken but I sure hope you’ll manage Terra! Would be fun!
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I am going to do my best to enter! Love your beautiful photography and the pumpkin recipe looks so delicious!
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 13th, 2012 at 09:50
It is quite delicious Moya. Ofcourse you don’t need to make this recipe but it is for sure worth it!
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What a great challenge you came up with. Think I will have my husband grab his camera and will brainstorm a bit for a delish recipe to get to action. Love your ideas!!
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Hi Simone,
I’ve seen a lot of your challenges on fellow blogger friend’s posts and I’ve always thought I should give it a try, mayb this time hopefully.
And I definitely wanted atleast one autumn based post on my blog, so I guess your challenge would help me add my autumn post as well take part in your challenge…
Loved the color combo and concept! Can’t wait to see the otehr entries.
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Good theme, Simone! Just linked my post to this one. It was good that Mr.P brought pumpkins from his villages and some beautiful wood p ieces he found at a farm.:)
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Good theme, Simone! Just linked my post to this one. It was good that Mr.P brought pumpkins from his villages and some beautiful wood p ieces he found at a farm.:)
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Simone (junglefrog) — October 29th, 2012 at 09:00
Fabulous Harini! Gonna check out your post!!
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What a lovely roundup …. did so many orange oriented posts at my blog but somehow jus missed to link here
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