Project Requirements

For a GOYA TV commercial shoot featuring Huevos Rancheros, I faced the challenge of preparing the “perfect” Sunny-Side-Up under tight specifications of color, size, durability, and taste. The eggs had to be edible by the actors in the commercial. After each successive take, 1 to 3 plates had to be replaced. The eggs needed to have a bright yellow yolk and be firm enough to withstand the salsa topping. The yolks needed to be in the center of the eggs and the egg whites needed to be the right shape and color.

Challenges & Solutions

We needed to do a few test runs before filming. When trying to use large eggs, the yolks were too big in relation to the tortilla. Smaller eggs worked best. Some egg yolks were a pale yellow and had to be rejected. It was decided that the eggs could not be dropped onto the skillet straight from the shell. Each egg was cracked into a small cup; each cup of egg was gently slipped onto the skillet and the yolk was gently moved with a finger to center it within in the egg white.

Each egg was cooked one at a time in a small non-stick skillet. The fat that was used to cook the eggs was a critical factor. When using butter, eggs had a tendency to become too brown on the sides. When using oil, the egg whites developed small bubbles which stayed in the whites and looked like blemishes. A thin spray of nonstick cooking spray was just right. The eggs were cooked over medium-low heat (as opposed to medium-high which is how I do it at home). The skillet was covered with a lid for about 30 seconds towards the end just to set the yolk. 

Using organic farm-fresh eggs worked better as well. The fresher the eggs, the yellower the yolk. The whites of the sunny-side up eggs were trimmed to fit the size of the tortilla, without overpowering it. Nothing could touch the finished eggs (ie. plastic wrap) because it would stick and ruin the eggs.

Rest assured, there were enough eggs for the day of the project - a total of 120 eggs (12 dozen). The finished eggs were kept on flat trays ready to be placed on the cooked tortilla and topped with salsa, avocado, cheese and pepper. The eggs were spritzed with water occasionally to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.

VIEW GOYA COMMERCIAL

Project Requirements

Sabert wished to showcase plastic food containers having lock-proof seals. Their request was to fill a large commercial open-front refrigerator with approximately 40 containers filled with cut-up fruits and vegetables.

Challenge

In order to have the containers ready to photograph at 10 am the next morning, I filled each one with the cut-up fruits and vegetables then stored them in the refrigerator. Overnight, each container filled up with condensation which would have ruined the shoot.

Solution

We needed to restyle the food in new containers then had them sit at room temperature. Furthermore, the refrigerator could not be turned on, as this would have generated condensation. A special light had to be rigged so that it looked like the refrigerator was on.

Project Requirements

Nathan’s was introducing three new chicken sandwiches all with different toppings, cheese, condiments, etc. The ad called for these sandwiches to be grouped as a trio, featuring succulent chicken, melted cheese, juicy lettuce & tomato, and crisp bacon. 

Challenge

We needed to create composite photo of three image captures. The first photo needed to capture a beautiful milk pour. The second photo needed to highlight the milk droplets forming on the sides. Finally, the third photo needed to capture the bottom of the splash which comes up and around the pour. Many gallons of were used for this. Milk was everywhere!

Solution

The solution was to photograph one sandwich at a time. Perfecting the food elements on the first sandwich, then immediately taking photos. Then, it’s onto the second and third sandwiches in the same manner. Afterwards, the best photos of each sandwich are photoshopped together, each one in-focus and looking perfect!