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An Overwhelming amount of Cinco de Mayo Recipes.
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Sooo…
Can we just talk about real life here for second?
Nothing sugar-coated, just truly what’s going on in my head.
When I started this blog I always said I would never be a real  “photographer”. I just figured I would probably never be any good at it, or for that matter even like it. But the thing is, I have fallen in love with food photography.
The problem? ME!
Like most people, I am my hardest critic. Like beat it down, till I just can’t beat it anymore, but it is only because I truly just want to be the best I can be. With my photos I am always looking to improve them. The thing is? No matter what I do, it’s never good enough for me.
And before I ramble on anymore, I am not writing all this because I want you all to leave nice comments and make me feel more confident. Actually I try to avoid writing posts like this because, while I do LOVE the nice comments (they mean the world to me) they also make me a little embarrassed because well, I am me and I am totally shy and awkward. It’s been this way my entire twenty years.
So basically, don’t feel sorry for me, or even like you have to say anything.
I decided to write about this today because I think it is something a lot of people can relate to. The whole “I am never good enough, someone is always better” thing.
For me, the photos are something I struggle with daily. While I am absolutely in love with photography and growing in my knowledge, it’s my self-doubt, second guessing, over thinking and overly critical mind that I absolutely hate. Some days I end the day and I am beyond excited about what I just created. Other days, I am beyond bummed and a re-shoot is in order because I am a total perfectionist when it comes to anything involving this site.
That was yesterday for me, which is why you are hearing about it today. I just needed a good vent and to let you all know that even though the perfect picture can sometimes get painted, it is only temporary. Â Around here, nothing is perfect. Far from it actually.
But on to these bowls, because THEY are close to perfect. I may not love the photos, but I love the food and that should be what matters most anyway. I mean, this is a food blog after all.
These bowls are heavy on the tropical Mexican flavors and YOU GUYS? They are so good, super healthy and the best dinner. I served these to my Dad and we both loved them. The salsa makes the dish.
Oh and the colors. It’s like a fiesta!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
And Thursday just seemed like a great day to break out those vibrant fiesta colors!
These sound really amazing and u would love to try them. But I am allergic to coconut. Do you know what I could sub for the coconut you used in the recipe? I’m dying to try these.
Hey Drew, just leave the coconut out and sub water. No big deal!
Hope you love this!
I can completely relate to this post! I am truly my toughest critic. And we all want our photos to be stunning and perfect, but honestly, perfection doesn’t exist! Just rest assured sweet girl, that your photos are stunning. Like Every. Single. Time!! 🙂 And love this dish, it’s like a tropical party for your mouth! Love it!
It truly does not! Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Jocelyn!
These taste absolutely fabulous! Thanks for your recipes.
So happy you loved this! Thanks!
This bowl is the exact meal I want to eat every single day. Fresh and tasty salsa with fish and flavorful rice? You sing to my soul!
P.S. Your photos are beautiful. Never doubt yourself. You’ve got this, girl!
Thanks Julia!! Have a great Cinco de Mayo tomorrow!
These look so delightful!
Thanks so much!
Ughh, I do the exact same thing and somethings after a photo shoot, I can’t sleep because I’m thinking about how I need to re-shoot it again the next day and change some things around. As annoying as it is, I think it makes us better food photographers! I recently found your site and have been coming back because not only do the recipes sound great, but the pictures also look amazing 🙂 Also, how did you know that I am obsessed with burrito bowls and have been looking for some creative ways to change them up?!
Thanks so much! We sound very similar!
I wake up every morning, grab a cup of coffee and look up your blog to see what yummy things you have posted. Your photography is amazing so much so that I make a lot of your recipes. I made this last night for dinner and it was so good. The prep was easy and your marinades are fantastic. The only change I made was I only used 1/2 a chipotle in the marinade, other than that I kept everything the same.
Leftovers will be for lunch today…YEA!
THANK YOU!! This comments means so much, Laura! So excited you loved this!
First up? Your photography. It’s amazing, particularly as I’m guessing that you’re mostly self-taught!! The composition, use of props, definitely magazine worthy in my opinion. As for me? I used to be a perfectionist but then I realized how much of a negative impact it was having upon my mental health and self-esteem. So I’ve worked my ass off to try and ‘reform myself’… with varying degrees of success. Yep, I still overly criticize myself at times but I’ve also learned that ‘good enough’ can be a beautifully liberating thing. So have confidence in your abilities, you’re naturally going to keep improving as time goes on. You have heaps of time to have FUN with food photography. You’re naturally talented and that’s a great place to start! Anyway, back to these amazing burrito bowls. No idea why I never thought of cooking burrito tortillas like that before, it’s a fantastic idea! Definitely going to put this on my dinner list for next week. P.S you are AMAZING xx
Thank you so much for the ecouraging and kind comment!! I need to take your advice!!
Thanks again!
Ok, well here’s the part where I’m not going to listen to you and tell you how good of a photographer you are. Seriously!!! Your photos are amazing Tieghan. They are so vibrant and sharp, and your composition is so great. I think being a perfectionist can sometimes be a good thing (I consider myself one too for the most part–and I hated my photos today, for example), but just stop every once and a while and remember how talented you are!
You are the sweetest!! Thank you!! And do not doubt you self for a second. I envy your gorgeous photos!! The colors, the clarity and the styling is alway spot on. Todays photos included (or Thursdays!)!
Your photo’s helped me find your site. I was looking for pita bread pictures (for my personal recipe collection) and stumbled on a photo with a beautiful blue background and a recipe with perfect proportions of ingredients. So I ditched my previous recipe and used yours. All thanks to the photo.
In my experience it’s the self doubt and the need for perfection that drives your creativity. Otherwise you’d do the same thing over and over. We don’t see the sweat and effort you put into your blog because it looks effortless. But it’s appreciated Tieghan : )
Thank you so much for this sweet comment, Kat! It is totally making my night! So happy you love my photos and the recipes! THANK YOU!
Can you come make me dinner? 😉
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Haha! I wish i could! 🙂
Thanks!
Oh my god you’re only 20? Jealous 🙂 You’re photos are by far the most inspiring of all the food blogs I visit!!! I aspire to create photos as alluring, teasing, tempting as yours…I don’t usually comment and I wouldn’t if I didn’t mean it. I wish I had half of your skill!
Aww! Thank you so much! That means a lot!
Tieghan, yes, we are our own worst critics, but girl, your photography is top notch. I’ve watched it get better with every post. Keep moving forward you’re doing a great job!
Thank you so much, Norma! Have a great weekend!
Your photos are beautiful. And this dish, must have it!
This recipe looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it! Mahi mahi is divine and I’m always looking for new ways to make it. I love your blog and can totally relate to what you said..haha It’s a struggle. Keep up the great work!!.. You are my good blogging hero/inspiration!
Aww! Thank you so much, becca!!