We recently challenged Ryerson University photography students to get their hands dirty and bring to life the spirit of Mother Raw through images. The results? RAWesome. There were three winners, but if we’re being honest, it took our team hours to decide because they were all so amazing.
Check out some of the unique images that were captured by these talented students!
Winner: Nicole Landry
The winner of our contest, Nicole, took an original approach to shooting the Mother Raw products. We were thoroughly impressed by her diverse range of images- her photos look like they belong on a billboard!
How did you get started in photography?
Although I started taking photos in high school for the yearbook club, it wasn’t until my second year at Ryerson that I really fell in love with photography after bringing my camera with me on a trip to Allan Gardens Conservatory. I became fascinated by all the different plant species and the ways in which I could photograph them and soon branched out to shooting fauna and landscapes.
What was your inspiration for these shots?
For these shots I was inspired by the natural goodness of Mother Raw’s products. I tried to incorporate earthy tones or colourful natural foods into each of the shots.
Which of the Mother Raw products you received was your favorite and why?
My favorite product was the organic ketchup - I found it to be a lot more flavorful than traditional ketchup and will definitely be looking out for it in stores!
Check out more of Nicole’s photography!
Instagram: @nlandrymedia
2nd Place: Sydney Ma
Sydney showcased Mother Raw in a natural and beautiful scene that allowed the products to shine. The use of shadows and elements from nature were extremely eye-catching, and we believe these images captured the essence of Mother Raw!
How did you get started in photography?
My interest in photography began unexpectedly while I was working for RU Eats at Ryerson University as a Social Media Coordinator. Photographing campus menu offerings helped me to get acquainted with food photography which was something I had never done before.
What was your inspiration for these shots?
I wanted to capture these products in a way that shows them being utilized in a familiar setting where most people are able to relate to. I also wanted to highlight the outdoors and nature which speaks to the brand name, thus the table setup outside made sense to me.
Which of the Mother Raw products you received was your favorite and why?
The Japanese salad dressing is definitely my favorite! It compliments so many vegetables and does not mask the taste of the original vegetable.
Check out more of Sydney’s photography!
Instagram: @sydneyxym
3rd Place: Jared Brookes
Jared had an artistic take to shoot the products against the backdrop of a canvas and easel. We love that he brought to life the idea that plants are your blank canvas to fill, with the help of Mother Raw! He really put Mother Raw into Mother Nature in an out-of-the-box fashion.
How did you get started in photography?
I got a point and shoot Sony camera for my Grade 8 graduation trip to Quebec City. It was the first time I had shot in volume for both photos and videos. The following summer, I was fortunate enough to travel to Europe for the first time: Paris for 2 weeks, and Alessandria, Venice, and Verona for 1 week. That trip was when I fell in love with photography, in the first week I had managed to fill my 32gb SD. It wasn't until I returned home that I became frustrated at my photos, they didn't capture the emotion and feelings I wanted them to. That Christmas I got my first DSLR and I haven't looked back- I've had a camera attached to my hand ever since.
What was your inspiration for these shots?
I knew from the start that I wanted to go in a different direction with the shoot, I wanted to utilize elements not usually associated with food to tell a story. For the easel shots, I thought about the stigma around Vegan food and the idea that all Vegan food must be salads or greens. Mother Raw is a great example of the creativity in Vegan cooking and I thought the use of easel and palette really added an exciting element. With the garden shots, I thought that dirt would be the last place any mainstream food brand would place their products, but when the ingredients are all natural and from the earth, it just made sense in my brain. I wanted to make the statement that everything in these bottles can be grown in your backyard.
Which of the Mother Raw products you received was your favorite and why?
I really enjoyed the Goji Berry Vinaigrette & Marinade because it was something I had never tasted before. I initially picked it for that reason, the mystery around it, and it didn't disappoint. From a visual perspective, it has an enchanting colour and really adds a lot of life in both its presence on the plate and on your palette.
Check out more of Jared’s photography:
Instagram @momentsbyblue
Website www.lilbluesolutions.com
A huge congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to everyone who participated. Keep your eyes peeled for your photos on our Instagram and blog!
Stay RAWesome!