NEW YORK — Dietitians, interns and food bloggers from the metropolitan New York area learned to master food photography on their smart phones at the Create the Visual “Wow” In Your Social Media workshops Jun 21, 2018. New York Beef Council partnered with Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group (NEDPG) and noted photojournalist Kita Roberts to help dietitians create engaging visual nutrition communications in social media.
Twenty-seven RDs, interns and bloggers attended the two workshops. The morning workshop was held at Lehman College Nutrition Department for dietetic interns and Internship Director. The evening workshop was held at Elliott’s restaurant in Long Island and attended by RDs and bloggers. Cindy Chan Phillips, RD, Director of Nutrition Education of New York Beef Council, gave a brief update on beef nutrition. Using a juicy Strip Steak entrée as the prop, Roberts shared unique tips on taking captivating meat photos.
The attendees practiced with their own burger entrées and received personalized coaching from Roberts, learning the importance of natural lighting, cropping and proper settings on the cell phones. Attendees also learned how to “tell a story” with the food photos. Many shared spontaneous posts on Instagram using the hashtag #beeftogether.
Survey responses to the event were very encouraging, said Phillips. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best, 100 percent of attendees rated the event a 4 or 5. Over 65 percent said they will more likely recommend beef as a source of protein, and 80 percent said their knowledge about beef nutrition in heart health has improved.
“Capturing the beauty of what’s on our plates has become as integral component of building a business as a Nutrition Entrepreneur. Kita’s guidance proved invaluable to RD and influencer participants alike,” said Nicole Rodriguez, RD, founder of the Enjoyfoodenjoylife blog, Social Media Chair of NEDPG and recent Top of the Class MBA (Masters of Beef Advocacy) Graduate.
“I learned about how the beef council is trying to make people aware of healthy choices,” one attendee commented.
“Nutrition communication is getting to be more visual,” said Phillips. “RDs strengthen their brands with these skills, and their clients benefit from the engagement. The networking is so fun! I am glad NYBC can play a role.”
Phillips’ work with the New York Beef Council is financially supported by the Kansas and Nebraska Beef Councils.
For more information on the event or beef nutrition outreach, contact Cindy Chan Phillips, RD, cphillips@nybeef.org.
–New York Beef Council