On Artful Living is a reflective space where I, Carmina, a photographer and creative entrepreneur share my journey through slow living, quiet inspiration, and the art found in everyday moments. From moody landscapes and food styling to heartfelt reflections on identity, burnout, and reclaiming joy, this blog offers a glimpse into a life shaped by creativity, resilience, and gentle magic.
Building better portfolios with spec work: my Winter Baking & Doves Farm case studies
This winter, I found myself craving a slower kind of creativity… the kind that comes from shooting purely for myself. No brief, no client direction, just an idea, a warm kitchen, and a blood orange cake fresh out of the oven.
That small moment turned into two full case studies: a soft, candlelit still life and a baking story featuring Doves Farm flour. Together, they show why I love spec work so much: because it lets me experiment, refine my style, and create the kind of imagery I want to be hired for.
If you’re curious about how these shoots came together (and why photographers should make space for spec work), you can read the full story below.
A day of impulsive creativity
“A slice of wild berry cake on an elegant, vintage style plate, showcasing the rich, purple and mauve layers of berry compote and cream… the abundance of wild berry fruit in various stages of ripeness, delicate berry blossoms, scattered flower petals and wild flowers create a whimsical, nature-inspired setting that reflects the atmosphere of a late summer evening feast.”
It’s hard to describe these images without tapping into my long-abandoned passion for creative writing. There’s so much poetry in the subtle light, the contrast, the rich colors… I hope these images resonate with you, and inspire you to create.