Who is behind Starting to Cook?

My name is Matt Antonino – I’m your host, photographer and the writer of Starting to Cook. Let me tell you a little bit about me. I’m a full time pro photographer. In the past I’ve focused almost exclusively on people photography – weddings, portraits, models for commercial & stock photography, etc. I’ve shot families, babies, newborn, maternity, high school seniors and many models of all ages. I have owned my own business for 8 years and have had 6 total photographers working for my business.

Before photography I graduated law school from Syracuse University in 2002 and spent a year in Seoul, South Korea after that. I’ve traveled to China, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Canada and of course, Korea. Two things you should know about me: I type about 140 wpm so I type a lot and I read just as quickly – about 2 pages per minute of a typical novel.

Why “Starting to Cook”?

My food adventure probably started with weddings. About a year ago I realized I really love food photography but I really don’t know what changed. No one food photo flipped a switch but if one did, it was this cake photo I shot at a wedding a few years ago.

My food blog is called Starting to Cook because that is where I stand today. One year ago I couldn’t tell you braising from a brisket. My food life could easily be described as “college guy food.” Frozen food, mac & cheese, Ramen, frozen burgers on the Foreman and the most extensive meal I made would have been stir fry. Starting to Cook?? Yes, yes I am!

In the last year I’ve cooked a lot better but also I’m learning first. I did my homework, started to read food books, blogs and watch food shows. My meals are not *all* culinary wonders but I’ve eaten more good food in the last 3 months than my whole adult life combined. So yes, I’ve now made sauteed chicken and broccoli over penne, chicken tetrazinni and homemade bread. I’ve made my own bacon wrapped scallops and even thrown a simple dinner party from appetizers to dessert.