Would you share a little about your professional background?
Ottilia Orenius
I’m a photographer and marketing professional with almost eight years of experience in the field. I studied fine arts for five years, and I’ve always been deeply passionate about food and storytelling. So food photography feels like the perfect way to combine both.
Julia Frantti
I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for about ten years. My experience ranges from being a chef and baker to working as a head chef, and I’ve completed four different degrees in the field. These days, my husband and I run our own restaurant, Vive, in Turku.
How did you came to the idea for this cookbook?
Ottilia Orenius
A few years ago, I met Julia and instantly knew I wanted to work with her someday. After some time passed, I reached out to her with the idea of creating a cookbook, and she was immediately on board. After just a few calls, our shared vision began to take shape. We both wanted to create something surreal and unique, and the Fun Dining theme felt like the perfect way to bring those ideas to life.
Julia Frantti
About two years ago, Ottilia and I started brainstorming the idea of a cookbook together. We wanted to combine both of our creative sides — the beautiful, visual photography and the delicious food. Our goal was to create something new for the world of cookbooks. A book that’s full of storytelling and strong visual expression.
What was the book’s concept and visual direction?
Ottilia Orenius
Once we decided on the Fun Dining theme, I knew I wanted to draw inspiration from stories and fairytales. Both of us love surreal, otherworldly concepts, so bringing a sense of whimsy and storytelling into the imagery felt like the perfect direction.
Julia Frantti
The book follows a Fun Dining style full of creativity and sensory experiences, both in the dishes and the imagery, but always with a relaxed and playful approach.
Where do you take inspiration from?
Ottilia Orenius
From stories and fairytales, music, and nature. The imagery in this book is heavily inspired by the fairytales I grew up with — like Little Red Riding Hood, Alice in Wonderland, and others that sparked my imagination as a child.
Julia Frantti
I draw inspiration from nature and its ingredients. I’m also inspired by colors. I love making sure every dish is filled with tones that complement each other beautifully.
How do you align the photography with the book’s style and atmosphere?
Ottilia Orenius
This part was honestly a challenge in the beginning. I struggled to maintain a consistent visual direction, and many of my early photos ended up being discarded. It took almost a year before I felt truly comfortable with the imagery. But it was important to me that every photo had a purpose. You’ll find subtle connections between the visuals, stories and recipes throughout the book if you look closely!
How would you describe your cooking style, and what inspires the way you develop your recipes?
Julia Frantti
My cooking style is all about thinking outside the box. I follow trends but always interpret them in my own way, combining unexpected flavors and ingredients. For me, recipe development always begins with the raw ingredients and exploring how they can best be paired and balanced together.
What goes into preparing for a cookbook photoshoot?
Ottilia Orenius
I always start by planning the color palette and choosing possible backdrops and props once I know what the dish will look like. I like to gather extra options, just in case the original idea doesn’t work out. I also sketch every photo in my notebook beforehand so I have a clear sense of direction on shoot day. I’m definitely a planner and a bit of a perfectionist — every choice needs to be intentional!
What type of lighting do you use: natural light, artificial light, or a mix of both?
Ottilia Orenius
For this book, I worked exclusively with natural light. It suited the aesthetic perfectly, and we were able to schedule our shoots so there was always daylight available. In a few outdoor scenes, I added warm LED lights to mimic the glow of lanterns or chandeliers, but otherwise, it’s all natural light.
How did you collaborate on the project?
Ottilia Orenius
Working with Julia was pure joy! Our collaboration has always felt effortless — we’re inspired by similar things and share a deep love for food, so everything came together naturally. We also share the same curiosity and playful approach, which made the whole process even more fun.
Julia Frantti
Working with Ottilia was such a joy! Our collaboration went so smoothly, and we had so many fun moments throughout the two years of making this book together.
Why did you choose to use our backdrops?
Ottilia Orenius
Your backdrops are high quality. They are durable, affordable, and you have a beautiful, wide selection. You’re always kind and quick to respond, and I love supporting businesses that feel personal and community-minded. It’s clear that you genuinely care about how your products are used, and that sincerity really stands out and I respect that!
