How did you get started?

I launched A Taste of Koko in March 2010 when I was finishing my undergrad in nutrition at the University of Texas Austin. I started the blog because I didn’t want to work a 9-5 in a hospital as a dietitian with my degree. I came up with the name A Taste of Koko, bought my first camera, and launched on Blogger (switched to WordPress a couple of years later).

SEE ALSO: Blogger Tips: 7 Lessons I’ve Learned From 7 Years Of Blogging

I want to start a blog. Any tips?

Define your niche, post high-quality photography, and write compelling content. Find other blogs that you admire and take note of what you like about them. Most importantly, have fun!

Can I pick your brain over coffee?

No, read this. I don’t do any brand consulting but here are some people that do:

https://www.melyssagriffin.com

http://jennakutcher.com

https://www.foodbloggerpro.com – How to start & monetize a food blog

How to pitch brands as a blogger

How did you learn social media, web development, photography, etc?

The Internet – no really, I’ve never taken an online course or in-person classes. I spent a lot of time Googling “how to build a WordPress website?”, “how to take food photos”, “how does Facebook work”, etc. I self-taught myself everything that it takes to run a blog – photography, social media, web development, copywriting, and more.

SEE ALSO: How Much Does It Cost To Run A Food Blog?

How long have you been blogging?

8 years since 2010.

Where do you live?

I live in Austin and have been lived here since 2007.

Who takes your photos?

I shoot all of the food and travel photos. Photos of me are shot by other photographers or if I’m traveling, any kind tourist.

What do you shoot with?

I’ve shot with several cameras in the past couple of years – Canon for 6 years and Sony for the past year. I currently shoot with the Sony A7Rii and Sony A6300. Read more on my blog post on best cameras for bloggers.

What do you use to shoot your Instagram photos?

I use the iPhone X, Sony A7rii, or Sony A6300. I edit the photos from the Sony on Adobe Photoshop CC. Follow me at @atasteofkoko if you don’t already!

Which iPhone apps do you use to edit your photos?

Snapseed and VSCO Cam are my go-to apps to edit photos.

I’m going to Austin for the first time, what do you recommend?

Welcome to Austin! If you’re visiting Austin for the first time or just moved here, here are my 45 Top Things To Do In Austin and the best restaurants in Austin. If you need any suggestions or have questions, you can text me at (512) 400 – 3637.