Six years ago, in May 2014, I started @platelessordinary on Instagram as a way to document my life in food. It’s hard for me to believe how fast the time has flown by. I decided to mark this anniversary by taking a virtual stroll down memory lane to browse some of the nearly 1400 entries I’ve posted on that platform. Yes, nearly 1400! In the process I realized a lot about technology, my tastes, and whether I should keep creating content.
Wow, Old Smart Phone Cameras Were Not Good
Consider that in 2013, the term “selfie” was the Oxford English Dictionary word of the year and journalists were writing about this new trend sweeping the globe. Using your phone as a camera was still sort of a novelty to many people. It was a time before preset photo filters and powerful image editing apps were the norm. Even good smartphone cameras were nothing compared to what we have now.
Whatever phone I had in 2014 was probably a few years old rather than top of the line. My first photos on Instagram tended to be pretty grainy, and using low light only made things worse. Thankfully technology has come a long way since then. My cell phone remains my go-to device for easily capturing images to quickly share on social media.
But My Photos Weren’t All As Bad As I’d Have Thought
I was somewhat surprised that many photos stood the test of time. I’ll admit, I’m a writer first and foremost, and photography is sometimes more of a means to share content rather than an art form I’m perfecting for art’s sake.
Over the past six years I’ve definitely learned a lot—both by trial and error and by intentional study—about what makes a striking food image. That’s things like using natural light, changing angles to shoot my food from different points of view, and having good composition. I’m glad to have the knowledge and equipment now to take consistently better photos. But I’m also relieved that my early photos weren’t all as cringey as I thought they might be.
My Taste In Food Is Mostly The Same
My palate has definitely expanded since I started my Instagram page, but my general tastes are mostly the same. I still like burgers, Chinese food, and a hearty salad. I enjoy a mix of salty and sweet, a variety of textures, and dishes made from fresh ingredients. I still hate ranch dressing. Research shows that tastes tend to change as people age, though I think I’ve been in a sort of consistent period for the past six years.
Many of the meals on my early page are still ones that I enjoy today. A homemade steak with a side of kale salad. Sashimi. Chicken teriyaki quesadillas. Double chocolate chip cookies. Turkey chili. In fact, I feel inspired to add some of my old favorites back into my current rotation.
I’ve Been A Lot Of Cool Places
The chance to travel and try new foods has been a game changer in my life. There are so many great dishes I never would have encountered had I not been able to step outside my regular bubble. Not only have I been able to explore new tastes, I’ve had the privilege of breaking bread with new people and learning about their cultures and customs.
Whenever I recreate recipes in my home kitchen, I remember excitement of tasting them somewhere far away and the kindness of the people who hosted me. Poke enjoyed on my first trip to Hawaii in 2015 now holds a special place in my heart beside my mom’s homemade turkey chili. Rice pilaf from Uzbekistan—called plov—is a favorite dinner to make at home. Grilled seafood with just the right spices will always remind me of attending a gorgeous wedding in a tiny Greek town, and of the friendly residents who cheered the happy couple as we walked them to the church.
I’ve Fostered A Lot of Good Friendships
It’s nice to look back and realize how these little Instagram squares hold so many memories of the people I love. Although I rarely feature people in my photos, in my mind’s eye they are very much in the frame. I can almost always remember the who, what, when, and where when I see pictures on my feed.
Looking back at photos and thinking about my friends and family was one of the best parts of this Instagram blast from the past. Beyond just posting food, I’m documenting my experiences and the people with whom I shared them. This was one of my main goals in starting my Instagram, so it’s nice to realize that I’ve achieved it.
And I’m Pretty Sure That The Best is Yet to Come
I periodically wonder if I should keep posting on Instagram or writing here. Reflecting on nearly 1400 social media posts assured me that the answer is a resounding yes! For all the ups and downs, the past six years were pretty amazing. I’m glad to have Instagram as my ongoing living photo journal. I can’t wait to see what the next six years have in store.
