Here is an unasked-for tip that might help with the lighting: When I’m taking pictures of food on my counter top, I grab a roll of white paper towels and sort of unroll the roll a few feet while it’s standing up (don’t know if I’m describing this well)–sometimes I have to prop the free end up with the coffee grinder (we’re so professional around here). And then I set the food in front of it. So the background is all white. This helps with the lighting in my always-dark kitchen (I don’t have very good window action). And, inevitably, I have some sort of horrid background scene going on, like dirty dishes or counter tops or stacks of papers…you get the idea. But you don’t seem to have that problem! :) For what it’s worth, Amy George has THE BEST KITCHEN for photography. Very light and bright.

Sorry for the long comment!