Meet Our Guest 'Grammer of the Week: @DCfoodporn

Are you as obsessed with Instagram #foodporn as we are? Love to document all of your #eeeeeats? Every week we’re teaming up with a popular food-stagrammer who will be taking over our feed to fill it with some of their own delicious pics. Head over to @YahooFood, give us a follow, and check out the #TastyTakeovers tag to watch their foodie adventures unfold all weekend long.

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This 4th of July weekend on #TastyTakeovers we head to Washington, D.C. and talk with Justin Schuble, a popular Instagrammer with over 38,000 followers. Currently a photographer at Spoon University we pick his brain over his favorite D.C. #eeeeeats and how he nails the perfect #foodporn shot. Check out the Q&A below!

Name/Instagram Handle: Justin Schuble, @dcfoodporn

Yahoo Food: Tell us a bit about yourself! 

Justin Schuble: Hi there! I am a rising junior at Georgetown University, studying marketing and finance. I’m from Potomac, Md., and have lived in the D.C. area for my entire life. I have two cats and love spending time with my family. In case it wasn’t obvious enough, I am obsessed with food. I love to eat, cook and gather around food with family and friends. This might come as a surprise, but I am allergic to dairy and try to avoid gluten when possible, which can make being a foodie pretty difficult. However, I view it as a challenge and still find ways to eat delicious, foodporn-worthy food.

What first got you interested in food and photography? Where do you draw inspiration from?

I love being creative and am always looking for a creative outlet. I used to paint and draw, but recently I have turned to photography as a way of expressing my artistic side. Pairing that love for art with food seemed like a fun idea. I am an avid Food Network watcher and love to attempt to cook with crazy ingredients. I am also a photographer for Spoon University and have learned a lot through that position. I am always drawing inspiration from other foodies and Instagrammers. I love it when I can make something look great and have it be good for you too.

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Justin Schuble a photographer at Spoon University.  (Photo: Justin Schuble)

How do you take your photos (with a camera or phone)? What are your favorite photo editing tools and/or tips for taking exceptional food photos? Give us the scoop!

I take most of my photos with a digital camera (Nikon D5000), but some of my photos are taken on my phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 4). If I’m using my camera, I edit the photos on Adobe Photoshop. On my phone, some of my favorite photo editing applications are Adobe Lightroom Mobile and VSCO Cam. I think natural lighting is one of the most important things when trying to capture a great picture. Pair that with great food and a decent camera and you’ve got yourself some #foodporn worth posting.

Who are three of your favorite Instagrammers? What do you like about them?

In general, I love accounts that post vibrant pictures with unique and witty captions. If I had to choose just three (these decisions are killing me!) I would say:

@hungrybetches: These girls know their way around a breakfast sandwich. Their photos are drool-worthy and their captions are on point.

@dennistheprescott: This dude is a beast in the kitchen. His food is innovative and his photography is spectacular.

@nycdining: It’s hard not to love Skyler’s hilarious posts. She manages to combine foodporn with a great sense of humor to create an account that is unique and addicting.

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Rainbow macarons from Olivia Macaron in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Justin Schuble)

What do you enjoy about Instagram compared to other online communities?

Instagram is unique in the sense that it is purely visual. We are forced to express our thoughts and experiences through a single photograph. It fosters creativity and community, both online and off. I have met so many incredibly interesting and talented people through DCfoodporn and have Instagram to thank for that.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten recently?

Recently, I decided to take a risk and eat dairy. I was at Vanderwende Farm Creamery and decided to try their fresh-from-the-farm ice cream. It was definitely worth the stomach ache that ensued.

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A double scoop waffle cone at Vanderwende Farm. (Photo: Justin Schuble)

If you could throw a dream dinner party for any three people—living or dead—who would they be and what would you cook for them?

My dream dinner party would include Bobby Flay (chef, restauranteur and TV personality), Damaris Phillips (winner of Next Food Network Star) and Nathaniel Ru (Georgetown alum and co-founder of Sweetgreen). I love spicy food, and Bobby knows how to bring the heat. Damaris has a great personality and her soulful southern food makes my mouth water every time I watch her cook. Nathaniel’s story is inspiring, and as a huge proponent of Sweetgreen and Georgetown, I would be honored to have a conversation with him.

What’s the best dish you’ve ever made or the dish that you’re known for?

I love making vegan, gluten-free pancakes and waffles. I made s’mores waffles (vegan and gf!) for Spoon University’s Battle of the Instagrammers and will definitely be making them again soon!

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S’more waffle tower of gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate. (Photo: Justin Schuble)

What does the new food revolution mean to you?

Food is no longer just for nourishment. It has become an art, a social activity, and a career path and brings people together in a way that other things can’t. Food can be trendy, edgy and even sexy at times. It’s exciting to be a part of this new and exciting revolution. I have also noticed a movement toward healthy, organic, and sustainable food practices, something that I am very passionate about. I think we need to think about what we put in our bodies and where that food comes from.

And last but not least — what’s your favorite food (if you had to pick one)?

I’m horrible with decisions, but if I had to choose, I would say doughnuts are my favorite food. I’m a huge fan of the new, innovative doughnut trend and think DC has a ton of great spots worth checking out. I also love Asian cuisine and bold flavors!

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Mouth-watering sushi rolls from Maté in D.C. (Photo: Justin Schuble)

Other popular ‘Grammers with foodporn-worthy food:

@Shelovesfoodnyc

@College_housewife

@Gilliehouston