Empowering Kids Through Cooking: A Photoshoot with Food Explorers

In my recent photoshoot with Katie Shepard and Lara Paciorek of Food Explorers, I had the unique opportunity to capture the essence and spirit of an organization dedicated to enriching children’s lives through culinary education. My recent branding photography session highlighted the passion and dedication that drives this inspiring program.

The Visionaries Behind Food Explorers

Katie Shepherd, a Registered Dietitian, is the driving force behind Food Explorers. Her passion for working with children and cooking merged into a beautiful mission: to introduce kids to tasty food in a fun and engaging way. Katie’s journey began at UCONN, where she graduated in 2015. She started her career at the WIC program before becoming a Retail Dietitian at ShopRite. Her experiences culminated in the creation of Food Explorers, where she can truly make an impact.

Katie’s vision is brought to life with the support of libraries, schools, Girl Scout Troops, Parks & Rec departments, and the families who believe in her mission. I aimed to highlight the vibrant energy and dedication of the Food Explorers community in every photograph I took, reflecting the strong bond and shared goals that unite them.

Assistant Director Lara Paciorek is another vital part of Food Explorers. Her love for the kitchen and teaching is evident in every story she shares. Lara’s background as a preschool teacher in Hartford, Connecticut, sparked her interest in nutrition and wellness. With a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Wellness from the University of Saint Joseph and an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Lara’s expertise is vast and her passion palpable.

Lara believes that all foods have a place on your plate and that cooking is a skill everyone should enjoy. Her favorite foods—waffles, sushi, and strawberry rhubarb pie—reflect her diverse culinary interests. Capturing Lara’s enthusiasm and commitment to teaching kids about food is a joy, and it’s clear that her influence extends far beyond the kitchen.

The Food Explorers Philosophy

Food Explorers is built on a philosophy of sensory learning and hands-on experiences. The program’s unique “food neutral” approach encourages children to explore and enjoy food without the pressures of diet culture, fostering a positive relationship with food from a young age. Photographing Food Explorers is more than documenting the joy of cooking; it’s about the transformative power of learning and discovery. For Kaite and Lara, it’s all about the excitement, and pride kids have when trying new foods and mastering cooking techniques.