A little BTS for you. 
By now I have realized I have the starts of a workflow when setting up for still life / food photography. I have an idea in mind. This photo pretty much represents the start of that idea. I knew what backgrounds to use and the lighting situation I wanted. 
In this photo you can see that I had not yet added the lower black cardboard on the right side. And if you're looking closely at the vase, you can see the vast difference the white reflector makes, as I hadn't used in this shot, yet, either. That's because this was the first step of the build-up of the set. 
I knew I wanted this element but was not totally clear how to go on from this and what food to use. I had the macarons, but also Pasteis the Nata and popcorn at the ready. I might use the popcorn for next week, maybe. So this is step one and what you see above was step two and already a shot I could think of as a contender (although until I found the right crop thanks to my awesome mini group and especially Cristina Coltro!, I was actually going to go with this one!). I then went on to add other stuff but it didn't work as I wanted it. 
Due to migraines and stress, when suddenly the backwall collapsed I found that I didn't have the stamina to go on and called it a day. As it was Friday I would have had time to start again. In the end I found two photos I liked enough to submit and these are the two. 
I know there are artists who draw sketches and even have the whole setup in their mind before the shoot. It kind of put pressure on me as it made me feel like I didn't to this right. But I think we are all unique and we all have our own unique ways to go about the shots we do. This is mine. I hope what you can take away from this is how important it is to use cardboard and reflectores with your moody still life setup. It makes all the difference!

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This is so lovely, Laney. I wonder if the rusted sheet will make another appearance in week 50...

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The use of that rusted pan sheet as a backdrop for this very well staged still life is an inspired idea and works perfectly well with the timber floorboards. Laney. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!!! I Love the lighting too. I have found that there is planning a shot and then there is over-thinking a shot, which can produced a very contrived look IMHO (but not here!!!). Maybe take the pressure off yourself and let your shot develop or build more organically. I do appreciate all the work you put into this shot and your BTS though.

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I like your set up and background. Lovely lighting.

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