What I adore about the internet is the accessibility to knowledge, and the ability to connect with so many talented individuals.
When I stumbled upon Loknesse’s website, The Missing Lokness, I was completely smitten with her photographs, her recipe’s and blog posts. There was something about her work that resonated with me; I had to meet her! I summoned the courage and emailed her asking for her time; to my gratitude, she agreed.
Lokness was born in Hong Kong where her two greatest influencers in the kitchen, were her mother and her godmother. Her mother did not always prepare traditional Chinese food. On the contrary, she infused her food with creativity and flare; always making the effort to prepare a delicious and nourishing meal. Loknesse’s godmother was like a second mother, and similarly prepared brave and unique recipes. Lokness recalls her Godmother’s parotta (Indian Bread) and considers that it was these memories, that influenced her to became an adventurous eater.
Lokness began cooking from humble beginnings. At the age of 16 she moved to the United States and began preparing simple meals in her bathroom with a toaster, electric stove, one pot and a rice cooker. When Lokness was in college she met her husband, Bryan. Lokness and Bryan got married after graduating college and this was when Loknesse began to fall in love with cooking.
“When I see people enjoy my food, it makes me really happy!”
1. What Inspired you to start ‘The Missing Lokness’?
Ever since I started cooking, I have been collecting all kinds of amazing recipes. I printed them out and kept them in a folder. One day, I thought to myself, “why not share these recipes with family and friends?” That was when I decided to start my blog, The Missing Lokness.
2. What are your sources of inspiration?
There are many ways that I get inspired. Sometimes, it’s as simple as browsing different food blogs, going through Instagram or watching cooking shows. Every once in a while, I try to recreate dishes that Bryan and I have tried and loved from restaurants.
3. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from creating and maintaining your own website?
Website coding makes my head spin. I admire people who can code and understand computer programming. A gorgeous looking website is a lot more complicated than you will ever imagine. One little typo can change everything. I am slowly learning a bit here and there, but I am so lucky that Bryan knows more than I do. I can always count on him when it comes to website issues and fixes.
“Nothing comes easy without hard work. Food blogging is not just about cooking and posting recipes.”
There is so much more behind the scenes! Learning about styling and photography, writing, editing and adjusting photos, and engaging in social media platforms… These are just a few things that I have I listed, and of course, they all require time and hard work.
4. Is there a specific type of cuisine you appreciate the most?
My husband and I adore Japanese food. Sushi, tempura, shabu shabu, ramen, takoyaki, teppanyaki, we like them all! We have been to Tokyo once. Everything we ate was incredible, even the little sandwiches from convenience stores were perfect!
My husband and I love Japan, Japanese people and their culture. We are so amazed by how the Japanese people pay attention to the little details of everything, that includes food too. Just think about the beautiful bento boxes, you know they are handled with care and love.
5. I once prepared a thai-prawn curry without realising you needed to peel prawns; it was a crunchy disaster! Do you have any fun stories to share?
I can’t tell you how many disasters I have had over the years! The most recent one has to be brownies. Bryan loves brownies, so I tried out a new brownie recipe. For some reason, the brownies came out super dense and hard. They had a weird taste too. We took a bite and we threw the rest in the trash. Yes, I can’t believe that I failed at brownies!
After that, Bryan insists that I use a brownie mix from now on.
6. What are some of your favourite culinary blogs?
Just One Cookbook is my go-to blog for Japanese recipes. Nami’s recipes are authentic and easy to follow. Everything I tried have been perfectly delicious!
Playing with Flour is perfect for baking recipes!
Yummy Workshops prepare some beautifully baked goods! Betty actually works in a bakery located in Vancouver, how cool is that!?
7. If you were on death-row, what could be your last meal of choice?
I know I said that Japanese food is my favourite, but when it comes to my last meal I am going back to my roots. Cantonese Style BBQ pork over Rice is my choice!
Imagine a plate of steamed hot rice, topped with some juicy, tender, slightly sweet roasted pork pieces, drizzled with an umami sweet soy sauce. No doubt it is the ultimate comfort food for me!
8. Your photographs are breathtaking. How did you and your husband Bryan learn photography?
Between Bryan and I, Bryan is the expert when it comes to photography. His main passion is photographing landscapes and animals, which he learnt from reading various photography blogs. When we went out around town, Bryan would put his skills to good use.
When I originally started The Missing Lokness, Bryan acted as the photographer; I cooked and Bryan shot. For me, I have learnt everything from Bryan. With his help, I have been taking the images for my website; 99% of the photographs taken this year are my work! There is still a lot for me to learn.
9. What camera, lens and post-processing equipment do you use?
Our camera is a Canon 5D mark III. For food photography, I use EF 24-105mm f/4L lens. Since I mostly shoot in the evening, a flash is necessary. I use a Canon ST‑E2 Speedlite Transmitter to control two flashes. One is a Canon 580EX II flash in a soft-box, and another one is a Canon Speedlite 430EX II to bounce off the wall.
Adobe Lightroom is what I use to edit photos. It is pretty easy to use and results always come out great.
10. What resources do you suggest for people ‘starting out’?
To start out, I think it is good to read one or two photography books and learn the basics. Once you have a basic understanding, check out other photographers’ works on their blogs, Instagram or Flickr. When you look at other peoples’ work, consider what you like and what you don’t. Then, practice, practice, practice!
“Not every picture will come out perfect, it is ok.
It is more important to learn from our mistakes, and to do better next time.”
I absolutely adored connecting with Lokness and I can not wait to see what other treats she creates!
All images are the original work of Lokness with link back to the original recipes. 🙂
To view more of Loknesse’s work visit her website ‘The Missing Lokness‘
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Klaudia says
Oh, what a great post! I agree, agree, agree …. everything you’re saying about blogging and creating a stunning website! LOL I get the idea I am not the only one here who struggles through the mysterious world of computer programming.
These photos are amazing, you are right, very professional. I love it when blogger writes about another remarkable blogger, it’s a great way of showing support! Thanks for letting us know about The Missing Lokness! I will most certainly pop over for a peek as I love Chinese food and any inspiration I can get to try new recipes!
Kylie (Author) says
I know! I literally fell of my chair in laughter when I saw her response because I’ve been teaching myself HTML, PHP and CSS all week! 😛
I hope you enjoy her work and recipes as such as I did! 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Thank you so much Klaudia! Haha, yes, mysterious world of computer programming. You phrased it perfectly! 😀
Berlin says
I find her humble and cheerful. Her answers are very light and yet meaningful, straightforward but full of sense. And its a joy to know that her husband supports her and even does the photos for some time.
Kylie (Author) says
I found the same qualities while speaking with her; humble, authentic and a beautiful soul!
It was also utterly adorable to hear how Byran supports Lokness with her photographs and computer stuff! I am a firm believer that it is this kind of encouragement that makes relationships thrive for years to come! 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
That is very sweet of you, Berlin. Thank you for your kind words.
Aika says
I love Cantonese food as well specially their soup! LOL I agree with struggling to learn about codes, etc when you setup your blog. Before, all I knew was only HTML but now, SEO, meta, etc came up and I’m sooo confused my head started to hurt.
Thanks for sharing! This is very inspiring and Lokness is awesome. Wish I had those cooking skills.
Kylie (Author) says
Hi Aika! Thank you so much for your comments; I am so grateful that you found the article inspiring!
I believe you can create just as delicious recipes; it just involves practice! 🙂
Alison says
I can see why you immediately connected with her and her pictures. You both have a sense of style in your photography that is so beautiful! As I keep getting better at photography I will be watching both of you. I love your pictures.
Thank you for asking her about what lens she uses. As a beginner I am learning so much about it and it is nice to know what the successful photographers are using. I loved that you spotlighted her. You are definitely a cheerleader in all aspects and it makes me love you even more!
Kylie (Author) says
Gosh! Alison! Thank you so much for your absolutely gorgeous comments as per usual!
The lens she has is amazing, it can also be a little costly. If you’re looking for a great lens to start with in low light conditions, I couldn’t recommend the 50mm enough! I’ll put together a more detailed post to hopefully explain more thoroughly. 🙂
As a side note, I think your images look utterly delicious!
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Thank you Alison! Your pictures are beautiful too. Looking forward to seeing more great recipes. 🙂
David says
Great questions and amazing person to be part of your blog. I find inspiration in every blogger, everyone offers something different and fun.
Riley says
Lovely share! I will have to go follow her, I would love to learn a few tricks in the kitchen from her for sure. As I travel the world more one of the things I am most excited about is to learn the different cuisines of all of the places I visit. Inspiring!
Joanna says
I am interested in Japanese food actually. I am looking forward to my trip to Japan from next year, to try all that delicious food! Her pictures look stunning, and the recipes also! I will visit her blog, you’ve made me curious.
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
You will love your trip to Japan! I miss their donuts from Mister Donut and tonkatsu (fried pork chops). Nommm… 😉
sabine says
I love Japanese food the most too! I love sushi & sashimi! I don’t like pork so much. Great post and that flatlay is just amazing. Website codes are really NOT my thing either. So difficult!
Your website looks fabulous! xo
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Sabine! Greatly appreciated! 🙂
Maaya Legaspi says
I really admire people who can cook very well because I’m not really a good one. One of my new year’s resolution this year to learn how to cook! Japanese is also my favourite next to Chinese.
About the blogging stuff.. I agree! Haha. Even though I graduated with a degree related to IT.. I’m really not into programming and designing so it’s hard to do stuff on your own. 🙁
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Good luck with your cooking journey! I am sure you will get a hang of it very soon! Many Japanese recipes are very easy. It will be a great way to start. 🙂 Haha! Looks like everyone hates programming! Wish there is an easy way to create website!
Nicole P. says
This is a very inspiring post. To be honest, I liked how you wrote the interview, very fun and engaging.. But what had me at the edge of my seats is what she uses as camera and some of her camera tricks… #LovePhotography 🙂 Well, it seems that my husband and I would really need to get more flashes, lights and create a softbox for my beauty and food shots 🙂
Kylie (Author) says
I am so happy to hear that you found value in the post Nicole! 🙂
If you photograph during the day the flashes will not be necessary; you just need to shoot near an good light source like an open window, door or even outside at the right time of day! I would love to hear how it goes! 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Thank you Nicole! Kylie is right. If you are doing daytime photography, you will not need a flash. 🙂
Christine says
Great interview! I’m a fan of Loknesse’s blog too and I’m glad to have learned more about it through this interview.
Kylie (Author) says
That’s fantastic to hear Christine! I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview! 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Thank you so much Christine! xoxo
Dorothy Mae C. Torretijo says
OMG!! All your photos are amazing and I want all of it try out. I’m deeply obsessed with Japanese foods! Thank you for posting!
Patty Villegas says
I agree with the beautiful photos. And yeah, nobody would say no to Japanese food. It’s too good to be true. Hee hee
Michelle says
OK I want her camera, lens and skills! Her photos are beautiful! I’m struggling with my own blog photos so I love to see pretty ones! I will check out her blog!
I struggle in the kitchen! I know nothing about cooking and can use all the help of can get! I can’t imagine cooking in some bathroom! That takes skill!
Kylie (Author) says
I know!! When I read she started cooking in the kitchen I was like ‘my hat goes off to you!’ She is incredible! 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
HAHA! Thanks guys! I know it sounds crazy that I cooked in the bathroom. But the bathroom was actually brand new and very clean. The stove was on a counter that located very far away from the toilet or shower. It will make total sense if you are there in that place. 😀
Sonnie says
Website issues- html, css, php’s are common to self hosted blogs. Add to that, speed and website enhancements, script errors and SEO, it will certainly make our eyes roll.
It used to be, a blogger will just use one of the free platforms, start writing, publish and pronto! But w/ the emergence of social media, a blogger will now have to compete with so many voices on the web. A serious blogger will have to level-up and treat his/her blog as start-up to successfully get attention.
And your interview w/ Lokness proves that – (1) blogging is also for non geeks, and (2) passion motivates us to level-up, and this results to connects adding value to people in some ways.
Nina Sogue says
I love Japanese food too! I love reading posts about successful food bloggers. I’m also passionate about food, but I don’t have the means yet to focus on food as a niche. I just started learning how to cook so I still have a long way to go. People like her inspire me to continue learning 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Thank you so much for sharing my story, Kylie! I had tons of fun doing the interview. 🙂