Photo by Stephanie Shih of Desserts for Breakfast

Food photography can be both instructional and inspirational. It can also be an opportunity to stare through a keyhole into the lives of others. This photo, taken by Stephanie Shih, provides a glimpse into a wonderful summer lunch and hits the high notes that give a food image double star power - gorgeous food and the joy it brings to people. If the spread of shaved asparagus salad, fresh bread with unsalted butter, lentils in creamy dressing, and poached egg over mixed greens isn’t enough to make you drool, all those half-eaten plates will make you sorry you arrived late to the party.