That line about keeping the wrist locked and moving from the shoulder is the kind of thing that sounds like nothing until you try it. I feel for you on the going over the same spot four times thing, because that was me for a long time. I'd sit there nibbling at a blend and making it worse, and it never once hit me that the problem was upstream at my arm. It's funny how a guy with 30 years can watch you for two minutes and spot the one habit holding everything back. Glad it clicked for you so fast, five heads in one day is a real test.

Feel your pain on this one, colored walls are the worst for food shots. My sister's kitchen has this dark green paint and it made everything look like it was sitting under a swamp lamp. Moving the plate by the window was smart, way faster than messing with settings for hours.