As a passionate foodie and photographer, I have always been drawn to capturing the beauty of food through the lens of my camera. Food photography is a niche art form that requires creativity, technical skills, an eye for detail, and an in-depth understanding of food. 

What is the story behind your love for food? 

Growing up, my dad had a job that required us to move around quite a bit. He would be transferred to a different state within India every few years, so our family would move with him. It wasn’t always easy, but looking back, I’m grateful for our experiences and the places we explored.  

Along with those places, I was able to broaden my palate with the fantastic culture-rich food all over India. The difference was very intriguing to witness. From Maharashtra to Andhra, Tamil Nadu to Gujarat, all the cuisines I have enjoyed throughout my childhood gave me a lifelong yearning for food and exciting variety. Another big factor is that my mom loved to watch cookery shows on TV, and it was a brilliant way to learn about ‘World cuisines’.

How did Your Food Photography Journey start? 

I was fascinated by how food could be presented differently to make it look more delicious and appealing. Even something as simple as bread could be photographed to make it look tempting. This led me to experiment with my camera and try different techniques to capture the essence of food. I started with the most readily available foods- fruits & baked items. The more I shot, the more I fell in love with food photography.  

As I delved deeper into the art form, I realized that food photography is not just about capturing the food but also about the story behind it. I wanted to convey the story of the food and the people behind it through my images. It was sometimes challenging but completely worthwhile. 

Over the years, I’ve worked with some fantastic chefs and restaurants, capturing their culinary creations for the world to see. Each project has been a learning experience, a chance to push me creatively and technically.  

What are the Most Important Factors to Consider for Food Photography? 

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that food photography is about more than just taking pretty pictures. It’s also about capturing the story behind each dish. While shooting, I think about the ingredients that went into the dish, the culture, and traditions it represents & the emotion I am trying to evoke in the photograph. By doing this, I create images that don’t just look beautiful, but tell a story.  

The pandemic pushed us to do all kinds of things, try new skills, cook- anything that kept us going. One morning I woke up with a strong craving for bread. It was the early weeks of the lockdown, and fresh bread was not available. So, I decided to make some! After several attempts, I finally made the perfect Focaccia Bread. And, of course, after such success, I had to savor that memory with a few beautiful pictures! It was a fun experience to document the dish I had prepared, and I can reminisce about it whenever I want to. Since then, I made it a point to take photos of the food I cooked during the lockdown, as a way to cope with things. 

What was the most unique food photography project you worked on? 

As a professional in this industry, I have had the privilege of working alongside many chefs, restaurants & cafes throughout my career. However, one particular occasion stands out: my journey into the world of traditional Bengali sweets. I was contacted for a shoot in Kolkata, and was thrilled to accept the offer. It wasn’t until later that I realised it gave me a chance to witness & document the intricate process of creating Bengali sweets. 

I was immediately taken by the methodical and traditional way the sweets were prepared. Every step was executed manually, and it was a fascinating experience to watch the experts work their magic, each movement precise and practised. I was in awe of the beauty and attention to detail that went into each sweet that we all love to eat!  

Your Best Experience till Now with Food Photography 

I had the opportunity to shoot for a fresh fish & meat delivery brand called ‘Fresh To Home‘. From raw fish to chicken & red meats, marinated snacks, and then the final cooked dish, we created a whole directory of images for the brand. We also helped conceptualize the shots, create moodboard, source props & backgrounds specifically for the shoot. Not only did we do stylised product photos, but also photos for the social media marketing campaigns & offline ads. It was one of the most challenging shoots, but it taught me so much as well.  

If you’re hungry for more food photography, check out my website! I’ve got a whole feast of images and stories waiting for you there, from mouth-watering Indian dishes to tantalizing drinks. But it’s not just about the photos – it’s about culture, history, and human connection. That’s why I always strive to capture the essence of a dish, not just its appearance.  After all, it’s a wonderful way to explore your creativity while indulging your passion for food. So, you can look at my work and let me know what you think – I’m always eager to hear feedback and exchange ideas. And if you’ve got any stories or recipes to share, I’m all ears! Let’s celebrate the joys of food and photography together.