food & drink photography & motion Apr 2021

London-based photographer Andy Grimshaw specialises in food, drink and still life photography.

He works out of his own central London studio with fully equipped kitchen.

Andy works with an experienced team of freelance home economists, assistants, prop stylists and retouchers. This enables him to put together a specialist team for any and all your photo shoot requirements.

Having his own studio with a large internal space means that Andy is able to work around the challenges of Covid-19 and can social distance whilst having clients at a shoot with two bathrooms for regular hand washing and hand sanitiser available at all times. Lateral flow test can be undertaken to provide that extra reassurance for our clients. This gives you the peace of mind that you are able to attend a shoot but remain safe. 

With the lighter evenings here and shops opening up next week, the world seems to be getting back to our new normal and fingers crossed, the lockdowns are a thing of the past. 

During this lockdown, Andy has been busy continuing his work with Alpro, Actimel, McVities and Heinz as well as a new global project for Lindt as well as home schooling photography lessons for his girls.

If you have any projects you’d like to discuss with Andy, please call him on +44 207 267 7600.

Brian Wright is a photographer/director specialising in food and beverage. His beautiful 4000 square foot studio is based in Chicago. His team has stayed busy and is following rigid COVID protocols. Their clients are currently working with them virtually and seamlessly.

Brian’s extensive worldwide travel has influenced his love for food, his sense of style and the quality of his light. Large CPG companies rely on him for full brand redesigns and line extensions. Other recent projects have included national advertising and the creation of social/web content.  

We would love to hear from you about your upcoming projects. Give his agent Emily Inman a call at +1 312.343.9165

As a former editor of Wine Magazine, and now a photographer for 15 years, Cath Lowe knows the industry from both sides. While specialising in food, drink, lifestyle and portrait photography, the last year has seen Cath work with a lot of wine & spirit brands to put their products in a lifestyle setting to help with Instagram and social media campaigns through lockdown. Cath often works with start up brands, where she helps from early on in the process, formulating photography and campaign ideas.

Based an hour outside of London in leafy Hampshire, Cath has a studio and works with chefs and stylists as required. She works both in her studio, on location, and uses her more rural surroundings of lakes, wild flower fields etc for some lifestyle shoots that require such a setting.  Most images here are studio based, as shot through this chilly, wet winter, but the one outdoors one was lit artificially to pretend there was sun!

Recent clients include a cook book showcasing Bordeaux Wines with food for Chateau Malartic Lagraviere, as well as Beehive Brandy, Azaline Vermouth, Glen Moray Whisky, Puzzle Crazy, BC Confectioner and Danebury Vineyards.

Chiara firmly believes that "what you see has the power to affect your taste in everything you do and think". With her inquisitive eye, she cultivates her love for the aesthetic, and to create the perfect aesthetical balance has become Chiara's key focus in photography.

Each dish has its unique story. Each ingredient its place and all components a purpose. While they evoke memories through the photography of food, they hope to take diners on an exploration of age-old techniques, local elements and expressions of flavours.

Colin Campbell is a London-based food photographer and director.

The run up to spring has been incredibly busy, shooting worldwide campaigns for Lurpak and Innocent which will feature in the next Spotlight Magazine. Featured here are new campaigns for Sainsbury’s, Baxters, Dominos and some great close-up work for The Secret Nature of Fruit.

Colin works from his own 2000 sq ft studio, situated on the canal in Haggerston. This has been of great benefit during lockdown having separate rooms and live feeds. The studio is also fully equipped for moving image projects with editing and grading facilities on site.

Colin is represented by Gill Turner.

Dennis Savini is a professional photographer based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Specialised in food and drink photography, he and his team are mostly working for international clients like Mövenpick, Accor, Thermomix, Feuerring, Le Menu, Swiss Tourism, Heineken and others. Dennis Savini also photographs editorials for magazines and regularly produces cookbooks. He has an excellent team of food stylists and cooks, as well as well trained assistants which allows him to organise efficient and cost effective all-in productions.

His studio is located in the center of Zurich, right beside the famous Bellevue and the Lake of Zurich. It is spacious and 5.5m high, offering all installations and state of the art equipment needed for perfect and high standard photography.  

"As a photographer, I am an experienced team player. I am used to working on concepts given by agencies or developed individually for the client. Quality is no coincidence. My goal is to go for a perfect job even under difficult conditions and, above all, I do love my job."

Gareth Morgans is an internationally renowned London food photographer whose eminent career has spanned 20 years. Working from his large 1400 sq ft fully-equipped studio – just a stone’s throw from London Bridge.

Gareth’s instinctive creative style and technical expertise have seen him collaborate with a wide range of regular commercial clients, including leading food brands, ad agencies and design groups alike. A trusted favourite amongst commissioners and art directors across the industry, Gareth’s calm, level-headed approach makes an enjoyable, stress-free shoot.

Brands such as Heinz, Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Cadbury have filled Gareth’s schedule. 2021 has had a busy start with work for Tesco, Slimming World, Co-Op and Delicious.  

Gareth was recently commissioned by Mars Petcare USA for the Sheba Bistro range and remotely worked with the client in New York. Produced with a great locally sourced team in London via ad agency AMVBBDO. He has also just wrapped on a shoot for Wagamama’s UK shooting promotional assets for their recently launched Katsu Curry Smoothie produced with agency Uncommon.

Gareth Morgans is represented by Process,  Daniele Forsythe (USA) and Qench (India).

You can follow Gareth on Instagram.

Henrik Knudsen is an award-winning photographer based in London.

Henrik's use of space and atmospheric lighting will bring stories of people and their environment to life. With a creative approach and attention to detail he enjoys incorporating food and drink into the story telling.

See more of Henrik's work here and follow him on Instagram.

Henrik is represented by JSR, follow them on Instagram to see their latest projects.

In the darkest days of Lockdown 1, this charity project with Age Unlimited was a ray of sunshine for James, Lucia, his assistant; and Jan Smith, food stylist extraordinaire. Recipes From Le Rouzet are inspired by author Cathy Gayner’s memories of long summer lunches in France with her family with fresh ingredients, laden tables and dappled sunlight. 

For an update on some of James' latest projects check out Instagram. Please email Flora Lowther or phone on + 44 (0) 20 7278 4770.

One rarely goes a day without seeing Chicago photographer Joe Pellegrini’s work in store windows, magazines, catalogues, cookbooks or cereal boxes.  

For over two decades, Joe has been an industry leader in product and food photography. Also an accomplished painter, he has brought his artistic sensibilities to national campaigns for Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Kellogg's, Tyson and Ziploc and for the past 11 years has shot virtually all of Subway’s national and international print and outdoor ads as well as their in-store displays.  

Unflappable, Joe has made a career delivering memorable imagery with the utmost professionalism for products ranging from Scrubbing Bubbles to Jim Beam.  

Shoot days find his studio abuzz with clients snacking on mini candy bars while Joe and his group of top food stylists, special FX and digital technicians descend on every shot with a practiced efficiency and provide proven success.

Julie Renouf is an Australian based photographer/director/DP with longstanding clients around the globe.

Known for her innate understanding of brand identity, storytelling, and her strong creative vision, Julie’s work genuinely increases consumer engagement, particularly with the female consumer. 

Current work is varied and includes a collaboration with Saatchi & Saatchi London for Procter & Gamble, rebranding for HYPOXI, TVC plus various media for Heathcote Gin, Don Smallgoods’ rebranding, and her short food films feature on SBS Australia. Her client list includes Kellogg’s, James Boag, Darrell Lea, Tourism Victoria, and ALDI, to name a few.

Julie’s capacity to shoot both photography and film streamlines production and maintains style consistency across various media. On set, she works closely with clients - she believes collaboration, a positive attitude, and a shared enthusiasm for evocative visuals is the most effective way to create beautiful, authentic stories worth sharing with the world.

Kai Schwabe's work includes recipe photography and development, food and drink photography, food films and packaging as well as other promotional materials. Together with an experienced team of food stylists and other professionals, Kai is able to combine sophisticated craft with artistic aesthetics and the latest trends.

His 340 m² large daylight loft studio in Bremen has the perfect conditions for all possible projects. It is spacious and has a large kitchen with a rich selection of props which make every job a wonderful experience. Moreover, especially these days, if the client or agency can't be present, no problem - shooting remotely is available and their daily business.

This Spotlight features a range of vegan food and spring time recipes, plus some excellent liquid and liqour work.

During Covid times, production is very responsible, with quick tests, masks and sufficient space that can be produced without any risk in the studio. Alternatively, the current status of an image can be tracked and voted online.

Kai Stiepel started as a still life photographer and quickly shifted his focus to food photography. In the meantime, sophisticated videos are also produced.

Last year, he was delighted to win first prize at the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the year in the 'Cream of the crop' category.

Kai is looking forward to a conversation with you, call or check out his Instagram account for new motifs!

Photographer Kate Cauffiel brings her passion for food and beverage to life through her bright and vibrant images. Based in Chicago, Kate and her team create an environment of collaboration and warmth centered around the idea that food brings people together.

Her fresh approach delivers enticing images that arouse the appetite and captivate the senses. From a simple bowl of beans to an indulgent tablescape, Kate finds beauty in everything and she focuses on telling a visual story with each photograph, on every project.

In her free time, you’ll find Kate garnering inspiration from an outdoor hike or paddle.

Combining his four passion photography, sea, architecture and food, Kerem and his team are ready to produce and create stunning images whether in collaboration or on his own accord; locally or internationally.

His warm personality, excellent observation skills, artistic eye and affinity for light and shadow characterise him.

"At photokevinsmith, we are committed to creating striking visual stories that feature food and beverages as the hero. Crafted through still and motion photography, we create visuals that are stylish, vibrant, graphic and mouth-wateringly appetising.

Our work highlights the beauty within the ingredients elevating your brand beyond expectations. We’d love to collaborate with you (virtually) on your next project!"

Launched on 31st March 2021, the 'Chefs at Home' cookbook was released in aid of Hospitality Action. With the hospitality industry being one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity is a great cause that needs support.

"In terms of my contribution to the book, I’ve always believed that it’s important that we do our part for the greater good. It’s up to us to define exactly what that is. For me, it’s always been about giving back to the industry whenever and wherever I could. So, it was an honour to photograph the recipes of some of the top chefs in the UK for this project. These are my favourite images from the book: special, everyday meals made by chefs for their families in lockdown.

I believe that we deserve to make the everyday special in these challenging times.

Get in touch with my agent, Style Department, or myself to see how I can help you do just that."

If you'd like to support Hospitality Action, buy the book here, or donate via their website.

Lenka’s food photography not only paints a beautiful image but transports you into the stories that she tells, where you can really savour, smell and feel the food in the images.

Her unique style makes a brand relatable and memorable for its target audience, communicating excellence and care for details at all levels.

Her style is contemporary, organic and sometimes rustic. She mostly uses backdrops and props in neutral shades to show off the food and really let the colours and textures shine.

Lenka is experienced in creating exceptional food photography for restaurants, magazines, brands and packaging. Pepsico, Biochef and SisterMag are just a few of her happy clients.

"We are Lettstudio and our specialisation is beverage photography. Reflective glass and "shiny" liquids of any shade is what makes us passionate about creating the most memorable visuals.

We work for local and worldwide clients. Always taking care of all details ensuring each shot reach maximum potential.

Our studio offer full in house photography, CGI and post-production gives clients the option to one-stop service. 

Clients include Pernod Ricard, Tullamore D.E.W., Chivas Brothers, Wyborowa and more."

Liz McBurney is a conceptual food photographer working consistently with fabulous sustainable brands to produce both packaging and advertising work.

The recent work shot for Veloforte in the last few months shows her attention to detail even when shooting remotely. From ingredient shots to the final shakes pictured, Liz worked on the concept and the execution bringing all the elements together seamlessly. 

The table top images were shot as a personal project in lockdown, as a tribute to three of her favourite London restaurants and the people she missed eating there with.

Roberto Luzzitelli and Laura Danieli is a photography duo based in Turin, Italy specialised in food and drink photography.

They work in their studio with a fully equipped kitchen, ready to shoot all kinds of images. Luzzitelli Danieli Studio works with a team of expert economists, assistants, food stylists and retouchers.

"We realise beverage images for international campaigns for international brands, collaborating with the best bartenders in the world. Our photographs can enhance the products through a creative use of light and innovative compositions. We produce images that bring out the history and values of the brands that rely on our expertise and creativity.

We will always make your products something beautiful for you and special for the market.

We carry out food and drink photography for advertising, packaging, editorials and video content for our customers, ranging from supermarket chains to advertising agencies to large and small companies in the food and beverage field."

Maria Clark is a commercial photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Western Kentucky.

Her style is very contemporary, with clean lines, crisp lighting, and bold colours.

Her work is a great fit for passion-driven businesses and those who aim to make their customers’ lives brighter, happier, and more energetic and fun.

"We are a collection of award-winning photographers / film-makers, producers and stylists specialising in food & drink content.

We are super proud that six of our photographers were shortlisted for the Pink Lady Food Photography Awards 2021.

We offer an eclectic choice of talent for every brief. Each artist will bring something that bit special and different to every production.

Our mantra is on time, on budget and drama-free."

Recent clients include:

• M&S | Wine of the Month & Dine-in videos
• Publicis Poke | Old El Paso
• Mullen Lowe | Knorr
• Hey Human | Smirnoff
• Brothers & Sisters | Harry’s
• Hey Human | Guinness

Please email Julie Metcalfe to chat through your brief  or call +44 7778 331771.

Metcalfe Lancaster are members of The AOP and Photo Agents London.

"I am a stills capture and motion director working in NYC + PHL, I've photographed a few cookbooks (one of which received the James Beard Cookbook Of The Year award: 'Zahav' by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook).

Beyond just food and beverage, I consider myself a lifestyle photographer and director. I'm just as interested in the people, places and techniques that make the experiences special.

I had the opportunity to shoot with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson this year to help launch his Tequila brand, Teremana. I've also worked with Free People to launch their newest beauty brand, SUMMARY and worked with Powers on their new bottle design re-launch."

"Hi, I'm Myles New. I am a food photographer and film director. A London-based creative working on worldwide commissions. My focus is on food in both film and stills.

I love working with other creatives, working on the look of a brand and where to take it creatively. Testing and playing with lighting and subject are very close to my heart.

A lot of the campaigns I work on combine TV commercials as well as ATL stills work, crafting seamless work to flow across all mediums.

Recent work: McDonalds UK, Nestle Worldwide, Tesco's Christmas campaign 2020, Oowee Burger, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose.

"I’m a commercial food, beverage and product photographer. Originally from a small town in MA, I’ve spent the last 15 years in LA working in all aspects of the photo industry, now with a concentration on food, because who doesn’t like hanging out with snacks?

I bring this well rounded background and some old-fashioned punk rock resourcefulness to every project big or small!

Food is an important part of our lives, it’s what makes us feel safe, how we show our love and what we worry about when times are tough. So it’s very important to me not to waste the food I photograph.

Most of the food I work with gets shared or donated after, and I strive to avoid any tricks that render it inedible. Food waste and scarcity are big issues that affect our communities and I hope to combat both in my career."

Sarah Tirzah is a liquid and product photographer based out of Los Angeles. Quite literally born with a camera in her hand (she swears there's a picture of her in diapers with a Kodak Instamatic camera in hand). She went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps for eight years where she deployed four times to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

In 2014, she decided to chase her dreams and dove head first into the world of commercial photography and has worked with clients in fashion, food and beverage, cosmetics, and medicinal alternative medicine among other industries.

She loves conceptualising the innovation and performance connected to liquids, beverages, and products. From graphic splashes to delightful cocktails, Sarah combines her lighting expertise and technical know with her love of colour and movement to create stunning graphic imagery.

Scott Grummett is a food photographer and director renowned for making you hungry. This Spotlight features some of his latest work for McDonald's UK.

They drafted Scott in to add a little bit more realness to their food, adding perfectly imperfect crumbs, tears and drips. The vision was to make the McDonalds food offering as tactile and delicious as possible whilst echoing the reality of what we see in the box.

There are also a series of minimal still life food images of the breakfast collection where the food has been eaten and only crumbs remain that are plastered all over London at present.

To demonstrate some other skills this month's Spotlight also features some social Street Food for the post Covid era and a couple of clips from Scott's directing work.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food and beverage and he’s known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour. His second passion is travel and in an exploration of Puerto Rican food, Stephen combines his passions. Shot in Old San Juan, Guavate’s Ruta del Lechon and in studio, Hamilton highlights the culture and signature dishes of this beautiful island paradise.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast / commercials.

Steve Ryan is a portrait and food photographer with over 10 years of experience from Kilkenny, Ireland. Now London-based, Steve has been commissioned by some of the most innovative and exciting food and media brands in the world including Apple, Jamie Oliver, Guinness, Deliveroo, McDonald’s, Honest Burgers, Domino's, Tabasco, Jamesons and KFC.

See more of Steve's work here and follow him on Instagram.

Steve is represented by JSR, follow them on Instagram to see their latest projects.

Studio Wauters is a Brussels-based photography & film studio. Marc and Bart have a lifelong relationship with photography: It's their passion that inspires their ideas and moulds their styles.

Simplicity and elegance are the two most important attributes of their photography. Marc started his own studio in 1987, and his love for photography also inspired his son Bart. Studio Wauters guarantees quality and creativity in food, advertising and landscape photography like you will be able to see in the next few pages.

Their intuitiveness about the importance of digital photography and retouching has made them one of the trendsetters in this area. Their continuous investments in their work and modern technology enables them to always deliver the best possible image to their clients.

"I have been busy during covid working from either my London studio or from home, in Suffolk. I shoot mainly for packaging and advertising projects for design groups and agencies.

Recent clients include Gressingham, Gosh!, Nestle, Linwoods, Clearspring, etc. 

I have a flexible workflow and approach but always keeping to timescales and budgets! I am celebrating 30 years in the business this year so why not check out my work!”

"Food Fusion 95, Grounded, Al Phoenic, Baker Tim - all new start-ups that we have worked with this month.

Straight commercial affordable shoots. Exciting to work on these new projects with talented chefs like Aleandro Brown and Tony Esber.

I have been shooting food for decades, but in 2003 I re-thought my lighting and approach following an assignment to shoot 'Eating for England' for the World Cup-winning English Rugby Union Team. The cookery book was a huge success for their charity partner Sporting Chance.

I am looking to work with more new projects either on location or in my London studio."

Vegan Clicks is a boutique food photography service that focuses on creating the irresistible urge to taste the portrayed vegan dish.

The idea is by Italian photographer Enzo Dal Verme, a gourmand who turned vegan 38 years ago and has experienced firsthand the evolution of vegan products.

Mainly known for his celebrity portraits and stories published in Vanity Fair, L’Uomo Vogue, Elle, The Times, GQ and others, he is in the rather unique position of being both an experienced photographer and a vegan pioneer (now on a mission to allure consumers with sexy vegan food photos).

Milan-based Vegan Clicks is set up to work remotely with clients - no matter where they are in the world - and create images with strong visual impact.

Feel free to check out the website, follow on Instagram and contact to commission photos that make your customers hungry.