While shooting for Madhu's, a high-end Asian caterer, I was keen on capturing the beauty and essence of contemporary Asian cuisine. Working closely with the chefs, I ensure that every dish is meticulously presented and captured in the most visually stunning way possible.
Asian cuisine is full of rich colours, textures, and flavours that are a feast for the senses. As a food photographer, it is my job to showcase these elements and bring the dishes to life through my images. From the fiery reds of a spicy curry to the delicate green hues of fresh herbs, I carefully select the perfect lighting and background to complement the dish and create an image that is both visually striking and true to the food itself.
I take great pride in my work, knowing that my food photography is a vital part of Madhu's brand and marketing efforts. Each image I capture tells a story about the food, the culture, and the people behind it. By showcasing the beauty of each dish, I help Madhu's connect with their customers on a deeper level and convey the authenticity and quality of their cuisine.
Food photography is more than just taking pictures of food. It is an art form that requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of the subject matter, and a passion for creating beautiful and evocative images. Madhu's are committed to delivering the best possible photos of their cuisine, and I am proud to be a part of that effort.
Below are samples of the recent images we shot for them.
Crispy Thai Tilapia singleCrispy Thai Tilapia selectionPassion Fruit Merrangue
It's always a delight to photograph such beautiful food, and this food certainly was. Every dish was a work of art.
Satay chicken
These Thai satay chicken skewers were delicious(perks of the job to sample, of course).
Sea bass tower with tandoori sauce
The lovely colours of the edible flowers and the sauce made this dish really stand out.
Tandoori Lobster tailPassion fruit meringue dome
For further information, or if you would like to discuss any upcoming food photography projects, you can reach Michael via the contact page.
Those who know me, know I'm a great advocate of vegan and vegetarian foods. despite being a meat eater I do feel we generally eat far too much as a nation and am happy to have meat only on rarer occasions and when it's particularly good.
Consequently, I'm particularly excited when I get the chance to work on a specific vegan or vegetarian ranges. If there's chocolate involved, then so much the better, as in this project for a new startup, Saintly Foods, that I'm sure will prove to be highly successful in the near future.
Saintly foods produce high-quality desserts which are not only delicious but also ethical. Talking to Vanessa, the company CEO and founder, she tells me that she wanted to produce foods that you could just buy without having to read all the small print, to make sure the company isn't using any dodgy ingredients or sourcing anything unethically. What you get is good honest and trustworthy food, that you're happy to eat. All very reassuring, in my book.
Here are some of the photos we took, for use in general marketing and then lower down the page, for the product packaging.
Highly indulgent chocolate tart..You wouldn't know it was vegan, as with any of these fab 5.
Raspberry tart with franzipan and coconut yoghurt
Delicious moist tarte au citron
Apple tartlet, with cinnamon
Lemon meringue made with aquafaba
As the saying goes, "we eat with our eyes first", and there's no denying that a beautifully presented dessert is hard to resist. For vegan dessert company, Saintly Foods, having eye-catching and delicious-looking images of their desserts is crucial to attracting new customers and showcasing their range of delectable treats.
Food photography is an art form, and capturing the essence of a dessert is no easy feat. From the textures and colours to the lighting and composition, each element must be carefully considered to create an image that is not only visually appealing, but also accurately represents the taste and quality of the dessert.
As well as the lifestyle images above we also shot the food photography for the packaging.
Pack Shots, pre artwork
Final Packs, all ready for listing
If you need any further information or advice on your food photography, please feel free to get in touch, via my contact page
As a London based food photographer, Michael has been shooting food professionally now for over 30 years. His vast knowledge of food and photography will help you get the best for your food photography requirements.
Smoked Halibut by London Food Photographer Michael Michaels
When working with chefs instead of a food stylist, I sometimes get a little nervous. While chefs create some delicious food, they often don't quite get the level of detail needed with the food when it is being photographed. Having worked with these guys for several years now, they totally do get it. These guys being top London catering company, Jackson Gilmour, who produce some beautiful food, art on a plate in fact, and I love working with them.
Needless to say, lunch is always amazing!
We shot a series of images for website and general marketing use. Using beautiful props, and simple lighting, in fact, I was testing some new LED lights in this case, I wanted the food to be the centre of attention.
So here are a few of the images we shot for them
Roast Lamb with vegetables, chef style.
This fabulous dish features pistachio crusted roast lamb, apricot rosemary jus, romanesco and butternut squash purée, dauphinoise potatoes, courgette, carrot and asparagus.
On a side note, it tasted amazing, I should know, it was my lunch.
Seared tuna with chilli avocado and spiralled vegetables.
The best way, in my opinion, to eat tuna. Seared on the outside, and rare in the middle. That way, you get the best of both.
Falafel scotch egg.
The vegetarians don't get left out, and with Jackson Gilmour, they definitely don't. That applies to vegans too, so watch this space.
This twist on Falafel Scotch egg was the first I've ever seen. A very clever change from the traditional meat scotch egg which in my humble opinion, tasted just as good.
Stunning Tapioca and Squid Ink Cracker topped with fresh crab, lemon and lime zest, yuzu pearls and yuzu mayonnaise.
This shot was used to promote the clients wedding range. Not often I use black perspex and this was something that was used many years ago.
What goes around, comes around. This could be the beginning of a new fad...and works particularly well with the reflections of the bright colourful food.
Moroccan chicken canapes-by London food photographer Michael Michaels
While still on our black perspex theme, we have some great reflections with these canapes. This was a bit of a balancing act for sure, with the canapes staying lined up and garnish leaves still looking perky, but we got there in the end.
Peanut butter dessert by London food photographer
Of course, we had to finish with a delicious dessert. this one's a peanut caramel shortcake with honeycomb ice cream and pear compote.
Can you guess how the chocolate was shaped that way. Please email me for the answer.
While most of my work is for design and advertising agencies, I do occasionally get the opportunity to work for the odd restaurant, cafe or food startup, which I absolutely love.
Unlike working to a tight brief from an agency, the smaller businesses are often far more flexible on their requirement which gives us a greater opportunity for freedom in how we shoot the food.
Don't get me wrong, working to a tight brief with a full-on creative team is fabulous too and I also love the technical nitty-gritty of getting every little detail spot on.
Here's a case in point. I was recommended to shoot for a new Cafe in Baker Street, central London, called "Sweet Liberty" It's a fabulous location very close to the Sherlock Holmes museum and as it's on a corner plot, it has a lovely light feel to it.
Being new, and with plenty of wall space, the owner was keen to get some framed images of their beautiful food up on the wall and to use for their own marketing purposes. There's a little history to the owner of his place too, it's owned by the brother of none other, than the legendary boxer, John Conteh. Someone I clearly remember from my childhood and who was recently knighted.
If you need a reminder of what he looks like, here he is, sporting a fabulous tan, receiving his MBE.
The Legendary, John Conteh
So here's a selection of some of the shots we took.
Ice cream Sundae
This beautiful Sundae was extremely tricky to shoot. There wasn't quite enough product supplied but thanks to the skills of my food stylist, Trish Hurel, we got there in the end with this super colourful shot. Normally we would have dry ice for a shot like this but unfortunately, the delivery was delayed and we had to manage without. Just to be clear, no mashed potato was used in the making of this dish. It's all real.
Raspberry Sorbet
While still in the cold, we thought we would push our luck and go for this raspberry sorbet too. again, very little product was supplied and this was our last attempt to get this to work before we run out. I particularly like the minimal number of colours in the shot, just 3 really, and that's if you include the grey.
Tarte Au Citron
One of the tastiest I have tried. If you get a chance, pop in and try one for yourself.
Raspberry Tart
Another tasty treat, tart and sweet at the same time. Delicious!
Ciabatta grilled vegetarian sandwich
We finish off with a savoury, a delicious grilled sandwich, all vege too.
If you are in the process of needing some food photography, please drop me a line or give me a call.
My studio is in Central London, very easy to get to by both public transport or car so easy access to all clients. Plus you have a vast choice of props and backgrounds to make your life easier, and not to mention, over 30 years of experience, specialising in making your food look delicious.
It's always great to be working with start ups. They are often quite innovative with their foods and full of enthusiasm, which I love.
Also, they are generally more open to suggestions and more open minded about their photography. What is there not to like about that.
So shooting some food photography recently at my studio in London for Raphia foods was a lot of fun and also enlightened me to some delicious Moroccan/French foods Which I hadn't come across before, like these rose flavoured chocolate delights filled with rose fondant and coated in a crispy aromatic dry rose petal outer. They tasted like no other chocolate I've ever tasted before. Superb!
Mixed chocolate selection box by London Food Photographer Michael Michaels
Of course, we couldn't just have one sole lonely chocolate all by itself, so here's the beautiful box it came from with other beauties to keep it company.
Dark chocolate selection. Photography by London Food Photographer, Michael Michaels
For the dark chocolate lovers out there, was this stunning selection.
Coated chocolate slab by London Food Photographer
Last but not least, was this gorgeous slab, coated in nuts and candied cherries.
Calissous by London Food Photographer, Michael Michaels
Calissous are another new addition to my repertoire. These petal shaped sweets are made of a fine mix of almond and candied fruit with a fruity royal icing top.
Cinnamon honey by London Food Photographer, Michael Michaels
Fortunately, this cinnamon honey was one of the lovely treats left at my studio and works wonders with my porridge in the mornings.
Orange Honey by London Food Photographer, Michael Michaels
Sliced seeded oranges are layered in a jar with the best honey and then left to soften, almost like a marmalade and has a similar bitter sweet flavour.
Another favorite when chopped on my morning porridge or yoghurt.
Seeded almonds by London Food Photographer, Michael Michaels
Last but not least, these fabulous almonds have a sweet crust which is then tossed in various seeds.
Not easy to just eat the one.
Until next time..Happy feasting
Don't forget, if you're in the process of looking for a food photographer to add value to your food products, please give me a call or get in touch via my contact page here.
Michael Michaels is a specialist food photographer in London.
For food photography in London and the surrounding areas please contact Michael using the details above.
We shoot food photography for advertising, packaging and marketing purposes and are conveniently located in West Central London.
Photograph of rack of lamb by London food photographer, Michael Michaels
Shooting some more editorial style food photography at my London studio recently made for a great photo session and working with an upmarket Indian restaurant was a great joy. With some delicious food photography to be had, I couldn't wait for the Team from Viceroy Indian restaurant to arrive with their talented chef, all the way from Staffordshire.
Photograph of Indian Biryani, by London food photographer Michael Michaels
Photograph of Traditional tandoori salmon fillet by London food photographer, Michael Michaels
One of the best things about working on modern food is that there is so much competition, with many chefs trying to get their food to stand out form the crowd. This is particularly evident with new restaurants and event caterers where the end customer is always looking to be wowed. Hence the chefs going the extra mile in the preparation and final appearance of the food. For a food photographer, that is music to our ears.
Photograph of mixed Indian starter by London food photographer Michael Michaels
Photograph of Indian style scallops by London food photographer, Michael Michaels
Photograph of Indian style Vegan option, tandoori tofu by London food photographer, Michael Michaels
Photograph of venison curry by London food photographer, Michael Michaels
If you like scallops, this is a great simple, delicious and quick recipe.
Make the sauce first
Zest one orange and keep zest to one side
Cut the skin and pith off this plus 1 or 2 more oranges then slice them about 7-8mm think
Place slices in a hot cast iron or non stick pan and give them a good charring on both sides
Allow to cool slightly then place in metal sieve and with the back of a ladle, squeeze all the juice out into the pan, then add the zest.
On a low heat, with the juice just steaming, allow the juice to reduce. You can add a little sugar to help caramelise and thicken.
Leave to one side, once ready.
The scallops.
Trim if necessary then pat dry the scallops with kitchen towel and season with salt an pepper.
Heat up a pan with some olive oil or butter in it.
When hot, swiftly add the scallops, one at a time, forming a circle. They should sizzle, when the first one goes in otherwise the pan is not hot enough.
Once the last scallop is in, cook for about 2-3 minutes(should be golden), then flip them one at a time, going round the circle and starting with the first one that went in.
After a further 2 minutes, when golden on second side, remove from pan and serve
Drizzle on the sauce, add garnish and serve.
Tip 1- No need to move the scallops around in the pan while cooking.
Tip 2- If scallops are stuck, then let them cook a little longer.
Tip 3- The scallops should be opaque and not translucent on the sides.
Michael Michaels is a specialist food photographer in London.
For food photography in London and the surrounding areas please contact Michael using the details above.
We shoot food photography for advertising, packaging and marketing purposes and are conveniently located in West Central London.
It's a great time of year for fresh fruit and veg and so we took advantage of it for a recent shoot, photographing some lovely ingredients.
Just simple lighting and simple background.
First up, is this lovely purple chicory, shot on stone with some directional yet softened lighting. Very simple but some good detail on parts of the leaf.
The background kept a little soft to avoid blending with the chicory itself.
Purple Chicory
Followed by some multi coloured carrots, each colour having it's own nutritional benefits.
Multi coloured carrots
You may have just missed the season for British asparagus as they are harvested for the last time on the summer solstice, the 21st of June, so here's a reminder of how great they were.