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…(Read More)
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…(Read More)
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…(Read More)
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