food

Preparation is key. I always start from a brief whether I work with a client or on a project with other photographers.

I search for inspiration around that brief then I draw (ugly) sketches on a notebook to have my guideline.

As I have been this visual merchandising job for more than 15 years now, I quickly have the image of the final rendering in my head. I can of course change my mind during the shooting and come up with a better idea (sometimes, so great pictures happen by accident!), but the idea of the shoot is already clear in my head.

Then, I look for great props like the proper background, plates etc…which suit my idea and off I go !

The more I shoot, the more I am in awe with the ingredients beauty. Colors and textures. More than a nice picture or a good recipe, I want to tell a story and the palette of emotions that food can bring.

I want to talk about traditions, forgotten ingredients and traditions, food stories from far away like stories from my country where we have such a precious and unrivaled savoir faire.

And for a while now, I have been quite obsessed with flowers and greenery which goes so well with food.

Everything can serve as an inspiration. Instagram, Pinterest but also a great exhibition or a book or even a market visit. One magnificent ingredient can be the starting point of everything.

A good picture to me is the one which ‘tells a story’, whether it was a completely staged or ‘in the moment’.

For a portrait (like the ones I shoot with the pastry chefs for example), a successful pic is when you can see his/ her goodness, his/her craziness… his/her soul!

To shoot wrapping paper is no different: the subject changes but the mix of textures, sizes, objet set up and focus, the light, the attention to details are the same.

The challenge was to make it even more beautiful than it was and not have the decor be too overwhelming.

The product needs to be the ‘hero’, the decor is here to emphasize it.

A simple, healthy, authentic and seasonal cuisine. Less processed food.

Use our good common sense by buying simple products to make a good soup instead of buying one (cheaper too). I work non-stop and I am a mummy too with dinners to prepare and yet I manage to do ok: all you need is some organization.