The Food Photographer
Simi Jois, started as a marketing and branding professional but transitioned to becoming a food photographer. Now based in Chicago, Illinois, her food photography has been featured on MSN, Fox News Magazine, Better Homes, and theKitchn. She is a frequent contributor on the Daily Meal.
Raised in an art-emphasized home subconsciously trained her mind to engage creatively with color, texture, light, shadow and composition. Simi uses photographic images as her canvas and the lens as her brush. She did not have to look far for a subject – her passion for creating flavors provided her with infinite permutations of expression. Painting with ingredients, pairing exotic spices for mutual enhancement and richness of flavor, Simi narrates her stories through the play of light and bold strokes of color.
The Interview
A few weeks back, we sat down to chat about her journey as a food photographer:
Interview Highlights
You will learn that:
1) Simi's parents, both artists, inspired her
2) Her becoming a mom was the catalyst for taking up photography
3) She loves to cook
4) Finding comfort in the ingredients, aroma, and texture motivate her to try different set-ups
5) Her other inspiration are painters from the Renaissance period
6) Simi is creatively challenged to produce photographs that don't look overly styled
7) How the power of observation in day-to-day events and places can help your photography
8) She loves to play with light and uses speed lights, reflectors, and Nikon cameras
9) She is intrigued by shadows just as much as the light
10) How a simple garnish of mint on blueberries can create a punchy image
Simi Jois' Food Photography
Additional Resources
Check out Simi's tutorial on painting prop boards.
Do you want to learn more about food photography? Check out the CreativeLive courses offered here.
Lastly, Don Giannatti is offering a spectacular 8-week food photography course that you simply can't pass up. For $75, it is a no-brainer and in my opinion, there is no better photography instructor to guide you through this wonderful genre of photography.
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Donald Giannatti says
Thanks so much, Seshu.
Very good post!
turmericnspice says
Thank you so much for inviting me over, Seshu, I feel honored.
Sara Ell says
What lovely photographs! Thanks Seshu for this post. Simi’s images have these gorgeous, Loftus-esque natural charm. They’re effortlessly artistic while still bringing out the appeal of the dishes. They look like something you could dig into right away!
I don’t know if Simi will see this, but I wonder if her background in portrait photography helps her to give food such personality? The way she describes getting to know the aroma and character of the dishes and letting that inform her process makes it seem as if she gets to know them in the same way that I like to get to know portrait subjects.
That description of looking at a setting and seeing the natural beauty that is already in it is so inspiring! The lighting in all of her shots is so raw and exquisite, no matter what the lighting pattern.