@thegrazingtable is an international creative food stylist & photographer, who beautifully translated the aesthetics of the Dutch masters for this shoot of PLUMES. Here is a little more on her story and process :
Abby Joy: How did you start off on your @thegrazingtable/ stylist-photographer journey, and what are you doing now that is of particular/ new interest to you?
Food styling and photography has become an outlet for me as I reach a stage in my life where I am learning to embrace the creative life that I had previously refused to pursue, because of irrational fears. 6 years prior, I began the journey of studio/ product photography, but thought I would never make a living out of it – so why bother. Over the years I have worked out that climbing the work ladder isn't my thing, I'd rather embrace a life of creativity and risk taking and see what I can do. Now I'm exploring the combination of still life photography, mixed in with recipe building and creative writing that reflects a well travelled life. It's balancing all three that makes 'The Grazing Table' a selection of different stories, seasons and moments that compliment each individual aspect.
2. In what context/ contexts do you style-photograph , and are there any words or thoughts you associate with your relationship with what you create and how you photograph it ?
When I set up my photography shoot, capturing my subject in the most natural light and setting is the primary goal . Colour and texture play an important role, and I usually select props that have a significant value to me. The only word I could use to describe my work is 'serene', reflecting a relaxed, informal setting that makes the eye feel at ease with how the surroundings are expressed. However when it comes to food styling, everything is deliberately placed in a certain position, angle and light, it is an art to present the work as natural yet intentional.
3. When working with PLUMES, did anything stand out to you intially/ as you played around with them .
Styling with PLUMES, I quickly learned how each individual item needed a unique placement to reflect the story that is being told through the light weight feathers. There was already a story behind each item, so it was about orchestrating food produce to match and compliment the story. Abby has carefully crafted each individual design to be of practical value, which we all appreciate, but it is also a design that expresses delight in and a value for the landscape of South West England. With that in mind it was a honour to work carefully with PLUMES, not needing to add extra value but rather respecting that which had already been captured.
