After more than 20 years of photographing portraits, weddings and events, a local photographer found an unexpected creative niche behind the lens shooting Maine's growing food scene.
Lauren Lear, the owner of the Photo Kitchen in Portland, works with restaurants, magazines and food brands to create everything from menu photography and product packaging images to large-scale editorial shoots.
Her transition into food photography began after attending a weeklong workshop on food photography and styling at Maine Media Workshop. The course, taught by a New York-based photographer and food stylist team, introduced her to the detailed process behind commercial food imagery.
What began as an experiment quickly became a career focus.
Over time, Lear built a portfolio by repeatedly styling and photographing her own dishes, eventually landing larger commercial opportunities, including food styling work for a Subway commercial and projects with Maine Spirits.
Now, her assignment spans Maine's hospitality industry. She recently completed a full-day shoot at Bombay Bistro in Westbrook, photographing menu items, cocktails, staff and the restaurant's atmosphere, all for promotional use.
Other projects include photography for Healing Home Foods and Edible Maine magazine.
How to create the photo
Social media and online branding have become increasingly important for restaurants and small businesses. Lear said the demand for food-focused visual content has grown significantly.
While the final image may appear effortless, Lear said much of the process happens long before the camera comes out.
Before shoots, Lear works with clients to develop an inspiration board that helps establish lighting, mood and visual direction. Some restaurants prefer bright, airy imagery while others want dramatic shadows and darker tones that better reflect their brand.
She also experiments with subtle visual techniques, including placing plants in front of lighting equipment to create textured shadows across a table or dish.
"Even though you don't see the flowers, you see the shadow," said Lear. "It becomes its own prop."
About Photo Kitchen
Social media and online branding have become increasingly important for restaurants and small businesses. Lear said the demand for food-focused visual content has grown significantly.
The demand inspired Lear to start the Photo Kitchen, a photography studio in Portland, after years of renting temporary workspaces.
Lauren Lear shares the Photo Kitchen space with the owner of the Messy Cookie, Krystina Fisher. PHOTO / REBEKAH WHEELER
The studio features a fully functional kitchen designed for food photography, video shoots and content creation.
Lear shares the space with the owner of the Messy Cookie, Krystina Fisher. The studio has evolved into a collaborative workspace for photographers, bakers, caterers, and creators.
The space has hosted workshops, commercial shoots, cooking podcasts and private events.
Collabs
For Lear, however, some of the most rewarding work comes from collaborations.
One of her favorite recent projects was a stylized "Wicked"-inspired brunch shoot featuring dramatic desserts and vibrant food styling to reflect the movie.
Another shoot captured oysters, lobster rolls and caviar during a pop-up event at Sacred Profane.
"Whether I'm being hired or not, I just love teaming up with people," said Lear. "That's been the most fun part."
Reader feedback
What summer foodie events should I keep an eye out for? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.
