Food photography serves as a crucial tool in both tempting taste buds and attracting patrons to eateries and private chef services. In this piece, I'll distill the key takeaways from my discussion with Melissa Santell, a versatile New Yorker proficient in the realms of food photography, writing, and branding. This conversation occurred during one of my episodes on The Private Chef Podcast. Melissa generously imparted her wisdom regarding the craft of translating delectable dishes into captivating visuals. Additionally, she shared her interesting journey and valuable advice on brand development and the art of crafting compelling food photography.
A Passionate Beginning
Melissa's journey into the culinary world began with a deep love for food instilled in her by her Italian family. Food wasn't just sustenance, it was a way to celebrate, express love, and communicate. Melissa's early memories of cooking Italian American classics with her mother ignited her passion for both food and photography, setting the stage for her culinary journey. Her childhood dreams of becoming a food critic and writer for prestigious publications like Bon Appétit foreshadowed her future.
From Marketing Director to Food Photographer
Melissa's professional journey led her to New York City, where she worked as the director of marketing at Neuman's Kitchen, a luxury catering and events company. Here, she was exposed to the bustling world of chefs, food experimentation, and recipe development. It was in this dynamic environment that she felt a deep connection to the food industry and decided to pursue her passion for food photography. For over five years now, Melissa has been successfully self-employed, capturing the essence of food and brands through her lens.
The Entrepreneurial Challenge
Transitioning into entrepreneurship wasn't without its challenges. Melissa acknowledges the fears and uncertainties that come with the territory but underscores the benefits of full accountability and the freedom to craft one's destiny. Initially focusing on social media management, she leveraged her marketing background and skills. Over time, she refined her focus on food photography and branding consultation, aligning her work with her true passion.
The Importance of Flexibility and Collaboration
Melissa highlights the infinite potential for growth and learning in the entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes the importance of remaining flexible, adapting, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Her experiences have also taught her to trust her intuition when collaborating with clients and partners, emphasizing the significance of working with individuals who share aligned values and goals.
Inspiration from New York City
In the vibrant and diverse landscape of New York City, Melissa found inspiration all around her. The city's energy, artistic expressions, and creative spirit contributed to her drive to innovate and design unique packages to meet the ever-evolving needs of her clients.
Building a Client Base
Melissa's journey from social media management to full-time food photography was not instantaneous. It required perseverance, saying no to lucrative but incongruent opportunities, and staying aligned with her long-term goals. Her strategic approach involved creating a list of dream clients, primarily focusing on restaurants in her local area. She built a strong community around her work through her social media platforms, engaging in meaningful conversations about the value of food photography, branding, and strategic marketing in the culinary world.
Tips for Aspiring Chefs
Melissa offered valuable advice for chefs looking to enhance their brand and food photography skills. She emphasized the importance of soft lighting, perspective, and styling in food photography. Melissa also highlighted the significance of editing as a crucial element in a photographer's style and brand.
Conclusion
Melissa Santell's journey from a passionate food lover to a successful food photographer, host of Sunday Sauce and branding expert is a testament to the power of following one's passion and forging a unique path in the culinary world. Her insights and advice serve as a valuable resource for chefs and food enthusiasts seeking to elevate their culinary and branding endeavors. Whether you're a professional chef or a foodie with a camera, Melissa's story inspires us to combine passion with expertise and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and food photography.
Listen to the full episode where Melissa talks about the creative process of Food Photography on The Private Chef Podcast.
Visit FoodxFeels official website to learn how to express your brand personality with Melissa Santell.
Grab a copy of her cookbook Hi, I'm Hungry HERE!