Kris Kirkham Food Photography –
My Journey: From Farm to Frame
Hello, I’m Kris Kirkham—a food photographer with a love for food so deep it’s shaped my life and career. In this first blog, I’ll share my journey, the stories behind my work, and the inspiration that drives me to create images that connect with people. To kick things off, I want to tell you a little about how I got here, combining two of my greatest passions: food and photography.
A Life Built Around Food
I grew up on a farm surrounded by fresh ingredients—plump fruit from the orchard, eggs collected straight from the coop, and the chickens we raised. From a young age, I was fascinated by the magic of food. It wasn’t just nourishment; it was a way to comfort, inspire, and bring people together. My mother, who grew up in Malaysia, played a huge role in this. If you know anything about Malaysian culture, you’ll know that food is life. People think about their next meal while eating the current one!
This environment nurtured my curiosity and love for cooking. By the time I was nine or ten, I already knew I wanted to be a chef. I even dressed up as one for Halloween! That passion eventually led me into professional kitchens, where I spent 15 years honing my craft.
Discovering the Magic of Food Photography
Alongside my love for food, another passion was quietly taking root—photography. My journey started in a darkroom at just 11 years old, learning to develop prints before I’d even taken my first photo. I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing my work come to life in print. That feeling hooked me, and I knew photography would always be part of my life.
Over time, it became clear that these two passions—food and photography—could work together. By the age of 14, I’d already imagined a life where I could cook, travel the world, and photograph the food I loved.
From Chef to Food Photographer
After working in kitchens for years, I decided to take a leap. In 2006, I moved from Vancouver to London to study photography at the University of Arts. While studying, I worked as a chef at the National Gallery, where a serendipitous opportunity came my way—I got involved in creating a cookbook. From recipe development to food styling, I was hands-on with every aspect, which sparked something in me. This project opened doors, and I soon found myself assisting photographers and learning everything I could about the craft.
Transitioning from being a chef to a photographer felt natural. My time in kitchens taught me precision, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic—all essential for creating mouth-watering images. Instead of serving delicious meals, I now craft images that make people feel hungry.
Why Food Photography?
Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a connection, a memory, and a story waiting to be shared. My journey as a food photographer is rooted in a deep appreciation for food’s ability to evoke emotion. I want my images to make you pause, to spark a feeling, and to remind you of the beauty in the everyday.
My background as a chef allows me to see food not just as a subject but as a masterpiece crafted with care and precision. I understand its textures, its flavours, and the details that make it irresistible. When photographing food, I aim to celebrate these elements in a way that feels honest, real, and approachable.
My mission is simple: to make the every day special. Whether it’s a comforting meal or an indulgent treat, I want the viewer to appreciate the present moment and feel inspired to savour life’s small joys.
Looking Ahead
This blog is my way of connecting with you, sharing the stories behind my work, and exploring the art of food photography. In my next post, I’ll dive into one of my favourite collaborations with author Sabrina Ghayour, whose recipes and creativity have been a joy to capture.
Thank you for joining me on this journey—there’s so much more to share, and I can’t wait to bring you along.
