Food photography is often a highly stylized affair, with elaborate lighting setups, heavy image manipulation, and a final product that is not suitable for human consumption. There are, however, photographers like Kristen Finn, whose work showcases food in its natural state, the culture surrounding it, and how it reaches the table.
Finn’s photographs show the real food we find on our tables or in our kitchen — often imperfect, but beautiful nonetheless. Her work is approachable, often capturing geometric or graphic patterns.
Showing pristine food is not Finn’s goal. She says:I’m not sure when my obsession with food started but I’m sure it has something to do with Grandma’s meatball and lefse dinners. Food is attractive to me. It’s this great trifecta of art, community, and a basic necessity. I want to get to know food on all levels. From a mother making bread over a fire, to a chef getting the perfect brulée, to vegetables in their raw form. Food in its most raw state is simply beautiful, it has natural texture, form, and sometimes bold color. It’s fun to photograph.
Finn also believes in showing a natural state of food, and where it comes from. She does not shy away from the tough realities of farming and slaughter. In fact, she has a thoughtful series on her website showing how chickens get prepped for the market. She says:The people that dedicate their lives to the art of making, growing, or raising our food are impressive. Food photography is as much about celebrating the food and the culture around it as it is about my journey to better understand the policy. I think the more you understand how food is being used, the more you will care where and how it’s raised and how it’s affecting our world as a whole.
You can find more of Finn’s work on her website http://kristenfinn.com.