Chef's kiss

Our apprentice captures Michelin-star shots with food pro Nic Crilly-Hargrave

A short walk from Peckham Rye Railway Station, London, is Levan, a cosy contemporary European eatery that provides an inviting bistronomy-inspired menu. Lisa’s job would be to capture the restaurant’s honest, à la carte dishes and homely atmosphere, under the watchful eye of professional food photographer Nic Crilly-Hargrave. The apprentice would have enough on her plate, presenting the trendy dining space’s tantalizing dishes in the very best light, but adding to the challenge was the working environment. Levan was open for business, so the pair would have to navigate a lively kitchen and bustling restaurant.

“No, no, after you,” said Nic as he lunged to one side – camera aloft – allowing a chef carrying a trayful of fresh rhubarb to pass. “I spend the first half hour letting the kitchen staff know that I won’t get in their way,” he explained to Lisa before turning towards the chef who was now sorting through the vibrant pink stems. “If I’m in the way, just shove me aside. Don’t even bother asking,” he said with a chuckle.

MAKING A MEAL OF IT

The pro handed his apprentice a wireless trigger, so her Nikon Z 7 could communicate with the Godox flash head, positioned on the right side of the kitchen. “It’s out of the way there,” said Nic, “but I’m an advocate of side lighting anyway. The window opposite will act as a fill light, but even so, we’ll get some nice shadows so we can pick out some lovely details.”

“What are your go-to camera settings?” asked Lisa as she slotted the transmitter into her camera’s hotshoe.