Penny De Los Santos
"My goal as a food photographer is to capture not just the beauty of a dish, but the story and emotion behind it."
Penny De Los Santos (website) is an accomplished food photographer, known for her ability to tell captivating stories through her images. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Saveur, National Geographic, and The New York Times. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the essence of the culinary experience, Penny De Los Santos has become one of the most sought-after food photographers in the industry.
Early Life and Career
Penny De Los Santos was born and raised in Texas, where her love for photography and storytelling began. She pursued her passion and earned a Bachelor of Journalism in Photojournalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Penny then went on to earn a Master's degree in Visual Communication from Ohio University.
After completing her education, Penny began her career as a photojournalist, capturing the lives and cultures of people around the world. It was during these travels that she discovered her passion for food photography, realizing that the stories behind the food we eat are just as important as the dishes themselves. This realization led her to focus on food photography and storytelling, a decision that would shape her illustrious career.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Penny De Los Santos has a unique approach to food photography, emphasizing the stories and cultural connections behind the dishes she photographs. By focusing on the people, places, and processes that make each dish special, Penny is able to create images that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.
Her photographic style is characterized by a mix of documentary and editorial techniques, with an emphasis on natural lighting and authentic settings. Penny often shoots on location, capturing the true essence of a dish in its natural environment. This approach allows her to create images that are not only beautiful but also tell a story about the food and the people who create it.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Penny De Los Santos has had the opportunity to work with numerous renowned publications and clients. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:
Regular contributions to Saveur Magazine, showcasing her ability to tell culinary stories from around the world.
Features in National Geographic and The New York Times, highlighting her unique style and storytelling capabilities.
Collaborations with major food brands, such as Whole Foods and Chipotle, showcasing her ability to create captivating images for commercial purposes.
Photography Gear
Penny De Los Santos uses a variety of photography gear to capture her stunning images. Some of her go-to equipment includes:
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: This full-frame DSLR is perfect for Penny's on-location shoots, offering high-resolution images and exceptional low-light performance.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: This versatile zoom lens allows Penny to capture everything from wide-angle scenes to close-up details, making it an invaluable tool in her kit.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM: This fast prime lens is ideal for capturing stunning portraits and food close-ups, with beautiful bokeh and sharp image quality.
Photography Books
"The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor" showcases Penny De Los Santos' exceptional photography skills while providing readers with mouthwatering, healthy recipes. Her unique ability to capture the essence of each dish makes this book an invaluable resource for photographers seeking inspiration in food photography.
In "BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts", Penny De Los Santos' captivating photography elevates the presentation of classic American desserts. Her skillful use of lighting and composition offers valuable insights and techniques for photographers looking to hone their craft in dessert photography.
"The Malaysian Kitchen: 150 Recipes for Simple Home Cooking" features Penny De Los Santos' stunning photography, highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of Malaysian cuisine. This book serves as an excellent source of inspiration for photographers interested in capturing the diverse flavors of international cuisine.
"Asian Dumplings: Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas, and More" demonstrates Penny De Los Santos' talent for capturing the intricate details of various dumplings. Her photography offers inspiration for photographers looking to convey the artistry and craftsmanship behind these beloved dishes.
Finally, "Gluten-Free Girl Every Day" showcases Penny De Los Santos' ability to make gluten-free dishes look as appetizing as their traditional counterparts. Her photography techniques and unique perspectives make this book a valuable resource for photographers seeking to excel in food photography, especially within the realm of specialized diets.
Quotes
"Food is a universal language. It's a way for us to connect and share our stories, our traditions, and our cultures with one another."
"My goal as a food photographer is to capture not just the beauty of a dish, but the story and emotion behind it."
"I believe that the key to great food photography is authenticity capturing the true essence of a dish and the people who create it."
"I approach each dish as a unique story waiting to be told, and I try to bring that story to life through my images."
"For me, photography is a way to explore the world and share the beauty and diversity of the culinary experiences I encounter."
Legacy and Influence
Penny De Los Santos has made a significant impact in the world of food photography through her unique storytelling approach and her ability to capture the essence of a dish. Her work has inspired a new generation of photographers to look beyond the mere aesthetics of food and focus on the stories and cultural connections that make each dish special.
Other notable food photographers with similar style are:
Andrew Scrivani: Known for his work with The New York Times, Scrivani is a food photographer who also emphasizes storytelling and cultural connections in his images.
Marta Greber: A food photographer and blogger, Greber captures the beauty and stories behind everyday meals and ingredients.
Bea Lubas: Lubas' work showcases the art of food styling and storytelling, creating images that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
Through her captivating images and dedication to telling the stories behind the food we eat, Penny De Los Santos has made a lasting impact on the world of food photography. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing our culinary traditions and the stories that make each dish truly special.
