The Chef With A Camera
Photo: Instagram @cas_photo
Jim Sullivan, man of many crafts. You’re a chef, professional photographer, and an author. You’ve had your work featured in Michelin, Food and Wine Magazine, Leica Camera, and many more acclaimed names. You studied at Art Institute of California’s culinary program and made quite a name for yourself in the culinary world.
James H: What was your childhood like?
Sullivan: I grew up on the East Coast just outside Boston. At an early age I started in the restaurant industry as a busboy. I worked at the same Italian restaurant all the way through undergrad. So my love for food started at an early age.
James H: Did something or someone help drive your passion to the kitchen as a child?
Sullivan: Probably my cousin Paul who was the CDC at the Italian restaurant I started at. Initially, he got me the job as a busboy to get me working. That's where my passion for food started.
James H: What inspired you to choose culinary school?
Sullivan: At the time I was working at my day job and after years of stressing out over the long hours I decided to quit and go to culinary school to learn the craft.
James H: After you graduated from the Art Institute of California, where did you find yourself?
Sullivan: Somewhat at a crossroads. I was too old to work behind the lines and I didn't want to own a restaurant. So I started doing private chef work as well as pop-ups.
James H: What made you pick up a camera?
Sullivan: It was at these pop-ups I was doing that the proverbial light went off in my head. People were taking pictures of my food with their cellphones and I knew I couldn’t use those images to promote my work
James H: Did you instantly know that you wanted to photograph food and other chefs?
Sullivan: Not initially.
James H: Being a professional chef yourself, did this benefit how you approached shoots?
Sullivan: I think it helps a tremendous amount. Knowing food and how it's prepared and how it should look helps me visualize the image
James H: Are chefs tough clients to photograph?
Sullivan: Typically they're not camera "friendly". Meaning getting them to relax in front of the camera isn’t always easy. BUT I like that challenge of getting a good portrait with them.
James H: What is the most difficult part of displaying a plated meal?
Sullivan: The lighting
James H: To chefs, how important is it where their food is sourced from?
Sullivan: I think most chefs/cooks would tell you it's very important.
James H: Experiencing “Field to table” (Better said ocean to table) from your Mexico trips, how would you best describe it?
Sullivan: Something everyone should be able to experience. There's nothing like seeing where your food comes from and then seeing it prepared right there.
James H: Have you experienced other forms of Field to Table meals?
Sullivan: Outstanding in the Field. Great group of people and beautiful way to spend an evening over food.
James H: With your book “Mexican Food: The Ultimate Cookbook” (Available for preorder on Amazon), what inspired you most for this project?
Sullivan: My love for Mexican food and culture. Prior to this book I have spent many years traveling through the country with chef friends learning the culture and cuisine.
James H: Are there specific regions in Mexico that the recipes focus on?
Sullivan: The book tries to showcase recipes from each region of Mexico.
James H: Is there one specific dish in the book you’d consider your favorite?
Sullivan: That would be like asking which of your children is your favorite.
James H: At the end of the day, when you cook for your family, what’s on the table?
Sullivan: Typically what I have on hand at home. Usually healthy but done with thought
James H: Any future projects you’d like to share?
Sullivan: I'm currently producing/photographing a cookbook on Asian food.
James H: Before parting ways, what advice do you have for those wanting to turn their passions into a career?
Sullivan: If you decide to go for something, do it with conviction and dedication.
To see more of Jim Sullivan’s work, head to his site: https://www.jimsullivanphotography.com/
Or head to his Instagram: @_Mediumraw
To purchase Jim’s book, click below: