So You Want To Be A Food Photographer...

By Anthony Todd in Food on Nov 26, 2012 6:20PM

Photo via Galdones Photography.

"Food Photographer" is one of those professions that millions of people secretly want but most have no idea actually involves. (Not unlike "food writer," as it turns out.) It's one of those occupations where, as soon as you mention it at a party, everyone assumes that you spend your entire life trailing after chefs, cameras blazing, while simultaneously tasting amazing food. For photographer (and friend of Chicagoist) Huge Galdones, it's kind of true.

Galdones chatted with Hannah and Dane on WGN Radio's Flavor HD about how he got to where he is, the joys of taking pictures and the adventure of following Stephanie Izard through the wilds of Columbia searching for coffee. He has become a ubiquitous figure in the Chicago food scene, but he wasn't trained as a photographer.

How did he get his start? Turns out he was working in a kitchen and the bosses, who knew of his love of photography, needed some photos quick. The rest is history. Now he takes pictures for magazines, newspapers, websites and contributes to Serious Eats and Grubstreet. He even occasionally lets us use one of his gorgeous photos.

"At this point in my career, I love everything I do," Galdones told the radio hosts. Lucky guy. If you're interested in breaking into the world of food photography, or converting anything you love from a hobby into a profession, listen to the whole interview.