touch of taste — Mike Palafox

The Touch of Taste: Portraits of Chefs at Work

This is a portrayal of the beauty and intricacy of culinary art. It goes beyond the glossy, high-end restaurant aesthetic and today’s quest for food porn, instead I focus on the essence of what it means to be a chef. Through the lens, we see the sweat and determination that goes into creating delicious dishes. We witness the passion that drives these chefs to spend countless hours perfecting their craft. The project is an ode to the dedication and hard work that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the food industry.

Shot on medium format film, the project has a gritty and raw aesthetic that further emphasizes the authentic nature of my photographs. There are no distractions of color, no glitz and glamour, just pure unadulterated passion for cooking. The monochromatic palette adds a timeless quality to the images, making them feel almost nostalgic.

But it's not just about the chefs themselves. The Touch of Taste also celebrates the beauty of the kitchen as a workspace. The utilitarian nature of the kitchen is transformed into a canvas for artistry. The play of light and shadows, the interplay of textures and surfaces, all captured in detail, are a testament to the simple beauty of the kitchen itself.

In a world that often values flash over substance, The Touch of Taste: Portraits of Chefs at Work reminds me of the beauty in hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. It is a celebration of the art of cooking, and the artists who bring it to life, captured in detail through a Rolleiflex SL66.