We were lucky to catch up with Irina Popa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Food photography is more than just taking pictures of delicious food. It’s about capturing the essence of dishes and telling a story through my photographs. As a food photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various restaurants and engage myself in different cuisines.

One of the most meaningful aspects of food photography is the ability to evoke emotions and memories through visual representation. A well-composed photograph of a beautifully plated dish has the power to transport people to a specific moment in time or stir up nostalgic feelings. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work can bring out such strong reactions from viewers.

Furthermore, food photography allows me to collaborate with passionate chefs and restaurant owners who put their heart and soul into creating extraordinary culinary experiences. I play a crucial role in elevating culinary creations and enabling chefs to share their artistry with a larger audience by capturing their work in stunning photographs.

The importance of food photography is meaningful because it goes beyond capturing mere images of food – it’s about preserving stories, celebrating ccreativity, and connecting people through shared experiences and appreciation for a culinary journey.

Irina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Before I transitioned into food photography, I was taking pictures of people. A friend suggested that I expand my portfolio by photographing the food at her restaurant, and that’s how my journey in food photography began. As I built my portfolio, I discovered more job opportunities in the industry. Working with different companies, I had the chance to visit many restaurants, savor various cuisines, and connect with wonderful people, some of whom became my regular clients. I am deeply passionate about photography. Every day, I aim to capture the essence of the moment from different perspectives. Through photography, I’ve learned to perceive my daily routine differently and appreciate the small things that often go unnoticed.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I started my journey as a food photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of food. I knew that to establish a reputation in the competitive food photography market, I needed to offer something unique and exceptional.
To further develop my skills, I enrolled in photography workshops and courses specific to food photography. These experiences helped me understand the technical aspects of food styling, composition, and lighting, which are crucial in this niche.
Networking played a significant role in gaining exposure and building my reputation. I collaborated with local restaurants and cafes to showcase their culinary creations through my photography. This not only allowed me to practice my art but also provided me with a portfolio of diverse food images.
Social media became an essential tool for me to showcase my work and connect with potential clients. I regularly shared my photographs on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, engaging with food enthusiasts and industry professionals.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a food photographer, I have the unique opportunity to capture the beauty and artistry of delicious dishes. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being able to showcase the hard work and creativity of talented chefs and food stylists. When I see my photographs being used in cookbooks, magazines, or advertisements, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work is helping to promote and celebrate the culinary arts.
Moreover, the reactions from people who see my food photographs are always heartwarming. Whether it’s a chef who feels proud to see their creations beautifully depicted or a reader who feels inspired to try a new recipe, knowing that my images have made a positive impact is truly rewarding.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was when a restaurant owner told me that my photographs helped attract new customers to their establishment. It was gratifying to know that my work not only showcased their delicious food but also contributed to their business’s success.
Overall, being a food photographer allows me to play a part in promoting and celebrating the incredible world of cuisine, and the rewards of seeing the impact of my work are truly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irinapopa_oc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irinkArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-popa-14891663
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/irinkart-photo-aliso-viejo-2

Image Credits

I have all the images rights.