If you were to tell me a year ago that I would be a freelance photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle I would not have believed you.  I wouldn't even know what door to knock for such an opportunity.  But fast forward to 2015 and guess what? I'm a freelance photographer for the SF Chronicle.  It's as cool as can be and last week it lead me down a gastronomical path.

Because of photography an amazing world has opened up behind the lens.  I've been able to meet and take photos of Silicon Valley tech legends at private and public events including John Doerr (partner at KPCB), Larry Page (co-founder of Google), former Vice President Al "Green" Gore, Steve Job's son Reed, and more.  

Recently my journey took me to the swanky kitchen showroom at Reed Distributing, Inc., in Burlingame. My contact at the SF Chronicle assigned me to the task of photographing 5 top chefs from the San Francisco area. This gig is all part of their annual SF Chronicle Top 100 Restaurants for 2015.  Over the course of 2 days I met and photographed Chefs Matt Grandin (Comal) , Michael Tusk (Quince and Cotogna), Suzette Gresham (Acquerello), James Syhabout (Hawker Fare) and Craig Stoll (Delfina).

Besides having these chefs as part of the SF100, they are also part of an elite group who were selected to be videotaped as they each created a simple dish that folks at home can easily make.  And believe me you can.  I already tried making one of the dishes and it was so simple after watching them in action.  Now I'm hooked. You will be able to view their videos in May when they are published.

My path to working as a freelance photographer for the SF Chronicle came in 2014 by way of a Fourth of July picnic photo the paper wanted to use over that holiday.  You can read about that here.  In any case, one thing lead to another and now I freelance for The SF Chronicle.  It's a super gig.  

What gear did I use for the sessions?  Click here to see what Canon equipment I use.  

What am I most often asked when it comes to food photography?  "Do you get to eat the food afterwards?"  The answer is a TASTY "Yes."  Yum MMM Good. 

Bon Appetit!  And be sure to check out the May 2015 SF Chronicle Top 100 Restaurants when it comes out.  In case you forget - you can be sure I'll remind you.

In the photo: Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

Top: Chef Matt Grandin chops some jicama; Chef Matt Grandin; Ingredients for a simple pasta dish

Mid: Chef James Syhabout; Chef Suzette Gresham with me; Chef Suzette with Chef James

Bottom: Chef Craig Stoll; Fresh peas and pea flower; Chef Michael Tusk

Meet the illustrious chefs I took photos of: Top middle, Chef Matt Grandin; Left Mid: Chef James Syhabout; Middle Mid: Chef Suzette Gresham (one of only 3 female 2-star Michelin rated chefs); Suzette with James; Chef Craig Stoll; Chef Michael Tusk. Meet the illustrious chefs I took photos of: Top middle, Chef Matt Grandin; Left Mid: Chef James Syhabout; Middle Mid: Chef Suzette Gresham (one of only 3 female 2-star Michelin rated chefs); Suzette with James; Chef Craig Stoll; Chef Michael Tusk.