What happens when 11 chefs share a small kitchen?

A busy kitchen at the studio

It’s a party! We recently photographed a cover for St. Louis Magazine, the best dishes issue. Sarah Norwood, the art director, wanted to represent several of the favorites in one shot, so we contacted 14 chefs, and 11 were able to come. They were told to come during a one hour time period, so it was not too chaotic with all of them arriving at once.

Chef Kevin Nashon of Sidney Street Cafe

We instructed them to bring all the elements for their dishes separately, and that Carol Ziemann, the food stylist, would help with plating. Some had to cook an item or two, but for the most part they brought everything ready to shoot. Many of them were either friends or knew each other by reputation, and were a most congenial group. I would hope that a group of 11 photographers sharing a small studio would be as well behaved. After shooting the cover, which went remarkably smoothly, we also did a story opener photo that required a couple of hands. Gerard Craft, of Niche, was still here, and has very nice hands, so we recruited him as a hand model. His and Sarah’s hands will be famous soon. Look for the February issue of St. Louis magazines next month, and buy it!