About JP Baudey

JP Baudey from Faydit Photography sitting on a camera dolly, holding a professional camera, wearing a striped shirt, jeans, and sneakers, against a black background.

JP Baudey spent nearly thirty years working in professional kitchens before making photography his full-time job. The camera had always been there, usually somewhere between prep, service and whatever little time was left. Nearly fifteen years ago, he finally put the knives away and concentrated on the work behind the lens.

That background still shapes everything. He understands how kitchens work, what matters on a plate, and when it is better to stay out of the way. The photography is considered without feeling overworked, with enough space for the subject to remain clear and the people behind it to feel real.

He photographs food, drink, interiors and people for restaurants, hotels, producers and brands across the South West, London and the UK. Depending on the brief, the work can extend to art direction, styling, props and simple set building. Images are produced for websites, menus, social media, packaging, advertising and editorial use.

Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year finalist.

Based in Somerset.

A few practical questions

Most projects begin with a simple email or phone call. These are the questions that come up most often, from planning the shoot and styling the set to delivery, usage and what happens on the day.

Do you only photograph food?

Food, drink and hospitality are the main part of my work, including restaurants, hotels, bars, producers, distilleries, interiors, chefs and teams.

I also occasionally photograph craftspeople, makers and other working environments, as well as commercial and editorial portraits.

Does your background as a chef affect the way you work?

Yes. I spent nearly thirty years working in professional kitchens before making photography my full-time work.

That experience helps me understand food, preparation, service, timing and the pressures of a working kitchen. It also means I know when to step in and when to stay out of the way.

Where do you work?

Wherever the assignment requires.

I am based in Somerset and work regularly across the South West and London, but I travel throughout the UK and abroad when needed.

How does a project usually begin?

The first contact can be by email or phone.

Where possible, I then arrange a meeting at the location or a video call. Understanding the space, the people involved and the intended use of the photographs beforehand is important. A properly prepared shoot usually runs more smoothly on the day.

Do we need a finished brief or shot list before contacting you?

No. Some clients arrive with a detailed brief, while others only have a general idea of what they need.

I can help define the priorities, develop a realistic shot list and work out what can sensibly be achieved within the available time.

Do we need a mood board?

Not necessarily.

Existing brand material, a few reference images or examples of what you like and dislike are usually enough to establish a direction. The purpose is to make sure everyone understands the intended result, not to copy somebody else’s work.

Can you handle styling, props and set building?

Yes. Depending on the brief, I can handle art direction, food or product styling, props, backgrounds and simple set building.

I have my own collection of crockery, glassware, cutlery, fabrics, surfaces and backgrounds. I am also comfortable working with a food stylist, prop stylist, art director or the client’s existing creative team.

Can one shoot cover food, drinks, interiors and people?

Yes, provided the schedule is realistic.

A hospitality shoot may include dishes, drinks, interiors, portraits, kitchen activity and details. A product shoot may combine packshots, styled images, prepared serves and campaign photography.

Do you offer half-day and full-day shoots?

Yes. Half-day and full-day bookings are available, with smaller assignments quoted hourly where appropriate.

The time required depends on the complexity of the photographs rather than simply the number of final images.

Do you work directly with clients or through agencies?

Both.

I work directly with restaurants, hotels, producers, drinks brands and hospitality groups, and also collaborate with marketing, design and PR agencies.

How do you work in a small or busy kitchen?

With a relatively small footprint and as little disruption as possible.

My kitchen background helps me work around preparation, service and staff movement, while adapting when timings or priorities change during the day.

Do you use daylight or bring professional lighting?

Both, depending on the location and the result required.

I bring professional lighting whenever the brief needs consistency or greater control. Available daylight can also work well when it genuinely suits the assignment.

What files do we receive?

The selected photographs are fully edited and retouched.

Files are normally supplied as web-ready JPEGs, together with high-resolution JPEG or TIFF files where required for print. A low-resolution PDF preview can be provided before the final files are released.

RAW files and rejected frames are not normally supplied.

Are usage rights included?

Yes. The fee normally includes a broad commercial licence for the agreed client, brands, venues and uses, including websites, social media, menus, packaging, advertising, PR, editorial, e-commerce and printed material.

How quickly are the photographs delivered?

The delivery date is agreed before the shoot.

Most assignments are completed within approximately seven to ten days, depending on the number of images and the editing involved.

What happens if a shoot needs to be postponed?

Where possible, I prefer to move the shoot rather than cancel it.

If the replacement shoot takes place within 15 calendar days of the original date, I will normally waive the cancellation charge, subject to availability. Full details are available in the Terms and Conditions.