Food Photography Archives - Lee Harris Photography

Dar Roumana: A Hidden Gem in the Ancient Labyrinth of Fez

Lee — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:46:54 +0000

Discovering Morocco’s Cultural Heart

Dar Roumana sits nestled within the historic Medina of Fez, a stark contrast to my previous Moroccan experience. My first visit to this North African kingdom was for work in Casablanca, collaborating with Harvard University, which you can read about here. That bustling metropolis left me somewhat underwhelmed—noisy, polluted, and largely devoid of the charm I had anticipated, especially after my love affair with the classic film bearing its name.

Fez, however, captivated me immediately. This ancient city presents itself as the world’s largest living maze—disorienting yet utterly mesmerizing. My introduction to its wonders began with an impromptu twilight tour through the Medina’s winding alleyways, where time seems suspended between centuries.

Parisian Elegance Meets Moroccan Mystery

During that first evening, we ventured into a magnificent riad owned by French friends of my client. Stepping through its unassuming doorway revealed a candlelit sanctuary where the owner and guests reclined on plush carpets, casually sampling hors d’oeuvres while sipping wine and mint tea. The scene embodied that quintessential Parisian casual elegance, tinged with just the right amount of sophisticated ennui.

Our culinary journey that night took an unexpected turn at Maison Moi Anan, possibly the finest Thai restaurant I’ve ever encountered. The proprietor cultivates much of the produce served, evident in the extraordinary freshness and vibrant flavors of each dish. Perhaps an unconventional choice for a first night in Morocco, but I could have happily dined there throughout my stay.

A Palace Reborn: The Splendor of Dar Roumana

The primary purpose of my visit was to photograph Dar Roumana following its extensive renovation. Jennifer, the North American owner, has shepherded this architectural treasure for approximately 15 years, with at least five of those dedicated to its meticulous restoration.

“Palace” barely describes this magnificent property. My accommodation rivaled my Barcelona apartment in size, with soaring ceilings reaching perhaps four meters high. Winter brings coolness to these grand spaces, but nestled beneath thick, luxurious quilts on an enormous bed, the temperature became irrelevant. The true challenge was finding motivation to leave such comfort—though work beckoned.

Capturing Beauty in the Medina’s Dual Worlds

For eight days, I documented every aspect of this exquisite property—its rooms, architectural details, and finally, a celebration marking its reopening. Between assignments, I ventured into La Medina, invariably becoming completely lost among its 9,000 winding passageways.

What I discovered is that Fez harbors two distinct Medinas: one that exists by day and another that emerges at night. Mastering navigation in daylight offers no guarantee of finding your way after sunset, when shops close and familiar landmarks vanish into darkness.

Fez remains a destination I long to revisit, if only to experience that remarkable Thai restaurant once more. Whether I could locate it again remains an entirely different question in this magnificent, bewildering labyrinth.

‘Dar Roumana: A Hidden Gem in the Ancient Labyrinth of Fez’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Restaurant Photography in Barcelona: Capturing Agata’s Culinary Experience

Lee — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:17:02 +0000

From Design Connections to Food Photography

These images were commissioned for a restaurant developing a new website – a perfect blend of interior and food photography that showcases both the ambiance and culinary offerings. The connection came through Freddie, a designer friend who runs a Meetup group for creative professionals. I occasionally attend these gatherings, appreciating their relaxed social atmosphere that stands in refreshing contrast to typical networking events. Those often feel somewhat contrived, not unlike what I imagine speed dating might be – forced conversations with an underlying agenda.

The assignment divided neatly into two components: capturing the restaurant’s interior space and documenting a special event they were hosting. This dual approach provides potential diners with a comprehensive visual experience of what Agata offers, from its architectural character to its culinary creations.

Navigating Technical Challenges in Restaurant Interior Photography

Photographing active restaurants inevitably presents logistical challenges, particularly when aiming for technically complex approaches like HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. Ideally, this technique requires a tripod for multiple identical compositions at different exposures – difficult to achieve in a bustling dining environment. Of course, the day I arrived, the restaurant was particularly busy, creating that familiar tension between technical ideals and practical realities.

My favorite image emerged during a brief window before guests arrived. The HDR processing remains subtle, bringing a delicate luminosity to the interior without the exaggerated effect that often characterizes this technique. This restraint allows the restaurant’s natural atmosphere to shine through while still addressing the challenging lighting conditions typical of dining spaces.

Culinary Photography: Balancing Technical Quality with Kitchen Realities

The evening portion of the assignment focused primarily on food photography during an event. This required an entirely different approach – working swiftly before guests arrived, capturing dishes as they emerged from the kitchen. My setup prioritized mobility and adaptability: a flash with either a bare head or basic diffuser, complemented by a ring flash for fill lighting.

Working in close proximity with a lens offering macro capabilities allowed me to achieve appealing depth of field without shooting at extremely wide apertures. This contradicts the common misconception that significant depth of field control requires full-frame sensors – most of these images were captured around f/8 on a 4/3 sensor, demonstrating that technique often matters more than equipment specifications.

This lighting configuration proved remarkably effective for rapid deployment in a high-pressure environment. Anyone familiar with restaurant operations understands the intense atmosphere of a working kitchen. Fortunately, the chef, Lorien, provided invaluable assistance, helping navigate the controlled chaos to capture compelling images of Agata’s culinary creations.

‘Restaurant Photography in Barcelona: Capturing Agata’s Culinary Experience’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Bars in Barcelona: Quimet i Quimet, Poble Sec

Lee — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:11:11 +0000

Quimet i Quimet is one of those rare spots that instantly feels like a secret you want to keep. Tucked into a small corner of Poble Sec, it’s cozy, vibrant, and run by some of the most welcoming people you’ll meet.

Shooting Food in a Full Bar

The place fills up fast. I had a strobe tucked discreetly in the corner to balance the ambient light from outside, but my main focus was the food—beautifully presented tapas just waiting to disappear. I’d politely ask diners if I could shoot their plates before they dug in, and most people were more than happy to oblige. It was that kind of atmosphere: relaxed, warm, and very camera-friendly.

A Local Favorite in Poble Sec

Poble Sec is one of my favorite areas in Barcelona—it’s lively but doesn’t try too hard. This bar is a perfect example of what makes the neighborhood great. A few days after the shoot, I brought my friend Yeesan from New York along with a few others. The owner surprised us with two bottles of cava on the house—so I think it’s fair to say he liked the photos too.

‘Bars in Barcelona: Quimet i Quimet, Poble Sec’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

A Shot Under Pressure at Casa José, Barcelona

Lee — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:33:48 +0000

The Prawns, the Pan, and a Very Hot Grill

The brief was simple: capture Casa José’s signature prawn dish, cooked on a bed of salt. What no one mentioned was how physically challenging that would be. The kitchen was still closed, the space cramped, and I had just enough time before rushing off to another shoot later that evening.

Getting the image meant squeezing between hot surfaces, reflective metal, and very little elbow room. Stainless steel may look sleek, but under a flash, it throws light everywhere you don’t want it. Using a full-size umbrella was out of the question. I went in with a fisheye lens, which helped, though even then, my hand was pressed against the grill—getting warmer by the minute.

Tools That Save the Day

The only thing that made this shot possible was the flip-out screen on my camera. Without it, I’d have been guessing at composition, hoping something usable landed in frame. The lens was pushed right up against the back plate. Any closer and I’d have been seasoning the prawns myself.

This shot is exactly as it appeared in camera—no cropping, no second chances. Normally, I’d try to get a variety of images, but the restaurant hadn’t opened yet, and the mood wasn’t right for lingering. The dish itself looked fantastic, and seeing the image on the screen, I knew I had what they needed. It’s rare when you see that confirmation instantly, but this was one of those moments.

One Frame, One Story

In a perfect world, there’d be multiple angles, customers in the background, and a little more breathing room. But sometimes, one image tells the story well enough. That shot—salt, steam, prawns, and heat—hit exactly the tone the client was after.

Uncomfortable? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.

‘A Shot Under Pressure at Casa José, Barcelona’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.