Words by Hannah Tapping. Images by JP Baudey.
Prioritising simplicity, JP Baudey’s photography lets the subject speak for itself via a composition that showcases natural textures and lines.
Food has always been a central part of JP Baudey’s life. Growing up in South West France near Toulouse, he was surrounded by French cuisine. After finishing a baccalaureate in hospitality, his chef’s career took him all over Europe: “At that time, I had a passion for photography, but food photography wasn’t on my radar at all. I was working in 5-star hotel in Ireland and after a disappointing experience with a photographer who was taking photos of some of my dishes, I stumbled upon a recipe book by Donna Hay in Elle Australia. It was a revelation not for the recipes, but for the photography. Inspired, I rushed to the nearest camera shop, purchased my first Canon and for the next ten years, I practiced my photography skills while continuing to work as a chef.”
In 2010, JP found himself in the back of an ambulance after suffering a heart attack: “I realised I needed to shift my focus away from running kitchens and devote myself entirely to photography. Several years later, I’m living my dream, combining my love for food and photography and loving every minute of it.”
In his work as a food photographer, now based in the South West, JP has always considered himself more of an artisan than an artist: “While artists often chase abstract beauty, my approach is grounded in practicality, craftsmanship and purpose. My focus is on creating visuals that not only look good but serve a function – whether for a menu, marketing materials or social media. I approach every project with a pragmatic mindset, ensuring the images work for the client’s needs without unnecessary complexity or flourish.
“Minimalism plays a significant role in my style. I believe that simplicity in styling allows the subject to speak for itself, emphasising the quality and authenticity of the food. There’s no need for excessive props or forced compositions. The beauty lies in the rawness and honesty of what’s being photographed. I strip away the unnecessary elements, ensuring the food remains the hero and the image is clean, functional, and ready for its purpose.
“Ultimately, my photography isn’t meant to hang in galleries; it’s meant to be used. Whether it’s showcasing a new dish on a restaurant’s website or enhancing the visual appeal of a product, the end goal is always to serve a practical function while delivering high-quality imagery. As an artisan, my focus is on creating something that works – not just looks good on its own, but serves the client’s needs in the context it was intended for.”
