Case Study: Fork Lewes - Jack Standen

Brief.

Based in my hometown of Lewes, East Sussex and within a local area that has a creative and vibrant scene, with many independent businesses - the town is a hotspot of visitors all year round.

Fork Lewes is a neighbourhood restaurant that originally opened in 2021, with the business creating a place for itself in the town and as the place to go for contemporary spins on British classics. They’re also big on using local produce from the rich selection of producers and suppliers in the county.

Having recently taken the helm in the kitchen, with a fresh team is Sussex-born chef, Jack Standen. Jack continues to build on the in-place identity of the restaurant, pushing forward his passion for using local, seasonal ingredients as part or their evolving offering.

I was originally taken on as a consultant when the business launched, and as I work closely alongside them, I was briefed to capture restaurant photography of Jack’s new menu.

Approach.

Looking to what restaurant photography content we’ve captured previously and from speaking with Chef Jack, I produced an updated concept to capture contextual food photography that make use of the austere space, alongside reportage content of the kitchen team producing the dishes in the open plan kitchen.

A rough shot list was produced, using the menu as a guideline to work from on our session.

Shooting their restaurant photography. on-location with the team, we worked to capture a collection of studio-lit food heroes in the venue, with reportage storytelling content of Jack cooking in the kitchen - giving context to the passionate team for diners.

I’m looking forward to more shoots with the team in 2024 - capturing next season’s menus.