Whenever we get an order from Marcus, we know there's going to be rolls full of mouthwatering food, paired with snap shots of the hustle and bustle of kitchens as service is in full swing.
As well as using their images as a guide to where to eat next, we enjoy seeing how they've captured the organic day-to-day running of a restaurant and the characters who work there. We decided to send over some questions and discover more about their approach to food photography.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your photography style?
Ay up! My name is Marcus and I run a 35mm/film creative brand called Good Brew. I think my style is a mix of everything really, mainly documentation and lifestyle with candid elements, and food styling.
How did you first get into photography and what made you decide to focus on film photography?
Growing up and reading magazines like Sidewalk, Vice, Ride UK BMX, Grey, getting into Tumblr (showing my age now!), and buying CD’s and studying the inserts of gig photos. My consumption for photographs and culture was through print and those early sites -you know, people and places. Looking back, this heavily influenced my style of photography and likewise wanting to shoot film too. I picked up my first film camera ,which was an Olympus XA2 and a Trip 35, off eBay when I was 17 years old and just stuck with it. I fucking love film man.
Your work focuses on capturing the essence of a restaurant, rather than just taking photos of the food. How do you make sure you get these types of shots?
I think that was the whole USP of Good Brew, and at first it was hard to convince brands of the way I wanted to shoot - real and authentic, organic day-to-day and processes. Still food photography can be boring, there’s way more behind a restaurant, their food, and the chef than still plates and nicely set tables.
I find beauty in messy plates, movement, chaos, and things perhaps out of context but in the right environment. Real life stuff. I proper fly on the wall it, and I ask brands and restaurants to do as they would during any other service. I think the whole organic process and service is relatable to where you want to eat and hang out with your missus or mates.
How did you end up focusing on food photography and how does this differ to other types of photography?
I honestly don’t know. I've always been obsessed with food and I think I just got bored of seeing the same style of imagery in food. I wanted to try and document it a bit more.
I've only ever shot on film, and film wasn’t being shot much in that environment, at the time. It's a bit different now because of the revival it’s had. My first paid gig was Rob at Bastards Bistro, big love for him. I messaged him like 'yooo can I shoot off this type of style for you?' and linked him a few of my pictures. I remember he messaged me back, exact words 'Paid fella?' I shit myself. I said yes, gave him my price and that was it. Loved it. And Rob xoxo
Things like shit lighting in kitchens and passes became apparent early doors. There’s more to think about in terms of the food being hot and not drying out, so quickly focusing and getting the shot, and pre-empting the movement of a chef or service through observing earlier routines. I try to notice repetition in their practice so I can find, or guess the right moment to shoot. Mainly I just get in peoples way in the kitchen, and shout “backs” a lot.
Best thing about your work?
Eating all the food, working with cool people and brands that I’ve admired for a long time. I've managed to build a network from mates of Good Brew to connect people North & South over a shared love of food and culture.
Favourite camera to use and why?
Tough one. I read Louise (at Take It Easy) has a problem buying point and shoots off eBay? I can relate - story of my life. I think I’ve been through them all but I still find new ones. I’ve even re-bought cameras I’ve sold. I love a Canon Sure Shot Ace with the waist view finder. The Olympus Trip 35 holds a place in my heart. But mainly, the Olympus OM series. Built like tanks. Sorry for not really answering the question.
Favourite film type to use and why?
Kodak Gold 200 on holiday, and Portra 400 any other time.
Best and worst things about shooting on film?
How it looks, you can’t beat it, you can try and imitate it and put a filter on to make it look like film, but it’s just not. Also, Take It Easy. Gone are the days of Boots or Max Speilman butchering the life out of my film, and then having to scan each picture. Worst thing? bring back AGFA Vista in poundland…
One thing you wish you had known when you were starting out?
Don’t give Boots or Max Speilman your film.
What would your top tip be for anyone wanting to shoot film?
You don’t need an expensive camera or other popular culture cameras like a Contax or a MJU. Get a cheap point and shoot, or a cheap SLR off eBay. But yeah, just shoot. Play around, find what you like and what you don’t, try and understand aperture and shutter speeds and then upgrade and explore a bit more. Push and pull the film, experiment, shoot expired film, open the back up and get some light leaks in, use the first of the roll burn. But mainly just shoot whatever your heart desires and if you like it, that’s all that matters.