Nate Crawford finalist for 2022 International Association of Culinary Professionals Food Photography and Styling Awards

By Isabella Zarate

Many people love food, either for its taste, its smell, or simply because eating consumes time, but for Champaign local Nate Crawford, food is much more than a tasty treat, it’s a lifestyle. 

“ I was 18, fresh out of high school and just about to start my freshman year of college and feeling a tad lost as a person.”

Crawford explained, “I had all these dreams and aspirations but no real direction.”

Fortunately for Crawford, it was in those lost moments that he discovered his true passion.

“During this time, I came across cooking and baking and fell in love instantly,” he shared.

“The process of taking ingredients and turning them into something delicious was intoxicating for me.” 

“It was love at first bite.”

Taking his new found love and putting it to use, Crawford had intentions of sharing recipes with his family and friends. As a result, the young new chef joined Instagram where he ultimately discovered his second found love, photography. 

Upon his newly discovered passion, Crawford dove right into the world of photography as he started his own business at just nineteen years old. 

“It was always a side-hustle up until April of 2021 where I officially left my 9-5 job as a digital marketing manager to pursue my photography business full time.” 

He went on, “from very humble beginnings, photographing food in my parents; family room next to the window. Eight years later and here I am.”

While Crawford is quite literally living out his dream, the unique career does come with some challenges. 

“It’s an incredibly lonesome profession, that’s the hard part. ” 

He explained, “For every one day you’re on a client project, you may spend 5-6 days alone doing the admin work.”

Yet, despite the challenges, Crawford can’t imagine a better profession. 

“I mean, who doesn’t want to spend every day playing with their food?”

Crawford added how, “there are definitely challenges that come with each day and project, but it’s most all muddled by the joy of capturing food in a delicious way.”

And for the photographer, much of that joy comes from the collaboration aspect of the business.

“I love being able to work with the client, food stylist, prop stylist, culinary assistant. . .and lean on their expertises and ideas to construct beautiful images that the client loves.”

“Seeing a client excited for the images makes the job worth it.”

As for a typical day in Crawford’s life, it depends between shoot and non-shoot days. 

“On shoot days: it’s a flurry.” He goes on, “it’s usually always a sprint.”

“No one shoot is ever the same, which makes the job fun.” 

Most shoot days start around 8 a.m. and entail a team brief, client meetings, and if talent is involved, then it includes managing and making sure the model is comfortable. 

For non-shoot days, Crawford describes them as much slower and more involving of things such as admin work, emails, responding to inquiries, planning shoots, and editing. 

In recognition of Crawford’s dedication and hard work, he has recently been named a finalist for the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) 2022 Food Photography and Styling Awards. The Awards honor the best stylists and food photographers in the industry. 

“I am beyond honored to be a finalist. It’s truly been 8 years in the making and I couldn’t be more proud.”