Meet Raza: How I Capture Our Adventures Through Photography

Hey there! I’m Raza, and I’m the guy who will try anything once. Seriously, anything. I’ve eaten scorpions in Thailand, fermented shark in Iceland, and durian fruit in Malaysia. Some people call me crazy, but I call it living life to the fullest.

The Food That Started It All

My love affair with food photography started in a tiny street food stall in Bangkok. I was 19, studying abroad, and completely overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. But when I took my first bite of pad thai from a street vendor, everything clicked.

I realized that food isn’t just sustenance - it’s culture, history, and human connection all rolled into one delicious package. And I wanted to capture that feeling, to share it with people who might never get to experience it themselves.

Why I Photograph Food

Food photography isn’t just about making things look pretty (though that’s part of it). It’s about telling a story. Every dish has a story - where the ingredients came from, who made it, why it’s special to that place.

The Story Behind Every Bite

When I photograph food, I’m not just capturing what it looks like. I’m trying to capture:

The culture - What does this dish tell us about the people who created it?
The process - How was this made? What techniques were used?
The experience - How does it taste? How does it make you feel?
The connection - Who are you sharing this meal with?

The Human Element

The best food photos include people. The chef who’s been making this dish for 30 years. The family sharing a meal together. The street vendor who knows every customer by name. Food is about community, and I want to capture that.

My Approach to Food Photography

Get Close, Then Get Closer

Food photography is all about the details. The steam rising from a hot bowl of soup. The texture of freshly baked bread. The way oil glistens on a perfectly cooked piece of fish. You have to get close to see the beauty.

Natural Light is Everything

I never use flash for food photography. Natural light shows the true colors and textures of food. I look for windows, outdoor seating, or anywhere with good natural light.

Show the Process

Some of my favorite photos are of food being made, not just the finished product. The hands kneading dough, the flames under a wok, the concentration on a chef’s face - that’s where the real story is.

Capture the Moment

Food is meant to be eaten, so I try to capture the moment right before someone takes a bite. The anticipation, the excitement, the pure joy of good food - that’s what I’m after.

My Favorite Food Destinations

1. Tokyo, Japan

The attention to detail in Japanese cuisine is incredible. Every dish is a work of art, and the respect for ingredients is inspiring.

2. Mexico City, Mexico

The street food scene is unmatched. From tacos al pastor to churros, every bite tells a story of tradition and innovation.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

The blend of Middle Eastern and European influences creates some of the most interesting flavors in the world.

4. Bangkok, Thailand

The street food culture is incredible. Every corner has something new and exciting to try.

5. Lima, Peru

The fusion of indigenous ingredients with Spanish, African, and Asian influences creates a unique culinary landscape.

The Gear I Use

Canon EOS R6 - Great for low-light situations
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L - Perfect for food photography
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L - Versatile for different situations
Portable LED light - For those dark restaurants
Reflector - To bounce light and reduce shadows
Tripod - For those perfect overhead shots

My Food Photography Tips

1. Start with the Story

Before you even pick up your camera, understand what story you want to tell. What makes this dish special? What’s the context?

2. Use Natural Light

Find a window or outdoor seating. Natural light makes food look more appetizing and authentic.

3. Get Close

Don’t be afraid to get close to your subject. The details are what make food photography interesting.

4. Show the Process

Photograph the cooking process, not just the finished dish. The hands, the tools, the techniques - that’s where the real story is.

5. Include People

Food is about community. Show the people who make it, serve it, and enjoy it.

6. Be Patient

Good food photography takes time. Wait for the right moment, the perfect light, the ideal composition.

The Challenges of Food Photography

Language Barriers

I don’t speak the language in most places I visit, but food is a universal language. A smile, a point, and a camera can communicate a lot.

Cultural Sensitivity

I always ask permission before photographing people, especially in their places of work. Respect is more important than getting the perfect shot.

Timing

Food doesn’t wait. You have to be ready to capture it at its peak - when it’s hot, fresh, and beautiful.

Lighting

Restaurants and street food stalls often have terrible lighting. You have to be creative and work with what you have.

What I’ve Learned About Food and Culture

Food is Universal

No matter where you go, people gather around food. It’s how we celebrate, mourn, and connect with each other.

Every Dish Has a History

The hummus you eat in Lebanon has been made the same way for generations. The pasta in Italy tells the story of a region. Food is history on a plate.

The Best Food is Often the Simplest

Some of the most memorable meals I’ve had were simple - a perfect bowl of ramen, a fresh piece of fish, a warm loaf of bread.

Food is meant to be shared. The best meals are the ones you share with friends, family, or even strangers who become friends.

My Philosophy on Travel and Food

Try Everything

I have a rule: if it’s safe to eat, I’ll try it. You never know what you might discover.

Ask Questions

Don’t just eat the food - learn about it. Where did the ingredients come from? How is it made? What makes it special?

Respect the Culture

Food is deeply personal and cultural. Be respectful, be curious, and be grateful.

Food is better when shared. Invite others to try new things, share your discoveries, and create memories together.

The Future of Food Photography

I’m excited about the future of food photography and storytelling. With Sevenize, we’re not just sharing pretty pictures - we’re sharing the real experience of discovering new foods and cultures.

I want to help people:

Discover new cuisines and cultures through food
Learn about different cooking techniques and ingredients
Connect with local communities through shared meals
Appreciate the stories behind every dish

Join Me on This Culinary Journey

If you’re interested in food photography, culinary travel, or just want to see the world through my eyes (and taste buds), follow along with our adventures. I’ll be sharing tips, recipes, and of course, lots of delicious photos.

And if you’re ever in a new city and see me photographing food, come say hello. I’m always happy to share a meal and a story.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever eaten? Let me know in the comments below!

Follow my culinary adventures on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.