In the captivating world of visual arts, photography remains a medium that continually challenges perceptions and strokes curiosity. With the “Powder Press” series, photographers Kai Stiepel and Kelly Kellerhoff meticulously blend the vibrancy of culinary art with the dynamic textures of cosmetics, crafting an enticing narrative that intrigues the senses. Each photograph within the series bursts with life, employing pressed powder palettes that not only serve as a vivid canvas but also elevate the presentation of each dish. The juxtaposition of culinary creativity against colorful, powdery backdrops echoes a symphony of contrasts — where the ephemeral elegance of food meets the structured beauty typical of light and camera dynamics. This artistic endeavor transcends ordinary representation, inviting the audience into a realm where gastronomy and aesthetics harmoniously intersect.
Behind the scenes, the ingenuity of the “Powder Press” series lies in its technical execution as much as its creative concept. Channeled through the keen eye of Stiepel and the dexterous styling of Guido Gravelius, each image is a showcase of precision and artistic vision. The technique of focus stacking plays a pivotal role, enriching each composition with unprecedented detail, which becomes particularly enchanting when observed on a larger scale. Such intricate attention transforms each culinary focal point into a vibrant focal allure, enticing not only those who revel in culinary arts but also those who admire innovative photography. The collaborative effort underpinning “Powder Press” is a tribute to how boundary-pushing ideas emerge from cross-industry inspirations, redefining aesthetic norms within the realm of food photography through imaginative experimentation and skillful execution.
I have had many productions for the cosmetics industry over the years. It often happened that powder served as a base. That always had a very special appeal for me. When I was planning a freelance project with the food stylist Guido Gravelius, I showed him a few such shots. We then adapted the principle for food photography. The production was a lot of fun and is, in my opinion, unseen. By focus stacking I got all the shots completely sharp. This brings a lot of datails when viewed larger.
Kai Stiepel
More info: Website, Behance, Instagram.
