If you’ve spent any time browsing the Meg Rivers website, flicking through one of our brochures or perhaps even have a copy of our recipe book, you’ll already know Steve’s work,e ven if you didn’t know his name.

Steve has been photographing our cakes for many years, creating the beautiful, relaxed images that have become such a familiar part of Meg Rivers. We first worked together when he photographed our recipe book, and he’s been making our baking look rather lovely ever since.

We caught up with him to talk cookbooks, vintage props, what goes on behind the scenes of a food shoot and, naturally, which Meg Rivers cake he’d choose to eat afterwards.

Q. Steve, we first came across your work when you took the photographs for our recipe book many years ago. Do you still photograph books? And is it always recipe books?
A. Your book was such an enjoyable project to work on and has remained one of the most used baking books in our kitchen. I still photograph books – mainly cookbooks but occasionally other ‘lifestyle’ subjects.

Q. What does a typical work day look like for yourself?
A. It varies so much. I shoot a lot from my home studio and sometimes on location at restaurants, bakeries etc. For instance, I just photographed a magazine feature about local breweries which was really fascinating. Also, in between commissioned work I’m photographing a series of flower portraits. Some days I’ll be out hunting for props or ingredients. Others are spent at my computer focused on editing the images.

Q. What is the best part of photographing food?
A. I really enjoy the process. It’s very satisfying. Every picture is a journey that starts with a recipe or product that I arrange and style to show at its best. I’ll follow a brief to reflect a theme or a mood whether that might be a summery afternoon tea or a wintery Christmas setting with decorations and candles. And of course the best part is getting to eat it afterwards!

Q. Your lifestyle shots are always styled with such lovely pieces. Where do you find the vintage teapots, linen and other props?!
A. I’ve spent years collecting props and kitchenalia. It’s a bit of an addiction! I collect from antique shops, charity shops, car boot sales etc. Our loft and garage are rammed full. Yet I still never seem to have enough!

Q. The team here at Meg Rivers all have their personal favourite image from the archive of your photography for us. Do you have a favourite Meg Rivers product that you’ve been able to sample?
A. I have so many favourites. Can I pick two? The Rich English Fruit Cake decorated with cherries and walnuts is so delicious. I’m a big fan of the classics done really well with the best ingredients. A slice with a cup of tea is just perfect. And another classic, your chocolate brownie is to die for – it’s always soft in the middle and I think the subtle addition of coffee adds something special. Your brownie recipe in the cookbook is my go to when we bake our own.