Henry Hargreaves, born in Christchurch, New Zealand, moved to Brooklyn, NY, in his 20s. His 15-year career began with a detour into fashion photography before evolving into a unique blend of culinary curiosity and irreverence. Key milestones include his No Seconds series (2012) and Burning Calories (2016), featured in Wired and Vice. His work is instantly recognisable for its vibrant colours—like hot pinks and electric blues—and striking textures, such as fried gadgets or oozing burgers.
- Primary Genres: Food Photography, Conceptual Photography
- Primary Photography Styles:
- Maximalism: Playful and provocative, with bold, attention-grabbing elements
- Narrative Photography: Story-driven, using vibrant visuals to convey meaning
- Key Message: Hargreaves uses food to explore cultural and social narratives, crafting provocative images that comment on consumption, indulgence, and human behaviour.
Henry Hargreaves’ photography transforms food into a storytelling medium, far removed from traditional culinary imagery. In No Seconds, he recreates death-row inmates’ last meals—simple dishes like fried chicken or pie—using their stark presentation to reflect on mortality and justice. Conversely, Burning Calories features deep-fried gadgets like iPhones, critiquing consumerism with a surreal twist. His aesthetic is bold, with vibrant colours—hot pinks, electric blues, greasy yellows—set against clean or dark backgrounds for maximum impact. Textures are key: slick fried surfaces or gooey melts add a tactile layer, making his images feel alive and provocative.
Technically, Hargreaves uses digital cameras with macro lenses, like a 100mm, to capture fine details—think the crust of a fried laptop or the sheen of melting ice cream. He often shoots top-down or at narrative-driven angles, relying on studio lighting (softboxes and strobes) for even illumination or dramatic highlights. Collaboration with food stylists is vital, taking days to stage concepts perfectly. In post-processing, he uses Photoshop to boost vibrancy and tweak contrast, creating sharp yet gritty images. His work appears in exhibitions like Miami Art Week, online portfolios, and editorial spreads, blending accessibility with artistic depth.
For intermediate photographers, Hargreaves’ digital approach is a masterclass in flexibility. Unlike film, where the image is fixed at capture, digital lets him refine every detail in post-processing—vibrant colours and high contrast echo the zone system’s tonal control but with more freedom. His style teaches the value of studio lighting and teamwork, encouraging learners to experiment with staging and editing to craft meaningful images. Whether it’s a provocative subject or a bold aesthetic, his process shows how technical precision can elevate a concept.
- Accolades:
- Creative Review feature (2015)
- IPA Awards (2013)
- Exhibitions at Miami Art Week
- Trivia:
- Fried a laptop for Burning Calories
- Draws inspiration from punk rock chaos
- Researches death-row menus obsessively for No Seconds
- Featured in Wired and Vice
Lessons from this Photographer:
Hargreaves shows how everyday objects like food can become powerful storytelling tools. His bold use of composition, studio lighting, and post-processing teaches photographers to create images that provoke thought. Intermediate learners can adopt his macro lens techniques and collaborative staging to craft narrative-driven shots. His fearless approach to provocative themes inspires experimentation, pushing photographers to explore societal commentary through their craft.
Website:
- Website: https://henryhargreaves.com/
YouTube References:
- Photographer Henry Hargreaves Turns Food Into Art – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtPLKaYBu5Q&pp=ygUpSGVucnkgSGFyZ3JlYXZlczogRm9vZCBQaG90b2dyYXBoeSBhcyBBcnQ%3D
Citations:
- Official Website: https://henryhargreaves.com/
