Abby Cheshire, Private Yacht Chef | New York Times Freelance Photographer

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to work on a commissioned photoshoot for an article in the New York Times food section featuring Chef Abby Cheshire.

Abby is a private chef and educator who spends her summers working on a yacht, where she whips up delicious dishes and chronicles her maritime adventures on social media. My assignment was to document her preparing a signature dish and capture a striking portrait of her at the marina where the yacht was docked. Except summer yacht season had ended and we had to improvise.

I met Abby at the So Gourmet cooking school where the kitchen is all wood paneled and very boat like. Her energy and passion for cooking were contagious. As she prepared the dish, I focused on capturing every detail – from the vibrant colors of the ingredients to the precise movements of her hands as she chopped and stirred. I wanted to convey the dedication and skill that Abby put into her craft through my photos.

After capturing the cooking process, it was time to take the portrait of Chef Abby. I wanted to capture her essence – her warmth, her spirit, and her love for the culinary arts. I directed her to a spot on the pier and had her lean on the railing and look off into the distance. With a yacht similar to the one she actually works on in the background, I knew I had captured exactly what my editor was hoping for.

One of the challenges I faced during the shoot was the changing light conditions. The midday sun was brutal, creating shadows and highlights that I had to constantly adjust for. But I welcomed the challenge, knowing that it would only push me to be more creative and resourceful in my photography.

When the article was published in the New York Times food section, I was over the moon to see that my portrait of Chef Abby had made the cover. It was a proud moment for me as a photographer, to see my work featured in such a prestigious publication. Read the full article and see which images the New York Times used here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/02/dining/private-chefs-tiktok-instagram.html

When a New York Times photo editor first reached out to me to photograph for the Food section, I was honestly kind of confused. I told him I wasn’t sure I was a great fit as I’m a birth and family photographer, but I could refer him to another photographer I know who does a lot of food and drink. He said “No, you are exactly what I am looking for!” and referenced this blog post from a family lifestyle session I did. I immediately understood this would be a lifestyle shoot and wanted to know more. As we spoke, I could see the story unfold in my head and I was really excited for a new and different opportunity to work as a photojournalist.

Working with Chef Abby was truly a memorable experience, and I am grateful for the chance to document her story through my photography. As a freelance photographer based in Florida, these are the moments that fuel my passion for the art of capturing moments and telling stories through images. I can't wait for the next adventure that awaits me, whether it's in Pensacola, Florida, across the state line in Alabama, or even further afield. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to continue my journey as a photographer and photojournalist, creating meaningful and impactful images along the way.