Food, Drink & Hospitality Photography Stories from Sequoia Studios
The Fifth Element
Behind the Lens of Food and Drink Photography
Welcome to The Fifth Element, our blog celebrating professional food, drink and hospitality photography throughout Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, across the UK and abroad.
Here we explore the essential elements of cooking — fire, water, air and earth — and the fifth element that brings them all together: love.
Expect behind-the-scenes stories, client features, creative insights and the passion that turns every image into a story worth sharing
🍤 Sheekey’s Classic Fish Pie
004: Funday on Sunday with Bunday
For this week’s Funday on Sunday with Bunday, we couldn’t resist recreating it with our own little twist — and of course, a guest appearance from our googly-eyed potato friend, who proudly takes centre stage as the ultimate mash topping…
Club Pizza
Club Pizza
We were asked if we had availability for a shoot this week. By Monday we’d spoken and by Tuesday evening Marlon was at Club PIzza’s regular spot at The Crossways Inn, Churt, Surrey with cameras in hand and all photos turned around in just 5 days.
Asking For Seconds
Eat An Extra Dessert Day
Do you remember the thrill of being offered “seconds” after Sunday lunch? On 4th September, we are invited to do exactly that. Eat an Extra Dessert Day is here, and it is a celebration of pudding in all its glorious forms.
Afternoon Tea Week
Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (11–17 August)
A nod to the timeless British ritual of tea, treats and togetherness. Discover its history, charm and why now’s the perfect time to indulge.
British Summer Berries
British Summer Berries (and Cherries!)
Celebrate organic British berries with a visual story of raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries (and cherries too!). Explore the emotion and flavour of pick-your-own traditions and seasonal food photography.
Rise of AI Imagery
…vs Genuine Food Photography
There can be no substitute
Despite the rise of AI-generated imagery, nothing compares to the authenticity, atmosphere and tactile appeal of professional stills photography
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Grayswood, Surrey
The Wheatsheaf Inn
A relaxed and characterful pub reborn in Grayswood, Surrey
Our photography for The Wheatsheaf Inn focuses on atmosphere, natural textures and enticing food that support their website, social media and wider hospitality marketing.
The Lion’s Den – Café Photography
The Lion’s Den
Bold flavours and a café with heart.
We first partnered with The Lion’s Den after a simple Facebook post. Now, our food and venue photography bring their dishes and premises to life – across both Haslemere and their second café in Midhurst
Carlo Independent Italian Restaurant, Haslemere
Where Passion and Partnership Meet
An email that led to a lasting partnership.
Our journey with Carlo began before he opened his doors in Haslemere. Since then, we’ve built his website, managed his social media and continue to tell his story through visuals and words
Holiday Inn Express, Munich
Holiday Inn Express, Munich
A contemporary hotel story in Munich
This commission for Holiday Inn Express, Munich grew from our ongoing collaboration with PhotoWeb, capturing modern bedrooms, flexible meeting spaces and relaxed communal areas designed around the guest experience.
The Dilli – Restaurant Photography in Haslemere
Fine Indian Cuisine and Warm Hospitality
From a chance encounter in Haslemere to a beautifully crafted visual story.
We helped The Dilli launch with interior and exterior photography, documented their opening celebration and returned to capture a refined collection of Indian desserts. A warm, community-focused story told through imagery from day one.
Ibis Hotels, Belfast
Inside the Ibis Hotels Belfast Photography Commission
A behind-the-scenes look at our three-day photo shoot across two Ibis Hotels in Belfast, captured the weekend before the Covid lockdown. This narrative explores the challenges, atmosphere and imagery created to showcase interiors, guest rooms and social spaces.