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
Organic English Heritage Tomatoes
The Taste of English Summer
English heritage tomatoes are the kind of ingredient that makes you slow down. No two are alike. They’re beautifully imperfect, full of flavour and rich in visual texture
Beautiful Chaos of Eton Mess
Eton Mess: A Delicious Disaster
Whether you’re a patisserie owner, a chef or just someone who loves celebrating seasonal food, Eton Mess is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable things are the ones that aren't perfect at all.
Magic of Macarons
There’s something about a macaron
Perfectly round. Feather-light. Crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside…the little treat that’s always camera-ready
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.
Food Is Art, Framed on the Wall
The Rising Sun
Food as art, framed and celebrated
We worked with The Rising Sun in Milland to produce 16 framed food photography prints now proudly displayed in their dining room – a true celebration of seasonal ingredients and local flavour
Powered by Steam, Heart and History
Heritage Steam & Community Atmosphere
Two unique projects at Hollycombe Steam in the Country.
From the energy of the Mega Model Weekend to the craftsmanship inside the restored Liphook Signal Box, this commission brings together event photography, heritage storytelling and the charm of a much-loved local attraction.
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.