Food photographer Magali Cancel has been captivating audiences through magazines and social media with her stunning culinary imagery. The Corsican photographer, who specializes in food photography, recently opened up about the behind-the-scenes process of her daily photo shoots and her passion for Mediterranean cuisine.
Cancel welcomed visitors to her beautiful vegetable garden in Casinca, surrounded by ripening tomatoes and fragrant flowers. "The vegetables from my garden inspire me a lot," she explains. "We have beautiful zucchini right now, so I decided to feature them in this shoot with three different recipes: carpaccio, tagliatelle, and stuffed flowers." Cancel's approach to menu planning revolves around what's currently growing in her garden, creating what she calls "Alma isolina" - a distinctly Mediterranean cuisine.
After completing her photography studies and spending several years in Quebec to hone her skills, Cancel returned to her native Corsica where she quickly built a loyal client base. Food photography, particularly for restaurants, now represents the majority of her business activities. This career path seems natural for Cancel, who describes herself as "an absolute fan of cooking and gastronomy, a true foodie." When she's not behind the camera, she can often be found in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.
Cancel's work process has evolved significantly since her time in Quebec. "When I was in Quebec, I was used to working with a team of six people," she recalls. "There was a photographer, but also a cook, a stylist, and assistants. Now, I design everything from A to Z." This comprehensive approach allows her to maintain complete creative control over her projects, from concept development through final execution.
The photographer's work showcases the rich culinary traditions of Corsica while incorporating modern styling techniques. Her images celebrate local ingredients and traditional Mediterranean flavors, bringing together her technical photography skills with her deep appreciation for regional cuisine. Through her lens, simple garden vegetables like zucchini are transformed into visually stunning dishes that highlight both their natural beauty and culinary potential.
