Meet Jeff Couch | Professional Food and Beverage Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Couch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is essential in order to move past the status quo. The risks you take need to be weighed against the desired outcome which is part of the strategy you employ. Taking or not taking risk affects your ability to achieve your desired goals and objectives. I feel as you get older your experience helps define the risks you take.

I have achieved several goals through my life and career by taking some big risks, I immigrated our family to the USA through a global corporation settling in PA, then bought a highly successful manufacturers rep firm and moved across the county to California, to run my own business. All this while raising a family, but doing it in the best interest of my family. Since then I sold the rep firm and have become a full-time food photographer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Jeff Couch Food Images is a photography business specializing in food, beverage and product photography. I feel what sets this business apart from others is we focus only on foodservice, not events, weddings, portraits or other types of photography. There is nothing wrong with those that do, but with a singular focus we gain more experience in this sector to better assist our clients. Also with a background as a chef we are able to understand the process required to make a product and assist to capture their vision.

It hasn’t been easy as it takes time to get brand recognition, to get in front of agencies and understand which agencies work with which clients. The strategy that was in place early on was to get certified as professional photographer through PPA, enter renowned competitions and get critiqued often. This has given credibility to the work, the brand and the company.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places to definitely see are Venice Beach on a weekend, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, Sunset Junction, Laurel Canyon and Old Topanga Canyon

To Eat, we would hit, Bay Cities Deli, Brents Deli, Citrin, Grand Central Market, Charcoal Venice, Musso & Frank Grill, Providence, Pinks, In and Out and Triple Beam

Drinking, Harvelles, The Venice West, The Blues room, Troubadour, Snake Pit Alehouse, Perch LA, Desert 5 Spot, Spire 73, Dear John’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have has a lot of mentors, teachers and people that have inspired me along the way. As far a love and encouragement, that goes to my wife who has always been there not only to support but to challenge me.

In my current career, I did a mentorship under Van Ditthavong a highly successful photographer and now a film director/producer. When starting the mentorship I didn’t know what type of work as a photographer I wanted to do, I just knew I enjoyed the creative aspect and capturing moments in time. Through him I was able to see my background as a Chef and several years in the foodservice industry as the right path for me to take.

Website: www.jeffcouchfood.com

Instagram: @jeffcouchfood

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ jeff-couch-280b7a119

Twitter: @jeffcouchfood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffery.couch.336/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jeff-couch-food-images-palm-desert?osq=food+photography

Image Credits
Jeff@jeffcouchfood.com