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I am used to photographers dabbling in food photography in Kenya while specializing in other niches with some few exceptions. Sannie Sanford is one of them and food is all he shoots. He got into photography by accident and is also self taught but you wouldn’t tell by the quality of his images.

His government name is Sanford Masinde and his photography journey started when he attended an Instameet in July 2015 which was organized by Mutua Matheka. After interacting with photographers and photography enthusiasts at the event, he knew for sure that he wanted to be a photographer. He was lucky enough to be gifted an iPod Touch shortly thereafter and used the camera on it to photograph almost everything he came across.

Sannie Sonford

Sannie Sonford

From there he got more courage and confidence to shoot more. He chose to specialize in food photography because of his love for food and because he realized that most photographers were shooting the same thing. Also, not many photographers in Kenya were focusing on food. He started taking pictures of food in the house using the iPod Touch and sharing on Instagram. People started taking notice and he eventually got his first client, Miss Mandi, via Instagram. He quickly realized that he needed better equipment because of the quality of images and so he bought one.

His tools of trade are a Canon T3i and an iPhone 5s but he says that he prefers the former. His favourite restaurant is Soko at DusitD2 which he loves because of the food obviously and also music, ambiance and service.

His advice to up and coming food photographers is that they need to ensure that their pictures have good lighting and presentation. He also feels that a lot more photographers should take up food photography in Kenya. This is so that they can challenge each other and grow in the same away photographers in other niches do.

Here is some of Sannie Sanford’s work. Do check out his Instagram @sanniesanford for more.

1. Mahamri na Chai  (Mahamri and tea)

#100DaysOfKenyanThrowdowns Mahamari and Chai ready!

2. Chipolatas and pancakes drizzled with maple syrup

#100DaysOfKenyanThrowdowns

3. Cauliflower mushroom and broccoli fritata

Cauliflower mushroom and broccoli fritata

4. Chai na Mahindi (Tea and boiled maize)

Chai na Mahindi

5. The Roast by Carnivore

Trying out The Roast by Carnivore

6. Pancakes, Madondo, Plantain and Spicy Meatballs

#100DaysOfKenyanThrowdowns

7. Mama Rocks Burgers

Stacking up with Mama Rocks Burgers

8. Ocean Basket Platter

Up Close with Ocean Basket Platter

9. Nyama choma

You know what goes great with meat..Chilli

10. Choma sausage

#100DaysOfKenyanThrowdowns Tuesday calls for choma sausage

11. Egg and avocado

First time trying out avocado and an egg prepared by Miss Mandi Throwdown.

12. Spicy prawns, sticky tamarind beef mshikaki, Saut+¬ed Potatoes, Pork chops, Plantain, Sweetcorn and wings

#100DaysOfKenyanThrowdowns

13. Chilli mango and fruits

Meal 51 of #100DaysOfKenyanThrowdowns Mango Chilli and Fruits