Welcome…
It’s hard to say what came first, my love of food or my love of photography. From pouring over food magazines and cooking multi-coursed dinners for my brothers and friends as a kid, to moving to Italy in my twenties to study the culinary arts and, well, eat my way through Europe, I have always been moved by how food—selecting it, cooking it, serving and eating it—can tell a story.
Anne Watson • FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER
About me
It’s hard to say what came first, my love of food or my love of photography. From pouring over food magazines and cooking multi-coursed dinners for my brothers and friends as a kid, to moving to Italy in my twenties to study the culinary arts and, well, eat my way through Europe, I have always been moved by how food—selecting it, cooking it, serving and eating it—can tell a story.
At the same time, with a dad who loved photography and a great high school photo class darkroom, I began carrying a camera with me everywhere at a very young age. Photography remained my hobby through many years in the corporate world, traveling country to country for work and documenting what I saw in my time off.
I suppose it’s because I have always loved both food and photography that photographing food, and the farmers, chefs, and restaurants behind it, comes naturally to me. My personal style comes out of a deep love, and understanding, of the food culture of Southern California and the places I’ve lived and traveled — from Europe to Asia, Africa, Australia, all over America, and everywhere in between. With a background in professional kitchens, I am as comfortable on the line, shooting chefs as they plate dishes on fine china, as I am riding in a pickup truck to an orchard to capture the avocado harvest.
My work has been featured in nationally and internationally celebrated magazines, newspapers, and cookbooks, and my clients range from publications to national brands to the local food truck…
I have offices based in Orange County and San Diego, and when not behind the camera lens, I have another full-time role as a mother and stepmother. I live with my husband on a ranch and vineyard in North San Diego County.
I felt inspired to create for the sake of creating today, so I raided our blood orange tree & put together this shot for all of you to hopefully brighten your feeds as you head into this new week ...
Mar 30
Taking a break from the madness and choosing to focus on the beauty of the first day of Spring today 🌱🌼🌿💛 Celebrating by taking some time to nourish myself with this vibrant Falafel bowl ...
Mar 20
Because Sundays are for baking here on The Watson Ranch! 💛 Choosing to see this period self-quarantine as a blessing & took advantage of the time at home with my family today by baking this ...
Mar 16
Need a boost? Here’s some immunity-building food for thought! 🧡💚💛❤️💙💜 These are just some of my favorites we keep here on-hand at The Watson Ranch: citrus, green leafy veg, sweet ...
Mar 14
In love with Chef @brittvalles’ 8 Karat salad at @oakgrillnb 🙌🏻 Tri-color roasted heirloom karrots • karrot puree • pickled karrot • karrot top chimichurri • karrot vadouvan crisp • ...
Mar 13
March 2020 marked the relaunch of Orange County’s beloved @rivieramagazineoc & I’m proud to have shot this lifestyle feature on the new @bellobysandro in Newport Beach ✨ Absolutely stunning ...
Mar 7
If you ask me, Leap Day = an extra day for an extra-special cocktail 🍸And The Christian Dior cocktail at @knifepleat sounds perfect right about now. #cheers #knifepleat #southcoastplaza
Mar 1
What all my veggie burger dreams are made of ✨ The Classic Burger at @eatdrinkvibe - black bean/mushroom/cashew burger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, miso mustard & housemade ketchup on a ...
Feb 27
The sensational Hawaiian Ahi Crudo with coconut kaffir lime broth at @deathbytequila in Encinitas 🖤🙌🏻 Still one of the BEST things I’ve ever tasted. (Yes, licking your plate is ...
Feb 22
One of my favorite dishes I’ve shot in recent months - absolutely stunning California King Salmon by chefs Christopher Gentile & Sergio Jimenez at AVANT restaurant @ranchobernardoinn ...
Feb 21
Today is #NationalDrinkWineDay AND it’s also the birthday of one of my favorite people & dearest friends, @ginnyerickson of @ericksonsurfaces 💛🍾🥂 Coincidence? I think not! Happy ...
Feb 19
Uno. Dos. ¡Tres! This really is the best way I can think of to end a 3-day weekend... ($5 house & $7 watermelon margs happening right now at @solcocina!) #MargaritaMonday #SolCocina #3DayWeekend ...
Feb 18
Two of my favorite foods 💚💙 kale & blueberries. Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory magical superfoods. The best! I loved this delicious shoot with @my_epicluv & @stacycooks ✨ Here’s...
Feb 17
Saturday night cravings... 🤤🤤🤤 Somebody just told me that it was #NationalTaterTotDay on Feb 2nd. Can we just make it an official holiday all month, please? @chronictacos #TaterTotsRule ...
Feb 16
Love (and beautiful food from Mother Earth!) conquers all. 💜💕💜 Happy Valentine’s Day, friends. #Valentines2020 #PlayWithYourFood #EatYourVeggies
Feb 14
If Beef Wellington & Bubbly are your love language, then you won’t want to miss Chef Alejandra’s special Valentine’s menu tomorrow at @fivecrownsrestaurant ...
Feb 14
Love is in the air 💕🧡 #Repost @eatpuesto:
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“No better way to show love this Friday (or any day, really) then with tacos + margaritas + Chef Erik’s special Valentines Day ...
Feb 13
Mayan-influenced Monday vibes 🖤 #Repost @chaak_kitchen:
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M A Y A N / native spices of the Yucatan ~ include our house achiote, recado negro, dried chiles, pepitas, salsas and more....
Feb 11
