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.
Toasting to a beautiful Sunday here in Southern California! ✨🍞🥑 Fresh local Fallbrook avocado toast with pumpkin & hemp seeds, parsley and @temeculaoliveoilcompany D’luscious Lemon Oil ...
Oct 11
I’m so happy to get to share some happy news with YOU, my friends 💞✨ I am THRILLED to be part of the team that has been developing the all-new online family wellness platform this year, ...
Oct 4
It’s Friday and I’m in the mood for a Mezze ✨
#MezzePlatter #GoBigOrGoHome #HomeCooking #TheWatsonRanch
Sep 25
Welcome, Autumn 🍂🤎🍁 Bring on the cozy sweaters, fires in the fireplace, changing leaves, pumpkins & gourds. And, of course, tummy-warming comfort foods 🧡 Celebrating the Autumnal ...
Sep 22
If you like ceviche, then you NEED this recipe by Chef @jojosd66 in your life. Had so much fun cooking, styling & shooting this incredible dish for the latest issue of San Diego Magazine 💞 ...
Sep 17
It was Cabernet Sauvignon #Harvest2020 here at The Watson Ranch in the wee hours of this morning! This was our third #WatsonRanchVineyards harvest & we couldn’t be more excited. I swear this ...
Sep 16
Feeling so very grateful to have completed my 42nd trip around the Sun today 💞 Lots of learning, growing, accepting, stretching, loving, grounding & centering this year. Today I meditated and ...
Sep 15
Will YOU join me for dinner on Sept 26th to support @maxloveproject? 💛 I am honored to be a volunteer for @maxloveproject, an incredible nonprofit organization founded by my dear friend Audra ...
Sep 11
This Grilled Cauliflower that I shot for the latest issue of San Diego Magazine is hands-down one of the BEST recipes I’ve ever cooked - I could have taken a bath in @chefbwise’s Curry Vinaigrette...
Sep 10
Labor Day Weekend BBQ goals 🔥 I had so much fun cooking, styling & shooting these recipes for the Aug/Sept issue of @sandiegomag. On newsstands now! #Repost @sandiegomag:
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That...
Sep 6
SO proud of all that my brother @taclinard is doing with his online wine boutique @brixandbarrel to support local Fresno-area restaurants and frontline workers during this difficult time with ...
Aug 31
Sunday Supper on The Watson Ranch tonight courtesy of my beautiful friend @beekeepingmama of @desertbloomfarm, who dropped off this incredible home-gown & home-cooked meal for our family today, ...
Aug 31
Tasting & testing grapes with Russell this morning ❤️🍇 2020 Harvest is coming very soon! #WatsonRanchVineyards #CabernetSauvignon #SanDiegoWine #Fallbrook #HarvestSeason
Aug 26
Onions au Gratin with aromatic herbs 🧅🌿 Made with the most beautiful sweet onions from @macielfamilyorganicfarm, baked in white wine & cream and topped with Parmesan & Gruyere. Amazing ...
Aug 22
Watson Ranch mornings ☀️
Two weeks ago our beloved sow Emily gave birth to nine beautiful piglets. I love getting to spend these quiet morning moments with them - it’s such a privilege 💞...
Aug 18
Lunch inspired by nature today: The simple, yet oh-so-amazing Summertime flavors of sun-kissed tomatoes fresh from the garden 🍅☀️💚 Paired with creamy @belgioiosocheese whole milk ricotta ...
Aug 12
Friday vibes⚡️🖤⚡️#Repost @fableandspirit:
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Friday feast, anyone? 🍴
We open up for dinner on the patio at 5pm!🐰
📸 @annewatsonphoto
Aug 7
Last night we had a homemade pizza party here on The Watson Ranch & this is basically my idea of Pizza Heaven ✨🤤 Made-from-scratch @jovialfoods Einkorn dough, homemade roasted ...
Aug 5
Because when somebody tells me it’s #NationalChocolateChipCookieDay, you KNOW I’m all over it like white on rice! 🍪😛 Time for homemade soft-in-the-middle, crunchy-around-the-edges, ...
Aug 4
