How does Janis Elspas incorporate cultural elements into her food photography?

I often weave cultural elements into my food photography by focusing on traditional presentation styles, ingredients, and occasions.

For example, I’ve showcased Passover dishes like spinach–potato nests baked in cupcake tins, highlighting a Jewish holiday through both the recipe and the context of the celebration. I also style foods “in the Mexican tradition,” using ingredients such as avocado and tomato and arranging them in a way that evokes Mexican home cooking and color.

I like to photograph food at specific events or holidays, using plating, props, and color palettes that quietly tell the story of the culture behind the dish.

Is there a particular culture or cuisine you’re most interested in exploring through photography?