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Chef Chang

Had an opportunity to shoot the great Chef Peter Chang for Oxford American Magazine. Todd Kliman, a food writer expresses his quest for his cuisine in this article.




Considered one of best Schezuan Chef, he is known to pick-up and leave once he is 'discovered'. Todd managed to track him down to Charlettesville, VA where he was cooking in a very low key restaurant named "Taste of China".



I was asked to photograph him in his surroundings that depicts his elusiveness and his tendency to shy away from the spotlight. It should have a mysterious mood so I brought my own light for more dramatic lighting.



Carol Ann Fitzgerald the editor, allowed me creative freedom to shoot whatever that seemed to fit the article. A rare oppurtunity indeed!


Soon after the magazine was released on beginning of March, he took off again! Unbeliveable. I'm so glad that I had the chance to shoot this intriguing figure.



During the shoot, he never came across as a person who despises the media, but I did notice that he was a bit shy and just wanted to get it over with so he can go back to work. It's hard to understand, especially in the western culture to shy away from fame and attention, but in some way its not that crazy that he just wants to stay in the kitchen and cook. More attention and hoopla means more time away from the kitchen.




Another thing that I did noticed was that he has been in this country for about 10 years and did not speak a word of english. I think its understandable if you just work in the kitchen 8-10 hours a day where you have limited contact with others. This gets me to think that Mr. Chang just wants to keep his head down and cook his cusine. Bravo Chef Chang.

Till next time!

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