Stuart Forster discusses photographing Chef Darren MacLean at Shokunin in Calgary, Alberta.

It’s always fascinating to watch a master at work. That’s possible by taking a seat looking into the open kitchen of Shokunin in Calgary, Canada.

Chef Darren MacLean at Shokunin in Calgary

Darren MacLean is the proprietor of Shokunin, which has been voted one of Canada’s top restaurants.

A quick blast to get the texture just right.

Japanese cuisine and Shokunin’s meaning

Darren has spent time in Japan, immersing himself in Japanese culture. Visiting restaurants was a part of that experience.

He now employs traditional Japanese cooking methods and takes pride in the food coming out of his kitchen.

Translating terms between languages is not always easy. Darren explained that the word Shokunin means ‘artisan’ or ‘craftsman’ but has a much deeper meaning.

‘Shokunin’ also conveys a sense of undertaking a task or doing a job to one’s absolute best. That, he explained, is what he strives to do with each dish that he serves.

Using high-grade ingredients

High-grade ingredients, including Kobe beef and specially selected sake, are served at Shokunin.

Darren ensures that, where appropriate, quality ingredients from Alberta and elsewhere are used.  That means locally raised, grass-fed beef plus seafood shipped from British Columbia.

Artistically presented seafood.

Photographing Darren at Shokunin

Watching Darren’s attention to detail made him a joy to photograph.

Darren spooning ingredients from a pan.

His facial expressions are intense as he concentrates on his work and arranging the food.

Yet when he is not focusing on preparing dishes, Darren is a convivial host.

I chose to focus on his hands and face.

I photographed using only the ambient light, in an effort to convey the atmosphere of Shokunin.

Looking around at the wall art in Shokunin, I think it would make a great space to photograph in and could work well as a backdrop to fashion shoots.

‘Great’ is a term that is used too often online and in blog posts, where superlatives are frequently overused. Yet I really do regard dining at Shokunin as one of the great meals of my life.

Grate shot of Darren MacLean at work in the kitchen at Shokunin!

Further information

Shokunin is at 2016 4 Street SW (tel. +1-403-229-3444) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. See the Shokinin website for details about opening times to make a reservation.

Book a photography shoot

Enjoy this post about photographing Chef Darren MacLean at Shokunin in Calgary, Alberta? You may enjoy the foot photography in this post about Latvia travel photography and food images.

If you like what you see and want to commission travel photography please contact Why Eye Photography.

Want to commission a photography shoot? Please give me a call on 07947 587136 or email [email protected] to discuss your photography requirements.

Use Pinterest? Pin this and return to the whyeyephotography.com blog post about photography of Chef Darren MacLean at Shokunin, Calgary, the highly-rated restaurant on 4th Street SW.