Last week, Roseville, CA-based photographer Carl Costas shot “Freaks of the Industry,” an entertaining night where chefs cook for other chefs. Like photography, success in the food industry requires a combination of skills, passion and determination—those who become professional chefs are certainly cut from a different cloth. Freaks of the Industry is an opportunity for these Sacramento-area chefs to relax and, as Carl says, celebrate all things culinary.
I spent 13 years as a photojournalist before moving into the commercial world. Gigs like this speak to my roots. I have also always felt like my chef friends and I share more in common than not. We’re all fearless but insecure. Creative and independent, yet fiercely committed to community. Give us all the same goal and tools, and each of us will produce something deeply our own.
The event was in a tiny venue, packed with a ton of people. Carl went with a “high speed, low drag” style. His go-to gear for a shoot like this is a speedlight in a small softbox, triggered with wireless remotes. Carl’s taken that same rig up mountains around the world, literally.
The biggest challenge was trying to make videos and stills at the same time. It was just me. I enlisted any and everybody, including the talent. The mantra was point the camera in the direction of the action and hold real, real still.
Carl says the response to his images has been fantastic and overwhelming. Comments range from “beautiful images,” to “you did us fucking, right Carl. You’re a good man sir.” As far as what he learned from photographing the event?
Live more. Love more. Laugh more. At the end of the day, it’s that simple.
Check out Carl’s video from the event below, and visit his website, carlcostas.com to see more of his work.