Storyteller spotlight: Luisa Brimble

Storyteller spotlight: Luisa Brimble

Luisa Brimble is a Sydney-based photographer and serious food lover. ⁠She captures the joy of food and the many ways it enhances our lifestyles via storytelling. She has worked with some of the world’s leading publishing houses, been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award and we’re stoked that she’s sharing her taste for adventure with Riparide.

  1. What inspired you to become a photographer?

I picked up a DSLR camera when I went on maternity leave with my eldest, who’s now 16 years old. I’d always wanted one but could never afford it, so I saved and saved and started taking photos of families and friends. They encouraged me to do it for a living. This is now my 14th year of being a photographer and I mainly shoot food, lifestyle and adventures, which is why my Riparide stories are all about food adventures.

  1. In your experience, what makes a good photo?

First and foremost, it has to evoke a feeling and give a sense of place. You can tell when an image is shot in a studio and styled, and I always feel like these images are too clinical. The only way an image will be amazing to me is if I feel like it was shot on location as the story unfolded.

  1. How would you describe your style and main areas of interest?

I prefer to shoot in scenes, as opposed to static styled images. I want to capture a story as it unfolds before my eyes. I’ll always, always prioritise stories that are full of life.

Toluma Farm, California.
Toluma Farm, California
  1. Aside from Riparide, what have been some career highlights for you?

It would definitely be taking on the Wild: Adventure Cookbook publishing project, which I worked on for two years. It was all self-funded and involved a Kickstarter campaign, producing the book and putting together a team to get it published, until Prestel Publishing in New York finally picked it up. I then travelled to the USA to promote the book and eventually earned a James Beard nomination for food photography.

Friends having a coffee in a sandstone house overlooking Pittwater, NSW
Great Mackerel Beach, Sydney

Every week, Riparide Storytellers head out into the world to capture the feeling of escaping the city. Their stories come packed with adventure advice and tips on how to make the most of your time away, bringing unique stays and local adventures to life through inspiring photos, words and videos.