The Back of the House Project

[docsconz]

eGullet Society member Harlan Turk was just recently featured in an article in Smith Magazine about his work photographing restaurant kitchens in action. Harlan Turk's full name is Michael Harlan Turkell.

At 26, Turkell has done something that most of us only dream of doing. He’s managed to combine his two loves, food and photography, and create a job for himself that actually pays the bills. He’s a self-described “culinary photojournalist.” And he’s happy.

Turkell’s latest project, Back of the House, is a tribute to the men and women who work behind the scenes in some of New York City’s restaurants—the folks most of us rarely consider as we’re inhaling pan-seared, sesame-encrusted Ahi Tuna steak. He’s shot in more than 100 restaurants so far, including Public, Butter, WD-50, Masa, and Daniel. “I want to illuminate the back of the house, I don’t care to illuminate myself,” says Turkell. “I’m not doing the hardest part of the work; I’m just lucky enough to be around it. I’m trying to open up lines of communication.”

Apparently Harlan has been recognized in 25 Under 25: Upcoming American Photographers.. His work has graced a number of topics on the eGullet Society Forums.

[hathor]

It is very good to see him recognized like this. It's refreshing to see photos of something other than the front of the house. Secondo me.