Donna Crous: Do What You Love
In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, we’re thrilled to feature Donna Crous, a remarkable food photographer who lives in Jersey in the Channel Islands. Operating from her home studio, Donna has collaborated with brands, agencies, and publications, bringing her unique flair to developing recipes and creating stunning imagery for a range of food-related campaigns, digital platforms, and print media.
Donna's entry into photography is a tale of transformation. Her initial career trajectory was in the banking sector. However, after embracing motherhood, Donna shifted her focus and experimented with entrepreneurial ventures, including a gift hamper business. As her children grew, she aspired to rejoin the workforce but realized that her previous skills were no longer relevant. It was her love for cooking and a keen interest in healthy eating that led her to start a health blog. During this venture, she recognised the importance of quality photography in highlighting her recipes, sparking her journey into food photography.
Dedicated to mastering her craft, Donna participated in prestigious competitions, notably the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year Awards, which significantly improved her skills and garnered industry recognition. This acclaim opened doors to speaking engagements at significant events like The Photography Show. Her impressive work caught the attention of Nikon, leading to an invitation to speak on their stage and conduct food photography workshops, ultimately earning her the distinction of becoming a Nikon ambassador in the realm of food photography.
Donna's career trajectory soared as she worked on various cookbooks, both as a photographer for other authors and by penning her own book of healthy recipes, 'A Healthier Family for Life.' This achievement marked a significant milestone in her career. With a growing reputation, a successful publication, and ambassadorial roles, her career in food photography was flourishing. However, facing a cancer diagnosis, Donna was compelled to reevaluate her life and career, marking a poignant turn in her inspiring journey.