I photograph a lot of beginnings, but this time I photographed an ending.
Chefs Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer of Canal House Station recently marked the close of their restaurant chapter to focus on their culinary writing, and they asked me to document the night.
Canal House Station was so much more than a restaurant. It always felt like community. The kind of place where you’d end up bumping into neighbors, or making introductions with the next table over. It is all down to Christopher and Melissa, who cultivated a warm and inviting space. The food and atmosphere were always delicious, always beautiful, never stuffy. Dining there was like being welcomed into their home. In an era of chefs behaving badly, the love and loyalty they engendered among the staff was admirable and so sweet to witness. A big, beautiful family.
When Christopher and Melissa reached out to me, I was really touched and a wee bit nervous, if I’m being honest! These two women are not only fabulous chefs, twice James Beard Award-nominated, and also accomplished authors, designers and photographers too. When I asked them what they had in mind they answered, “just do your thing.” Turns out they’re dream clients as well!
Our family marked many milestones at Canal House Station: birthdays, anniversaries, a wedding rehearsal dinner, to name a few. The spirit of the place will live in on our hearts, and I suspect the hearts of many others, for years to come.
Thank you Melissa & Christopher for this beautiful assignment. It was an honor!
If you’re hungry for more food photos, check out my collaboration with 15 Landsdowne to capture bts of their day with Lidia Bastianich at Iron Bound Farm!
