Hello,

It's Sam from SB Creatives Photography here...

Sydney’s Jewish community came alive with the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the flavours of tradition at the Shalom Collective Jewish Food Festival. As the event photographer, I had the incredible opportunity to document a celebration that brought together food lovers, passionate chefs, and talented performers, all sharing their deep connection to Jewish cuisine and culture.

From the moment I stepped into the festival, the aroma of freshly baked challah french toast, sizzling latkes, and various treats filled the air. Stalls lined the venue, showcasing an array of Jewish delicacies—from traditional Ashkenazi classics to bold Sephardic flavours. Each vendor had a story, whether it was a family recipe passed down through generations or a modern twist on a beloved dish.

There was even a Masterchef - style cooking competition where the heat was turned up amongst 5 different team creating mouth watering dishes from a mystery box of ingredients.

Beyond the incredible food, the festival featured a stellar lineup of speakers, each offering their own insights into Jewish cuisine and its evolution. Former TV chef Ed Halmagy brought his signature charm, entertaining the audience with stories of food, culture, and the power of sharing meals. The founders of the Monday Morning Cooking Club, a collective dedicated to preserving Jewish recipes, took attendees on a journey through generations of home cooking, proving that food is more than just sustenance—it’s history on a plate.

Capturing these moments on camera required a mix of documentary-style photography and intimate close-ups. Whether it was the spark of excitement in a chef’s eyes or an audience member taking notes with a smile, I focused on storytelling through my lens.

Food wasn’t the only highlight—music and entertainment brought an extra layer of vibrancy to the festival. Performers from AUJS Jam Collective and other Jewish organisations filled the space with soulful melodies, lively klezmer tunes, and modern interpretations of classic songs. Their energy was infectious, and the challenge for me as a photographer was to translate that rhythm and movement into dynamic shots.

From candid moments of musicians lost in their craft to wide shots of crowds clapping along, the performances added an unforgettable atmosphere to an already spectacular day.

One of the most rewarding aspects of photographing this festival was witnessing the way food unites people. Families, friends, and strangers gathered around tables, sharing dishes and stories, laughing over bites of babka, and reminiscing about their own childhood meals. My job was to document not just the food and entertainment, but the connections being formed in real-time.

Through my lens, I saw the beauty of community—the way a shared meal can bridge generations, the way a festival like this can honour tradition while embracing modern influences. Events like the Shalom Collective Jewish Food Festival remind us that food is more than just what’s on the plate; it’s a reflection of heritage, identity, and togetherness.

Being the photographer for this incredible event was an absolute privilege. From capturing the essence of Jewish cuisine to the vibrant cultural performances, it was a feast for the senses in every way.

If you were there, I hope my photos help you relive the magic of the festival. And if you missed it, keep an eye out—because events like these are what make Sydney’s Jewish community so special, and I’ll be there to capture it all, one frame at a time.