Tributes pour in for photographer and chef favourite Stephen Perez

Stephen Perez, who has photographed some of the best chefs in the UK and their dishes, has sadly passed away.

The news of his death which happened suddenly on Tuesday, October 24 2017 has triggered an outpouring of tributes to the 47 year-old food photographer by chefs around the country.

Just a few month's ago Stephen offered his advice to The Staff Canteen on how to take the best food images, saying: "Lighting is the most important part in food photography. I recommend taking your snaps by a window but avoid direct sunlight as this will be to harsh. Never use a flash. If more light is required, use the available light from the window by bouncing light back onto the food with a white card or foil."

Here are just some of the messages which have been posted on Instagram, our thoughts are with his family at this time and as many have already said he will be missed. 

Very Sad News.... @stephenperez70 #chefstalker #legend and all round top guy has passed suddenly on Tuesday. We're all absolutely shocked and gutted to lose such a top bloke. Our hearts and thoughts are with @louiseperezsmith who's lost her best friend and Soul mate. ???????? ????????x RIP Chief ????????

A post shared by Sat Bains (@satbains1) on Oct 26, 2017 at 3:21am PDT

Incredibly sad news with the passing away of @stephenperez70 A great friend of so many restaurant and kitchen folk in the UK.. Steve was the most wonderful photographer and his enthusiasm for our industry was second to none.. We will miss him greatly but will always remember all the fun times in our restaurants and all his incredible photos and his endless attention to the details. Here is one of Steve’s photos which he took @thekitchin and we've since had in our house... Our thoughts are with his family and his soul mate @louiseperezsmith x RIP

A post shared by TomKitchin (@tom_kitchin) on Oct 26, 2017 at 5:24am PDT

I’m gonna miss you @stephenperez70 RIP my friend x

A post shared by Nathan Outlaw (@nathanoutlaw) on Oct 26, 2017 at 4:39am PDT

A photo taken by our mate @stephenperez70 , a massive Coach supporter and all round legend. @beardymanchef . @louiseperezsmith

A post shared by Tom De Keyser (@tomdekeyser45) on Oct 26, 2017 at 5:00am PDT

This picture was taken by a good friend of mine @stephenperez70 who sadly and unexpectedly passed away. He’ll be missed greatly by so many people in this industry. Thoughts are with you today @louiseperezsmith

A post shared by Tom Brown (@cheftombrown) on Oct 26, 2017 at 6:49am PDT

Gonna miss you so much my friend, an honour to have known such a wonderful person! All my heart and love too you @louiseperezsmith Stephen and Jonray will be having a real good catch up now, love you lots mate and I'll see you again one day xxxx

A post shared by PETERSANCHEZIGLESIAS (@petersanchezcasamia) on Oct 26, 2017 at 7:17am PDT

Can't quite translate the sad news that I've seen today that @stephenperez70 has died... the last comment on this picture was "catch up again soon" and were shocked and saddened that won't be the case. Our thoughts are with you @louiseperezsmith at this dreadful time. You've both been such genuine friends, supporters and a big part of our journey here and we are grateful to you for all of that but mostly the personalities and always the smiles you've done that with... Andy and Lyndsey x

A post shared by Andy Appleton (@_andyappleton) on Oct 26, 2017 at 7:08am PDT