Sandwich, Mexico

Sandwich, Mexico

Photograph by Penny De Los Santos

Street Food

No matter where I’ve been in the world, street food has given me the opportunity to photograph culturally interesting and engaging scenes. I always make a point of stopping at random food stalls and markets in any city or village I'm in. This is where the locals are, where the everyday people gather. This image, made in a market in Mexico City, is of a regional sandwich filled with potatoes and chorizo and dipped in a guajillo sauce.

When shooting food from food stalls I have a few standard rules: Get extra plates, napkins, utensils, and condiments, and in some cases order two of the same dish (not to eat, of course, but to shoot). —Penny De Los Santos

Photo Tip: Street food that’s extra saucy and messy can look great on camera, but keep in mind that you should be able to identify it. Try replating the dish and even adding more of one of its ingredients if it needs a boost of color. If it has a lime, for instance, ask for an extra, squeeze it on the food, then place it on the plate before photographing. Remember that you want people's mouths to wate