My brother Bryce Attwell, who has died of cancer aged 75, pushed the creative boundaries of food photography in the late 1970s. The editorial world of magazines, especially Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Journal, together with the many cookery books that he worked on, provided him with a platform for real innovation. He brought, to what had been a rather static “reference” style of food photography, a new, sensual mood. Using 10 x 8 and 5 x 4 camera formats he was able to create depth and atmosphere, and give a real ambience to the food photograph.
Bryce developed a painterly style inspired by various art genres from Dutch still life through to modernist abstraction. Backgrounds to his pictures implied life beyond the camera frame: an unseen human presence lived in his photographs, from the crumpled napkin to the crumbs on the plate.
Bryce was born in Wellington, New Zealand, to Edgar Attwell, a keen photographer and amateur film-maker, and his wife, Voila (nee Tweedie), and went to Hutt Valley high school. His working life started in the publicity section of the tourism department and then for two years with the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly in Auckland. He married Sue Stace in 1964 and the following year they left for the UK and settled in London.
Bryce’s first assignment was for cat food, shot in the back room of their small flat in Putney; the props consisted of two cats, two pieces of fish and a saucer. From this modest beginning Bryce moved on to work with celebrated cooks including Mary Berry, Delia Smith, Katie Stewart and Ken Hom. Alongside his editorial achievements, he worked for leading advertising agencies.
In the 1980s Bryce began directing commercials and during the next few years directed more than 300 for TV and cinema. In 1992, with his producer, Bryce set up Attwell Martin Productions (now 2AM Films), and worked on major campaigns throughout the world.
In 1999 Bryce moved to the south of France with his second wife, Linda (nee Deeley), and their daughter, Eloise. He was a keen gardener and they kept a small vineyard and olive grove.
At the age of 70 he fulfilled a lifelong ambition and graduated with a BA in fine art from City & Guilds of London Art School. He was a marvellous cook and entertainer, and was renowned for his long Sunday lunches with family and friends.
Bryce is survived by Linda and Eloise, by the three daughters, Tiffany, Hannah and Nancy, of his first marriage, which ended in divorce, and by seven grandchildren and two brothers, Peter and me.
