chocolate bliss

Working with Steve at Chocolate Bliss has been such a joy – his passion for craft chocolate shines through in every piece, and capturing that was at the heart of our collaboration. From bold seasonal flavours to timeless classics, our shoots have been about more than creating product shots; they’ve been about celebrating the artistry, process and emotion behind every bite.

For me, working with makers like Steve is about ensuring their craft is seen and appreciated. Every chocolate carries a story of skill, creativity and care – and my role is to translate that into imagery that feels authentic, inviting and true to his brand.

the brief

Chocolate Bliss is a small-batch chocolatier dedicated to creating unique, hand-crafted chocolates using only the finest ingredients. But before we started working together, Steve’s imagery didn’t reflect that level of craft. He’d relied on a mix of ad-hoc iPhone shots and some website-package photography which, while functional, didn’t capture the beauty or precision of his chocolates.

He wanted something different: clean, fresh imagery that not only showed his chocolates clearly, but also told a story – highlighting the textures, colours and character of each flavour.

My role was to create a library of images that would feel both polished and personal, giving him visuals that finally matched the quality of his craft.

The challenge was twofold: to bring out the precision and beauty of each chocolate in detail-driven shots, while also crafting images that feel warm, indulgent and brimming with character. We also wanted to highlight seasonal launches, giving each flavour its own moment to shine, so Steve could keep his visual storytelling fresh and engaging all year round.

  • Close-up of a person holding an open box of luxury artisan dark chocolates, each decorated with crystallised petals, with one chocolate being lifted from the box. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.
  • Elegant lemon meringue petit fours with glossy yellow spheres on top of white mousse bases, styled on marble plates with champagne glasses in the background. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.
  • Plate of artisan violet cream chocolates, decorated with crystallised petals and styled with a ribbon and gift box in the background. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.

To say I am impressed by Lou would be an understatement. She has embraced my passion for creating chocolates that are not only delicious but visually striking, capturing my ethos with excitement and care. The images Lou has produced have left me feeling both emotional and proud of my work. Her creativity and attention to detail shine through in every shot, and I’m so appreciative of everything she has done to elevate Chocolate Bliss.

Steve Butcher, chocolate bliss

The CREATIVE APPROACH

From the very first shoot, the approach was rooted in storytelling through detail. Each chocolate was photographed to highlight the craft – the glossy shells, delicate dustings, smooth ganaches – while lifestyle styling echoed the flavour story.

I drew on my ethos of taste, place & moment by balancing clean product images with narrative-led compositions: chocolates photographed in ways that spark memory and emotion, hinting at the joy of sharing or gifting them. Seasonal collections, like the rose creams, were styled with subtle props and colours to bring in warmth and context without overpowering the product itself.

“Lou has such a unique gift: her images don’t just show the subject, they capture the emotion and feeling behind it. I feel truly blessed to have found her. They make you want to just pick one from the box.”

This balance gave Steve both the practicality of versatile brand assets and the soul of story-driven imagery, supporting his brand presence with consistent, beautiful visuals that his customers could connect with.

“Each flavour had its own story and moment to shine – a chance to bring the artistry of chocolate-making into focus.”

  • Luxury presentation box of artisan rose and violet cream chocolates, decorated with crystallised petals and styled with scattered flower petals. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.
  • Artisan dark chocolate rose creams with crystallised petal decoration, styled on dried rose petals with one chocolate cut open to show the creamy centre. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.
  • Luxury dark chocolate rose creams decorated with crystallised petals, styled with dried pink and purple flower petals on a white background. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, artisan food photographer.
  • Chocolate Bliss - Masala Chai Bonbon - Lou Carruthers Photography - Cotswold Food Photographer
  • Luxury artisan chocolate bonbons in metallic orange and gold, styled with coffee beans and dried orange slices on a white background. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.

THE RESULTS

The resulting galleries gave Chocolate Bliss a strong, cohesive visual identity that aligns with Steve’s passion for craftsmanship. From hero images to seasonal campaigns, the photographs have been used across his website, social channels and marketing, helping him share his chocolates in a way that feels as special as they taste.

“The images Lou has created have at times left me feeling quite emotional and proud of what I’ve produced. Her images don’t just show the subject, they capture the emotion and feeling behind it.”

More than just delivering images, the work has supported Chocolate Bliss in building a consistent and professional visual presence – one that reflects the artistry and emotion behind every creation. The consistency means Steve can confidently showcase his chocolates, knowing the visuals match the high standard of his product.

“Really pleased how my chocolates are looking… You certainly have the knack of taking great shots.”

  • Hand serving a lemon meringue petit four, featuring a bright yellow sphere on a white mousse base, luxury artisan desserts styled for gifting. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.
  • Gift box of artisan violet cream chocolates with crystallised decorations, styled with purple ribbon and tissue paper. Photographed by Lou Carruthers, food and hospitality photographer.

Final thoughts

Projects like this remind me why I love working with independent makers. It’s not only about photographing a beautiful product; it’s about honouring the craft, process and dedication that goes into it, and helping that story reach the right people.

Working with Steve has been a true collaboration, and it’s been a privilege to see his chocolates evolve from flavour ideas into finished creations that I get to photograph. Every frame is a chance to capture not just the chocolate itself, but the heart, joy and connection behind it.

That’s what drives me: creating images that feel alive, that tell the story of taste, place & moment. With Chocolate Bliss, that story has been rich, flavourful and full of feeling and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

If you’re looking for imagery that captures the heart, soul, and story behind your brand – I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something amazing together!

lou x

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