Laura Wright—widely known through her Instagram handle @thefirstmess—is celebrated for crafting lush vegetarian and vegan dishes that feel both nourishing and beautiful. In 2015, she was invited to take charge of Epicurious’s Instagram feed as part of their #EpiWeekendTakeover series, offering a snapshot of her aesthetic and approach to cooking and photography .
A Seasonal Dinner Routine
When asked about her go-to weeknight menu, Laura describes a seasonal rhythm: a tray of roasted vegetables paired with grains like quinoa, farro, brown rice, or whole‑grain pasta, dressed with whatever sauces are at hand. For protein, she often adds chickpeas, lentils, or a mixture of seeds and nuts. On other nights she leans into batch‑cooked stews and hearty soups, served with crusty artisan bread. It’s a flexible yet grounded approach that reflects her kitchen ethos .
Photographing Food with Natural Light
One of Laura’s most repeated tips for food photography is simple but effective: use natural light and give your composition breathing room. While close‑up shots can be dramatic, she argues that wider framing offers a better sense of context—revealing not just the texture but the feeling of the meal as a whole .
A Taste of Childhood
Her photography and cooking are deeply influenced by memories. Laura recalls picking raspberries from her father’s garden on warm summer days. That experience—sweet, juicy, and sun‑warmed—was her first memory of food beyond simple hunger, a moment of pure seasonal joy that shaped her connection to ingredients and storytelling through food imagery.
A Surprising Seasoning Hack
Laura shares a playful secret with her readers: she sprinkles Old Bay seasoning on almost everything. Her friends often react with surprise at how well this iconic spice blend enhances even the simplest plant‑based dishes. It’s a small but memorable twist that delights those tasting her cooking for the first time .
Inspiration from Peers
When asked which Instagram accounts she admires, Laura singles out @brooklynsupper. She praises its skillful combination of local ingredients and seasonal produce, noting how the feed often runs a week ahead seasonally in terms of available harvests. It serves as both inspiration and a hint of what’s coming next in her own kitchen .
Stylistic Consistency and Voice
The tone throughout Laura’s interview reflects a grounded, accessible warmth. Her style is conversational yet precise—describing meals you believe you could make tonight, offering realistic cooking rhythms, and giving photography advice anyone can follow. In retelling her guide, the aim is to match that same approachable, enthusiastic voice.
Why It Resonates
Simplicity with depth: Every recipe and photo feels attainable yet rich in detail—rooted in seasonal flavor and minimalist presentation.
Photographic philosophy: The emphasis on natural light and spacious framing communicates a sense of calm and clarity.
Memorable moments: Tales like raspberries from her father’s garden anchor her recipes in emotion and tradition.
Everyday surprises: Quirky touches like Old Bay seasoning remind us that creativity can grow from small, unexpected choices.
Bringing It All Together
Imagine scrolling through an Instagram feed where each image looks as if light is streaming in from a kitchen window. Plates of roasted seasonal vegetables rest beside bowls of grains and legumes, casually styled on wooden boards or simple plates. The overall effect is inviting, familiar, and sincere. Laura’s narrative voice—chatty and food‑lover friendly—makes you feel part of the kitchen experience. She takes high‑quality food photos without adding dramatic filters or staged props; the story behind each plate is as compelling as the composition.
Final Thought
Laura Wright’s work reminds us that food photography isn’t just about the dish—it’s about memory, mood, and authenticity. Whether you’re cooking or just scrolling, her images encourage you to slow down, notice how the light falls on your squash, taste fresh raspberries, and maybe, if you’re feeling bold, shake a little Old Bay on your roasted broccoli. The result? A feed—and a kitchen—that feels as full of personality as it is flavor.
