FOOD FOUND FORGOTTEN
Celebrating Food, Aging & Story
I wish my Grandparents were still alive...
Hi, I’m Shallon.
I see aging as a privilege and remind myself that not everyone is afforded the opportunity to grow old. In many cultures, elders are revered for the wisdom and traditions they pass down, making their stories, recipes, and voices priceless. I truly feel this respect and reverence is lacking in North American culture today.
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As my own family has evolved, I’ve come to understand the importance of preserving the kitchen wisdom, recipes, and stories of the women who came before us. Their presence is something I want to keep alive—through their recipes, photos, and the meals we continue to share.
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Food Found Forgotten is more than just a project—it’s a personal journey to celebrate the bond of family, culture, food, and the original foodies: Moms, Aunts, Grandmas, and Great Grandmas. Each woman I have the privilege of interviewing and photographing continues to inspire me. Their strength, stories, and wisdom shape my work and motivate me every day, leaving a lasting mark on both my heart and my craft.
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The influence these women have had on our lives is immeasurable. We are who we are because of their strength, love, and unwavering support—whether directly or through the generations that followed them.
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Based in Calgary, Alberta, I am also a food-focused photographer. I’ve had the honor of photographing book and magazine covers, entire cookbooks, and assisting restaurants and companies with social media, seasonal campaigns, menus, and more through saltfoodphoto.com.
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We wear paper crowns at holiday meals,
what are your family traditions?
 Oma. If the stories are true, she would put a bottle of Kirsch in her black forest cake. It was a family fave, for a reason... |  Granny I feel it a rare moment captured, to have a candid of my Granny in her kitchen. |  Present Day. Edna. A retired caterer. (with lots of amusing stories of past clients) |
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 Granny and I. I believe the tradition of paper crowns on special occasions started with her side of the family. |  Present Day. Capturing a recipe box. Really a treasure box, mislabeled. |  Oma and I. I feel like she’s the reason I talk with my hands—it’s clearly in the genes. |
 Present Day. At Buok Restaurant. The owners mom comes in once a month to make Kimchi from scratch for her sons restaurant. |  Granny and Papa with their new bbq and me. |  Present Day. Lola, always a baker, never bought a loaf of bread in her life. |
 Oma and Opa Convinced or forced to wear the crowns? |  Great Granny I remember her smiling more - maybe she didn't get the colour crown she wanted? |
FOOD FOUND
not FORGOTTEN
This is my answer, to my hearts call.