Joann Pai: Sticking With Paris

Joann is one of the city's top food and travel photographers, working for every big paper under the sun. When this expat discovered food (and love) in Paris, she stayed on and hasn't looked back.

The chances are that you’ll have seen Joann’s work in several of the well put-together coffee table books that have been published about Paris and France. And if not, you’ve probably seen her gorgeous food and travel photography in the world’s top magazines and papers. Joann is a photographer in demand, always juggling several projects at once, but this Taiwanese-American-Canadian transplant still makes sure to take time out to enjoy the city she plans to call home for a while yet.

You’re from the other side of the Atlantic, so what brought you to Paris?

My love for food! I came here on a one-year working holiday visa in 2015 because I’ve always been fascinated with French culture, particularly in food. There’s just such a long, rich history.

You’re one of the hottest photographers in town. How did you make your start? I started a food blog because I wanted to cook more at home, then quickly learned that I am no good at cooking but loved the photography aspect of it. I would come home from my day job and try a new recipe and photographed it until I was satisfied with it. I ate cold food for years!!

You've made a successful career for yourself - was there a turning point? Hard to say! Probably when I started being published in notable publications like The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler. I remember finally feeling a sense of validation when that happened.

What are you working on at the moment? Juggling three cookbooks, restaurant and hotel photography!

If you weren't a photographer, you would be....? A potter, even if I’m not good at it at all!

After Covid, a lot of people have left Paris for the countryside or a different city. Are you thinking of following in their footsteps? We definitely thought about it during / post-Covid, but I love the city life too much. I love being able to meet friends for drinks at any time, discover new restaurants, and the cultural diversity in cities. 

3 words to describe being a mum in Paris? Dynamic, inconvenient, busy!

Best place you've discovered for mum-and-toddler time? The Buttes-Chaumont park used to be our backyard so we’d spend most of our time there.

You’ve photographed your fair share of cocktails too - what’s your favourite bar? I love Combat as it was in my old neighbood and I just love everything Margot does! 

Favourite authentic French restaurant? Benoît or Poule au Pot.

Most inspiring corner of Paris, your "happy place"? Probably the ButtesChaumont, just because it’s so beautiful and one of the most natural looking parks in Paris (which is rare!). As a Canadian I really miss greenery some times so it’s nice to have a place to soak it up. 

A place you wish more people knew about? Atelier Brancusi next to Beaubourg. It’s such a calming, inspiring place. 

Someone in Paris you wish more people knew about? My friend Kate Devine who’s a photographer. Her work is insanely beautiful and I’m lucky to have her as one of my closest friends too!

Most incredible project(s) you've worked on? I would say journalist Lindsey Tramuta’s book The New Parisiennes. It was such a humbling project as I got to meet so many incredible women in this city.

The thing you love the most about Paris? Its beauty. 

Thing you hate the most? Rude people.

What keeps you ticking and inspired and motivated in your work? That it allows me to discover and learn new things every day.

Would you recommend people to come and live here? Sure! The city really isn’t for everyone but there are tons of benefits too. It’s pretty affordable (especially healthcare) and always endless things to do / eat.

What's the area you live in like? We just moved to Pantin last month and so far loving it. It seems a lot more family friendly (and there’s space!) . There seems to be lots of activities along the canal every weekend. 

What's next for you? Juggling two cookbooks then spending the rest of the summer with my family back in Canada.

Absolute dream project? Work on my own book one day! 

Check out Joann’s work on her Instagram account: @sliceofpai or in the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler!