Luisa Brimble is rarely far from food. As a photographer, creative and cook, she moves gracefully between capturing dishes and the people behind them, spending time in kitchens where the magic happens, and showing up for her community – attending events, championing others and sharing their stories with generosity and care.

Growing up in the Philippines before migrating to Australia in 1992, Luisa holds closest the memory of barkada culture – the simple joy of being with friends, surrounded by street vendors, the smell of barbecue in the air, singkamas shared when money was tight, and pancit bato eaten at carinderias. While friendship culture in Australia is different, she has since built a strong, deeply connected community of her own.

Luisa describes Australia as a land of opportunity – a place where hard work can lead to meaningful reward. That work has seen her photography featured in best-selling cookbooks, including titles by Hetty McKinnon and WILD Adventure Cookbook, the latter recognised by the James Beard Foundation. Her work has also appeared on The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, Taste of the Philippines with Yasmin Newman and Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn, helping bring Filipino cuisine the attention it deserves.

Driven to see more BIPOC voices in mainstream media, Luisa continues to advocate within an industry where quiet gatekeeping remains a real risk for those who speak up. For her, showing up is both creative and political – a commitment to telling stories honestly, holding space for others, and pushing forward even when doors don’t open easily.