Cook.Style.Shoot

Brand Photography is a chance for me to display my clients and their products precisely and attractively. Brand Photography is important because it sets the customer’s expectations. As a photographer, I am able to capture the missing senses. People are drawn to images before they even look at the words on a page. I define texture and quality through my lens.

Elliot is working on a proposal to get some local favorite eateries at the new KCI airport. He reached out to me to photograph some of the proposed menu items. My task was to make the food sale itself. I wanted the proposal team to experience the food without it being physically in front of them.

The day of the shoot was very busy, I challenged myself to shoot all 3 places in one afternoon (phew!). The menu items were familiar classics, but I wanted to shoot them in a way that exhibited how each restaurant made them uniquely their own. L.C.’s Burgers, a busy burger joint, is a beloved Northland staple. I was able to use the location’s massive windows as a natural highlighter. Smaxx, located in the historic 18th & Vine District, was our next stop. Sharing a wall with the Velvet Freeze Daiquiris, the vibe was lively and light; I was excited to capture that and even get some behind the scene shots as the owner whipped up a few things. Our final stop was on the corner of 55th and Troost to the Urban Café. The best way I can describe the food there would be elevated soul food (but since pictures speak louder than words, check out the shots below). My assistant and I were blown away by the head chef and owner Justin’s presentation, I barely needed to stage the items.

Paying special attention to things like how the ketchup should sit on the plate, the shine of a fresh bun, and the placement of a French fry, are things I love. Food photography is not something I get to spend a lot of time on. Most of my sessions are special occasions and lifestyle shoots. This was my largest corporate contract and it not only allowed me to fine-tune my skills, but it also reminded me of how much I love food photography.