Colle McVoy hired me to capture images for their client Dairy Queen’s summer value meal campaign. This exciting project included lighting and shooting on studio sets, as well as capturing talent on motion sets. I really enjoyed working on a project with such a talented team and vibrant creative direction!

It was a treat to photograph the exciting Menu Masters Cooking Collaboration by Nations Restaurant News at the Culinary Institute of America's Copia campus in Napa, CA. Ventura Foods presented a nice donation to their students and four teams of winning chefs each designed 2 appetizers that will be served at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. Here are a few highlights.

The Newport Beach location provided a stunning backdrop, specifically a massive, ocean-view, solid maple table. I strategically placed lighting to not only highlight the dishes but also to capture the immersive ambiance—the interplay of natural light, the large candles, and the orchids casting beautiful shadows.

I recently got to shoot new menu photos for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse & Saloon, a true gem in Southern California’s wine country. The project began with a wonderful chance encounter at a local farm stand with the son of the woman-chef who's run the place for over 15 years. After seeing my photos of fresh produce and the dishes I'd made, he invited me to be their photographer, and I jumped at the chance. With a reputation for excellent food and a staff that feels like family, the restaurant is a genuine Temecula institution. For the shoot, we aimed for a cinematic and authentic look, having the staff themselves act as hand models to bring the dishes to life, which made every shot feel personal and full of the restaurant's unique spirit.

4 categories of food and beverages were shot for a large trade show booth needed with a 7 day turnaround from planning to finish.

I love helping restaurants and chefs develop their best menu images. My mobile studio brings results! Check out some recent projects where we styled the food with the chef on location and then retouched and edited the photos for menus, signs, and banners.