When Peerspace named me the #1 food photographer on their list of Best Food Photographers, I was flattered—and honestly, a little floored. Being recognized for work I love doing is always meaningful, especially by a platform that highlights creative professionals across the country. I usually keep my head down and focus on the work, so being named a top-tier creative partner among food photographers was one of those validating moments that reminded me I’m doing something right.
Here is the backstory: In 2017, I branched out and moved toward more things and less people in my photography. I now focus on my my food photography, supporting both restaurants and food brands with custom visuals which support their business goals. This does not mean I quit taking people photos because I was still on staff for the marketing department of a private school and regularly shot at San Francisco’s City Hall.
The introvert in my really loved working with chefs and food brands, so I took classes and became foodtography certified. As I shot for more restaurants and brands, my portfolio grew as did my client base. When the products I photographed for food brands became more of ingredients than ready to eat food, I started offering recipe development along with my food photography.
In April 2020, Peerspace named me as one of the five best food photographers in San Jose. It came as a surprise since San Jose has a population of over one million people and I had just moved there less than a year earlier, in June of 2019 (since then I have moved to my forever home in San Diego). Not only was I among four other talented photographers on this list, but I was the first – number one. You can read more about it here.
Perhaps the best part about this distinction is that I did not apply or submit anything. This was purely through word of mouth and the work of social media algorithms. So I really appreciate all of your likes, comments, and tags because that is how the algorithm works. I am serious… one way to support an artist without spending a cent is to like and comment on their posts. When you tag a friend as a comment, it gets the post in front of a new set of eyes, so that is also appreciated.
I have now photographed for restaurants and food brands all across the us, and in Canada, Israel and France. I am willing to travel, but also accept shipments from products out of my geographic area. So, if you are a chef, food blogger or brand who needs some professional images, please reach out.
Want to see more? You can view my restaurant photography portfolio here and my lifestyle product photography portfolio here.
leave a comment