f/a/q

  • What types of food and beverage photography do you specialize in?

If passion is involved, I want to photograph it. High end cuisine and top shelf crafted cocktails are great, but a dish that is made with heart and soul allows me to capture the essence of its creator.

  • Do you work with food stylists?

This is dependent on the project. A client may request a food stylist for the shoot or I may bring one along if the project necessitates it. Otherwise, I am typically the one styling the food and set. I love input from your chef on how they would like to see their food presented.

  • What is your typical turnaround time for photo delivery?

For less complex shoots, the turnaround time is anywhere between 1-5 business days. For more complex shoots with the end product being featured in print ads or publications, my turnaround can be a bit longer, but no more than an additional day or two.

  • Do you offer video services as well?

As much as I love videos, I am a strickly 'still-life' photographer.

  • How do you determine your pricing?

Certain projects are based on flat rates which include things like monthly specials, holiday specials, and online ordering menus

  • What is your booking process like?

First things first, we set up a meeting, either in-person or over the phone, to discuss your wants and needs. Depending on your project, we figure out if we will shoot in the restaurant or if we'll need to shoot in the studio

  • What type of equipment do you use?

I shoot on a Sony Alpha series with studio flashes and speedlights. It very much depends on the shoot and the location.

  • What is your preferred lighting setup?

Natural light is my favorite. Nothing can compare to a solid ray of sunlight. However, the Sun doesn't always like to coordinate with me. In most cases, I have artificial lights available to create the lighting.

  • Do you shoot tethered?

I'm a fan of hand held photography with the freedom to move all over the place in order to get the best shot. However, if the shoot calls for it, I shoot with the camera on the tripod and tethered to my screen so I can stylize the subject and set without losing the composition.

  • Can you provide image retouching?

I retouch all my own images. Re-edits are available but are dependent on the contract that we agree upon.

  • What is your involvement in the creative process?

I am very proud of my work and prefer to be involved in any part of the process that I can be.

  • How do you handle food safety on set?

For nearly a decade, I managed restaurants in the hospitality industry. I am ServSafe Certified! That being said, in all my contracts, it is stated that the food and drinks that I photograph are not for consumption. Stylizing can involve the use of several different nonedible chemicals. These items will be identified and marked as "NONEDIBLE" in order to prevent anyone from consuming them.

  • Do you have experience working with specific food brands or industries?

I've been a photographer for many, many, MANY years. (17, I think...) I've worked in several different fields and industries from photographing concerts and festivals to weddings and senior photos. I began photographing food + drink when I started managing restaurants. The first restaurant I worked for heard that I was a photographer and asked me to shoot their menu and the menu's of several sister restaurants in their restaurant group.

  • What are the copyright and usage rights for the images?

Understanding your specific needs for the images is crucial in determining the best licensing option.

Typically, I offer a few different licensing tiers:

Rights Managed: This is the most common option, where you purchase the right to use the image for a specific purpose and duration. The cost varies based on factors like image size, usage, and media. For example, you might license an image for a single print ad campaign for six months.

Royalty-Free: This allows for wider usage, often with a one-time fee. However, it typically comes with restrictions, such as not being able to use the image for exclusive purposes or in certain industries.

Buy-Out: This is when you purchase the entire copyright to the image, giving you full ownership. This option is usually reserved for high-value images or long-term campaigns. It's important to note that I retain copyright ownership of the images unless otherwise agreed upon.

To help me recommend the best licensing option, please consider the following:

Where will the images be used? (print, digital, social media, TV, etc.)
How long will you need to use the images?
What is the intended audience?
Do you have any specific usage restrictions in mind?

By understanding your goals, I can tailor a licensing agreement that meets your needs and protects my rights as the photographer.

  • Do you offer location shoots?

Yes I do! While shooting in the studio is great because it gives more flexibility with time and space, I actually prefer to shoot on-location when it comes to restaurants. It works best if there is a private area or we shoot before/after the place is closed, but I enjoy being in the environment the food is served in. It gives me a better feeling for the food and the experience the customer will have with it. It's nice to use the same flatware and cutlery that the restaurant offers so the customers will relate the images to the food in the restaurant itself.

  • Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies on set?

This is dependent on the restaurant and the options they offer.