Capturing the Essence of Colorado’s Culinary Scene

Introduction:

From the bustling kitchens of Denver to the quaint eateries in Boulder, Colorado’s cuColorado’s food scene is full of color, texture, and personality — but getting it to look as good as it tastes? That takes a few key tools. Whether I’m shooting for a restaurant, a chef, or editorial work, these are the food photography staples I don’t show up without:

1. A solid diffuser panel
Natural light is beautiful — until it’s harsh. A diffuser softens direct sunlight or window glare to get that clean, even look food needs.

2. A 50mm or macro lens
That creamy bokeh and crisp detail? It’s all in the lens. I use these for texture-rich shots (think herbs, sauces, crusts).

3. Black and white bounce cards
They’re small but mighty. I use them to control shadows, add contrast, or tone down highlights.

4. A small step stool
You’ll never catch me standing on a restaurant chair again. Overhead shots are a must, and this keeps it safe and consistent.

5. Wet wipes and tweezers
Because melted cheese and smudged plates happen — and I’d rather fix them live than in Lightroom.

Below are some recent shots where these tools made the magic happen: