Capturing the Bounty of Summer

There’s something truly magical about summer — the colors are more vivid, the produce is fresher, and everything seems to burst with energy and flavor. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and gather around beautiful, seasonal meals. As a Norfolk Commercial Food and Product Photographer, I look forward to this time of year because it gives me the opportunity to capture images that feel warm, vibrant, and full of life — both in color and in spirit.

Whether it’s a rustic table lined with just-picked heirloom tomatoes and juicy peaches, a basket of berries fresh from the farmer’s market, or a glass of chilled rosé catching the glow of golden hour, summer offers a naturally rich backdrop. The light, the textures, the bounty — it all works together to help me showcase food in its most authentic and beautiful form, evoking the sights, smells, and tastes that make this season so unforgettable.

Celebrating the Season Through Photography

In my work as a commercial food and product photographer, I often collaborate with restaurants, chefs, food stylists, farms, and artisan producers. Summer allows us to embrace abundance — and that makes for visually rich, emotionally resonant imagery.

Some of my favorite things to photograph during the summer months include:

Colorful heirloom tomatoes, sliced and sprinkled with sea salt
Baskets of just-picked berries, warm from the sun
Rustic wood tables with farm-to-table meals
Grilled vegetables, charred just enough for texture and color
Fresh herbs, wine glasses, linen napkins — the details that set the mood

And yes, a little wine is always welcome in the frame — nothing says summer like a chilled bottle of rosé or crisp white wine shared outdoors.

Using Natural Light to Enhance Natural Food

When it comes to seasonal food photography, light plays a huge role in setting the tone. I always aim to work with natural light whenever possible — diffused sunlight or golden hour light gives food a soft, fresh, and approachable feel.

In-studio, I replicate this look with controlled artificial lighting setups that mimic the warmth and direction of summer sun. My focus is always on authenticity and texture — the delicate skin of a ripe fig, the way olive oil glistens on roasted squash, or the condensation on a cold glass of wine.

Food is sensory, and my goal is to help the viewer taste the image with their eyes.

Who I Work With

As a Norfolk commercial photographer, I work with:

Restaurants and chefs creating seasonal menus
Food brands and producers marketing fresh products
Wineries and craft beverage companies
Editorial and cookbook clients telling stories through food
Farmers markets and local growers wanting to elevate their brand visually

Whether we’re creating content for a summer campaign, website refresh, or editorial feature, I tailor each shoot to reflect your product’s unique personality and seasonal context.

Styling Seasonal Stories

Styling is a key part of every food shoot, and summer gives us plenty of creative freedom. I often incorporate:

Vintage wood surfaces, natural textures, and simple linens
Garden herbs or edible flowers to elevate a plate
Hands in the frame — pouring wine, picking fruit, breaking bread — to create intimacy and narrative
Outdoor settings like patio tables, picnic blankets, or rustic crates for a natural feel

These lifestyle details turn still life into storytelling. And that's what separates good food photography from great food photography — the ability to evoke a moment, not just a meal.

Let’s Create Something Delicious

If your brand celebrates fresh ingredients, seasonal dining, or summer food experiences, let’s work together to showcase your offerings in their best light. With the bounty of summer at our fingertips, now is the perfect time to create content that’s bold, fresh, and full of life.

📍 Based in Norfolk, VA, I serve clients across Virginia and beyond, providing high-end food photography, product imagery, and seasonal lifestyle content for brands that care about visual storytelling.

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Seasonal Food Photography for Restaurants & Brands