Top 10 Food Photographers in Washington DC

It’s no secret that Washington, D.C. is home to some of the United States’ leading restaurants, so it makes sense that several outstanding food photographers also call the city “home”. These creatives work to capture high-quality images to be used for cookbooks, on restaurant websites, or in magazine articles, as well as featuring on foodie-related blogs.

In this article, discover some of the city’s most renowned food photographers and what sets their imagery apart from the rest.

Leti Kugler

Based in Washington, D.C., Leti Kugler is a food and product photographer with a diverse style. They focus on the emotional characteristics of food to help the viewer experience their flavor and taste, with a clean and minimalistic look to many of the images. Whether you need a fine dining shoot or a rustic culinary arrangement, Leti Kugler will bring style and flair to the session. Leti is particularly inspired by entrepreneurs who are introducing innovative products to the gastronomic industry and contributing to its ever-changing landscape.

Michael Pohuski

Born to a photographer father, Michael Pohuski began his career cleaning darkroom floors and mixing chemicals before taking his turn behind the lens. He studied fine art and film at the University of Maryland and later became a professional photographer and film director specializing in food and still life. He’s won numerous awards for his dynamic and artistic work and collaborates with a talented team of creatives to deliver exceptional results in Washington, D.C.’s food photography industry.

Sarah Matista

Sarah Matista specializes in documentary-style food photography and loves capturing inspiring culinary scenes in natural light. She strives to create images that draw the viewer in to what’s on the plate and to experience the moment that surrounds it, with a belief that taste invariably evokes emotions. Aside from her editorial food photography, she also regularly documents restaurants to assist with their branding and has captured the portraits of numerous food personalities and chefs throughout her career.

Comet Photo

Owned by lead photographer, Renee Comet, Comet Photo is renowned for a bright editorial style, with work that’s been published in countless food magazines and online platforms. She documents the entire food preparation process, with hands often seen blurred in motion and studio lights used to bring out vivid colors. One look at her stunning images and it’s easy to see why she’s garnered a reputation as one of the best food photographers in Washington, D.C.

Cameron Whitman

Based in Washington, D.C., Cameron Whitman leads a full-service photography agency that offers services in commercial and lifestyle portraits, food and beverage photography, and food styling. His approach is more lifestyle-oriented than some of the other photographers on this list, with Cameron often capturing people enjoying the process of food preparation. The viewer is invited into the scene as a table is being laid or food is being ladled onto plates, creating an immersive experience.

Deb Lindsey

Renowned for her tasteful arrangements, Deb Lindsey has worked as a freelance photographer since 2007 after 17 years as a photo editor at the Washington Post. She still contributes to the food section of the Washington Post, as well as to the Bethesda Magazine, with an approach that focuses on the finished product. She holds a BS in Journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park and regularly documents restaurants throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

The Dining Traveler

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is the photographer behind The Dining Traveler - a travel and food-related blog that’s based in Washington, D.C. She’s photographed for restaurants such as The Bombay Club and Magnolia’s on King and has traveled throughout the world documenting her culinary experiences. Jessica usually focuses on single-dish views that allow you to really appreciate what’s on the plate, rather than highly stylized dining scenes.

Goran Kosanovic

With more than 15 years of experience as an advertising photographer, Washington D.C.-based Goran Kosanovic has expanded his portfolio to include commercial and editorial works. He specializes in hospitality and travel photography, with a particular love for documenting food at leading restaurants. In addition to up-close shots of plates where you can really taste the flavors, he often captures wide-angle shots of restaurant scenes that encapsulate the dining experience.

Maryland Food Photography

While based in Maryland, this dedicated food photography business serves the greater Washington D.C. area and regularly works with restaurants wanting to update their websites, advertising campaigns, and direct mail marketing. They offer photo shoots either in their studio or on location at restaurants, with the option to have plates styled by your chef or a dedicated food stylist. They describe their style as relaxed and inviting while being affordable for the professional quality that’s delivered.

Illusionary Photo

Based in Herndon, Virginia, Illusionary Photo has been working in Washington D.C.’s food photography industry since 2011. Countless businesses have trusted them for their marketing campaigns, as well as for capturing enticing visual representations of dishes to feature on menus. After the chefs have prepared your dishes, Illusionary Photo will find the right placement and ideal lighting before capturing them from the best angle possible using cutting-edge photographic equipment.

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