How a Chicago chef rebranded from corporate events to exclusive personal chef with custom food photography
Chef David De Quay approached us to bring his culinary vision to life through captivating food photography. Confident in his identity as a chef, David was rebranding to position himself as an exclusive personal chef. Recognizing his strengths and limitations, he trusted us with the food styling and photography expertise needed to elevate his rebranded website.
Before David arrived in Charlotte, we began with a clean slate, taking time to delve into his brand identity prior to starting our shoot. Thanks to our advanced planning, our week together in the studio was fruitful, and we all learned a lot from one another. One thing stood out to David: prepping for a food photography shoot differs greatly from prepping for a dinner party!
The art of capturing food
A food shoot happens in stages, requiring patience and precision. Expert food styling, artificial lighting, and careful plate composition take time—around 90 minutes for each hero shot. Once a scene is perfected, we add the final garnishes to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant. These details matter, especially when 67% of consumers say image quality plays a key role in their buying decisions.
Consistency is key in a rebrand
For David’s website rebrand, we sought to create a cohesive visual identity across all aspects of his photography and brand. When your brand revolves around you, headshots, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and studio shots must harmonize seamlessly. Since David’s dishes exude luxury, we designed a dark, moody aesthetic for his headshots, reinforcing a sophisticated vibe.
The brand shots capture David’s personality and style, offering potential clients a sense of what it’s like to work with him. Meanwhile, the studio shots focus on showcasing the artistry in his dishes, helping to tell the full story of his culinary expertise.
Here are some of my favorite images from David's shoot.
Embarking on a rebranding project may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. When you enlist a professional food photographer who invests time in getting to know your brand and brings the right tools and insights to your project, the results speak for themselves. Start 2025 with confidence and clarity by rebranding with purposeful images that reflect the heart of your business.
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