When Seasons Meet
"When Seasons Meet" savors the last traces of summer and anticipates the warmth and depth that autumn brings. It celebrates the present with a nod to the past and the anticipation of the future.
Our intent:
With this collaborative series, Stylist Christy Day and I set out to create a visual representation of the transitionary time when the heat of summer has passed, but the cozy sweater weather of fall has not yet arrived.
Our Approach:
We chose to display the contrast of the soft pastels of summer, intermingled with the rich, earthy tones of fall. Vibrant yellows and greens give way to the deeper, muted hues of autumn, where the last rays of summer linger before transitioning to the golden light of fall. The color palette story was an opportunity to introduce an additional cohesive element to the project. A rustic autumn-like background creates a tonal setting that makes the pastels of summer pop. The light in this series plays a key role—neither bright and harsh nor soft and gentle—expressing the subtle shift between the seasons.
This shoot was an exercise in maintaining a consistent aesthetic across different subjects. By carefully using light, color, and texture, we showcased food, flowers, and fabrics in a way that ties everything together for a seamless, unified vision.
Packaging Blue Zones' Philosophy
I recently completed a packaging photoshoot for Blue Zones Kitchen, a unique brand co-founded by Dan Buettner that promotes longevity through plant-based, nutrient-dense frozen meals inspired by the diets of the world's Blue Zones—regions like Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, where people live significantly longer lives. Here's a look at our process…
The Challenge:
To create packaging that not only appealed to health-conscious customers but also authentically reflected the Blue Zones Kitchen philosophy. The packaging needed to seamlessly communicate the health benefits of the frozen meals while capturing the depth and richness of the brand's ethos. In the highly competitive CPG market, brands must quickly convey their unique selling point.
Our Solution:
For this project, packaging design expert Andy Kurtts of Buttermilk Creative collaborated with design studio GROUP CHAT to develop the initial design concept. The approach for Blue Zones Kitchen focused on creating a visually compelling narrative that resonates with consumers' growing demand for healthy, convenient, and plant-based options. We prioritized the brand's authenticity, integrating it throughout the process. Clean, vibrant visuals showcased the natural ingredients and global inspiration behind each meal.
The front of the packaging prominently features the product name and a vibrant, appetizing photo of the meal, set against a backdrop that hints at the exotic and nourishing nature of Blue Zones diets. This ensures that even a quick glance at the packaging conveys a sense of health, authenticity, and quality.
Our Process:
In keeping with Blue Zones Kitchen's philosophy of handmade, earth-based, and thoughtfully crafted meals, we collaborated with renowned ceramic artist Ibrahim Said to create a custom blue plate. This plate was designed to echo the calming and nourishing environments of the Blue Zones, enhancing the brand's overall visual narrative. The blue plate not only complemented the brand's aesthetic but also added a layer of authenticity and craftsmanship, further aligning with Blue Zones Kitchen’s core values.
This attention to detail is crucial in the CPG market, where storytelling and visual appeal significantly impact consumer perception and purchasing decisions. The blue plate, now an instant branding element, conveys the brand’s commitment to intentionality and well-being, reinforcing its message of healthy, purposeful living.
Video of ceramic artist Ibrahim Said making the blue plate for Blue Zones Kitchen's frozen food packaging.
Andy Kurtts designed the packaging and art-directed the shoot, ensuring that every element resonated with Blue Zones Kitchen's values of quality, intentionality, and a commitment to promoting longevity through mindful eating. Together, we brought Andy’s vision to life, making it a beautiful reality.
Our Results:
By focusing on authenticity, quality, and visual storytelling, the packaging design for Blue Zones Kitchen effectively communicates its core values, appealing to health-conscious consumers and standing out in the crowded CPG market.
We delivered on time and within budget, helping launch the product nationwide in Whole Foods Markets.
Ceramic Artist: Ibrahim Said
Packaging Design: Andy Kurtts and Group Chat
Food Stylist: Lani Paul
Music: Alejandro Rutty
Video Editor: Amber Hogan
Color Grading: Nahun Lopez
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A journey in every glass
As the year draws to a close, it is time to take stock—boxes to check, wins, losses, lessons learned, and unresolved events that defy categorization. You could take out a sheet of paper and get to work, or pour a glass of Survivor's Cut bourbon from End of Days Distiillery in Wilmington, NC, and sit in quiet contemplation with that steadfast companion who has been there all year to lift your spirits, celebrate your victories, and soothe the ache of losses.
Distilled from a grain mash of corn, 2-row malted barley, and rye, and quietly aged in a new American Oak cask, Survivor's Cut is more than just a drink; it's a journey in a glass. May this ritual of embracing uncertainty and finding comfort in the unknown encourage clarity, gratitude, and the courage to journey on...
For those in need of professional imagery, consider the expertise of a food and beverage photographer who excels in advertising photography and editorial photography. Their skills in culinary photography and still life photography will beautifully highlight the essence of your brand. Whether for product photography, branding photography, or lifestyle food photography, an established commercial photographer can make your brand unforgettable.
Crafting Innovation: The NoBull Burger Packaging Project
In the grocery world, it's not often that a client takes risk to stand out in the frozen veggie burger category. NoBull’s decision to veer from the conventional path of showing a veggie burger in a bun and instead embrace the unconventional was, in essence, an act of courage. This redesign coincided with a recent launch nationally in Whole Foods Market so there was a significant amount of risk in the unconventional design direction. It was a decision to trust the creative vision and to believe that something different could resonate with consumers and leave a lasting impression.
Inspired by a photograph in my portfolio, the client wanted to showcase their ingredients, reflecting the authenticity and quality of their products. This was an invitation to step away from the conventional norms of packaging photography and embark on a journey that would eventually set their product apart from others on the grocery store shelf.
Andy Kurtts, creative director at Buttermilk Creative, was crucial in this project. As a long-time friend and collaborator, his ability to convey the vision, the essence of the brand, and the potential impact of this approach was pivotal—he bridged the gap between the client's aspirations and creative risk-taking. The trust built over years of partnership laid the foundation for this project.
The opportunity to create work that stands out from the crowd is a privilege. In a world oversaturated with visual stimuli, brands that break free from the norm have the chance to make a lasting impact on consumer perceptions. NoBull (link: https://nobullburger.com/) embraced this chance to elevate its brand and authentically engage its audience.
Client: NoBull Burgers
Agency: Buttermilk Creative
CD: Andy Kurtts
Studio: Dhanraj Emanuel Photography
Food Stylist: Lani Paul
Cheers to Summer with Miller Lite's Beer Cubes!
I am thrilled to share a recent shoot for Miller Lite's summer promotion campaign, "Beer Cubes." This incredibly challenging photoshoot pushed my creative boundaries and required serious troubleshooting by everyone on the creative side and the crew.
The campaign's concept revolved around showcasing Miller Lite's refreshing taste and highlighting their commitment to providing the perfect brew for the summer season. The idea of "Beer Cubes" was born, and it was my responsibility to capture the essence of this concept through captivating visuals.
I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of this campaign and work with such a talented team. It was an opportunity that pushed me to explore new horizons, problem-solve on the go, and ultimately create captivating imagery that brings the spirit of summer and the joy of Miller Lite's Beer Cubes to life.🍻
Client: Miller Lite
Agency : DDB Chicago
Production: Shel Burks
Studio: Throop Studio
Agent: Emissary Artists
ECD: Ben Wolan
ACD: Aaron Willard
CD: Patrick Almaguer
AD: Lane Hedler
Copy: Analisha Santini
Executive Producer: Adine Becker
Prop styling: Lorrie Jamiolkowski
Beverage stylist: Michael Nakumura
Photo assistant: Joe Bankmann
Digital tech: Nate Smith
Retouching: Aaron Willard, and Mickey Chesky
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Inspiration is intoxicating.
Inspiration is intoxicating. It is the fuel that propels you to think, act and create with intention. I have been considering Mona King's artwork for a while. Still, after contemplating this piece, "Amazon just breathe," for an inordinate amount of time, an idea began to coalesce into a solid vision for what could be. This wall installation, made entirely of preserved natural moss, was the inspiration and the backdrop for a fantasy scene I created to showcase Bacoo, a rum from the Dominican Republic. I love the branding and design of the bottle, and it fit perfectly with the concept.
But what use is an idea without execution? Another thought I have harbored is using an LED light source for still photographs and video. Having transitioned from natural light to strobe, making the switch back to a continuous source was challenging. But tech moves fast, and the new generation of LED lights makes this a viable possibility. To say I could shoot stills and videos using the same light source may seem insignificant, but for someone who spent years fine-tuning the nuance of strobe, this was a big deal.
Many thanks to Mona King for the artwork Amazon, Just Breathe and Alejandro Rutty for the incredible sound track.
It's all about candy
The focus this month has been on all things sweet. For the February edition of Our State magazine, I had the opportunity to capture a tiny bit of the sweeter side of North Carolina.
Nestled on Main Street in Lexington, NC, The Candy Factory is a journey back in time for someone with a sweet tooth. With wooden barrels and glass jars brimming with candy, chocolate, peppermint, and popcorn, this store takes you nostalgically back to happier memories. I focused on their legendary homemade fudge for the nostalgic character of the sweet treat and the potential for illustrative imagery. All images were made on location, which is a challenge in itself, but one that makes for a fun process. With all the AI imagery floating around, it reminded me that I do this because I love the process.
Coffee is my cup of Tea
Recipes for Impact is a coffee table book featuring Blk&Bold's barista tried-and-tested recipes. Envisioned and produced by Canteen, a brand of Compass USA. The book features over 30 handcrafted specialty beverage recipes, and caffeinated lovers can rejoice with tea and coffee concoctions that are delicious and community-conscious. 100% of the proceeds go to nonprofit organizations that dedicate their resources to American children in need. The company mantra is "Coffee for you. Impact for our youth."
I love the brand BLK&Bold and its charity efforts in general, but to know that the profits from the sale of this book go to charity made this an extra special project! When Compass USA reached out to see if I’d be interested in shooting the book, I had to keep my excitement in check! From setting up the sets and incorporating the ingredients that infuse to make the drink to perfecting the lighting and adding the chocolate swirl finishing touch, some incredible work goes into crafting the perfect image. Thanks to a brilliant multi-tasking Creative Director/Stylist Mark Kaminski and two stellar assistants, Amber Hogan and Alina Kosmala, we got through 30 shots in two days. Check out our behind-the-scenes videos: I love sharing my creative process...
