Dhanraj Emanuel | Food & Beverage Photographer

I’m a food, beverage, and interiors photographer who helps brands and agencies create visuals that cut through the clutter and stand out in a crowd. My images feel intentional—living between timelessness and immediacy. Carefully composed, never still, always alive.

My approach is thoughtful and collaborative, blending design sensibility with emotional clarity. Whether it’s a food campaign, a lifestyle story, or a space that deserves to be seen beautifully, I focus on expressing what a brand stands for and why it matters.

Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, my studio is fully equipped for still and motion work, with an in-house kitchen, prop library, and crew that keeps production seamless. I also work locally in New York City and Chicago.

Recognized in Lürzer’s Archive 200 Best Advertising Photographers Worldwide, I believe great images don’t just look good. They build trust, shape identity, and invite people in.

Selected Clients:

Miller Lite, The Fresh Market, Smithfield Brand, Purefarmland, Discovery +, Compass Group, Wild Wing Cafe, Blue Zones Kitchen, NoBull Burger, LMS Agency, Pace Communications, Sage Restaurant Group, Mina Group, The Culinary Entertainment Agency, Ultrasuede, Gabby Home, Verellen, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Food Network Magazine, AAA Living, Our State Magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, Gravy Magazine, The Local Palate, Southern Living, San Diego Magazine, Where San Diego, Walmart World.

Awards:

What Clients Say…

“I’ve hired Dhanraj multiple times for national campaign shoots, both in-studio and on location, and he delivers every time. When you work with Dhanraj, you’re not just getting a master photographer; you’re gaining a true creative partner. His eye for lighting and composition is impeccable, and he approaches every project like a creative partner, collaborating closely to bring your vision to life.
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— Mark Kaminski, Creative Director, Compass Group

“Working with Dhanraj and his team was a joy! He was responsive, conscientious and, most importantly, our photos were beautiful and more than we could have hoped for. It was a major upgrade from what we were using and will definitely make a big difference on our packaging, online, etc. Our product is tricky to work with, and he and his stylist were absolutely determined to work until they got the shots that we had planned, going above and beyond our expectations. Cannot recommend highly enough!
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— Cassandra H