Dhanraj Emanuel | Food & Beverage Photographer

I’m a food, beverage, and interiors photographer who helps brands and agencies create visuals that connect—images that feel intentional, living between timelessness and immediacy.

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 showing what a brand stands for and why it matters.

Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, my fully equipped studio includes an in-house kitchen, prop library, and a seasoned team ready to take productions from concept to completion. I also direct video, giving clients a consistent visual voice across stills and motion.

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:

Lürzers Archive 200 Best | AP39 Selected Winner | Graphis Photography - 2023 Honorable Mention | Pink Lady Food Photography 2023 - Shortlist. | APA Chicago's - 2023 Artist's Perspective - Selected Winner | IPA 2024 1 Silver 3 Honorable Mentions.

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.
— 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!
— Cassandra H

Studio

In-house kitchen, prop library, and lighting for full-scale food productions.

Studio equipped for beverage, packaging, and editorial shoots.

Ability to scale teams with local crew for national campaigns.

On-location work for interiors, hotels, and design firms.