Durham Food Photographer

Photographed by Nikki

Nestled in the heart of downtown Durham, M Sushi offers an intimate and upscale dining experience that’s as visually captivating as the dishes it serves. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a dimly lit, romantic atmosphere, with soft lighting and rustic textures that create the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.

For this food photography session, the low-light ambiance of M Sushi presented both a challenge and an opportunity. The warm, intimate glow of the restaurant creates an inviting mood, but photographing in such a setting requires a nuanced understanding of lighting. To do justice to the vibrant and delicate dishes, I worked to balance the restaurant's natural ambiance with carefully controlled light sources, ensuring that every plate was beautifully illuminated without compromising the mood.

The dishes at M Sushi are a testament to the artistry and precision of their chefs. From the intricate layers of sushi rolls to the delicate plating of nigiri, every dish tells a story of craftsmanship and flavor. Each photo captures the harmony of textures, colors, and freshness—the creamy uni adorned with caviar, the bright garnishes atop the rolls, and the elegant presentation of dumplings in a delicate sauce.

Photography in such a dimly lit environment requires attention to detail and the ability to adapt. Using diffused lighting techniques, I was able to highlight the natural textures of the ingredients while maintaining the soft, romantic feel of the restaurant. The results showcase the vibrant reds, golds, and greens of the sushi against the warm tones of the wood-grain tables, making each image as appetizing as the dishes themselves.

As a food photographer in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill, I love the challenge of capturing the soul of a restaurant through my lens. M Sushi’s moody atmosphere, combined with its stunning cuisine, made this session especially rewarding. Whether you’re dining out or running a restaurant, exceptional food photography allows these moments of culinary artistry to shine and invites viewers into the experience.

If you’re a chef, restaurant owner, or foodie in the Triangle area, I’d love to help you tell your story through food photography. Together, we can create images that highlight the beauty, flavor, and personality of your dishes.

I have found myself drawn to food photography. It has taken a while, but, I am so excited to share with you some of my favorite food images from this past year. I have had the privilege to work with a brand spanking new catering business —MealSmith— who has given me free range to create some scrumptious art.

When photographing food the main thing that I want to portray is how delicious things look. It is important to me to have the viewer TASTE from the image. With so many things happening online in the social media world, I want my clients to have images that make other people stop scrolling and look at their content. For MealSmith, we wanted to create images that look homemade, ready to eat, and a sort of natural bright light that creates some beautiful shadows.

If you are in the Mebane/Hillsbourough area you should definitely check MealSmith out! They use all local sources for their meals and they are an incredible company to support. For more information on them please visit their website HERE.

Plateware by American Party Rentals
Styling of the “Dinner Table” done by Gather Together Events
Catering by MealSmith
Florals on the “Dinner Table” by Tre Bella Flowers