Capturing the Best BBQ in Bentonville: How I Delivered Stunning Food Photography for The Infatuation Despite Challenges with Lighting

Over the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to partner with The Infatuation to photograph food and drinks at 17 of the best restaurants in Bentonville, Arkansas. This project involved working closely with an editor in New York and coordinating with local restaurants to meet a tight two-week deadline. One of the most memorable shoots was at Wright’s BBQ, where I faced a unique challenge that truly highlights why professional food photography goes beyond just pushing a button.

The Wright’s BBQ Shoot: A Case Study in Creative Problem-Solving

While I plan to share stories from all 17 restaurants in the coming months, I wanted to kick things off with this shoot because it is the perfect example of why professional food photography is more than just snapping a picture—it’s about adapting, problem-solving, and delivering mouth-watering images, no matter the circumstances.

When scheduling shoots, I aim for times when restaurants are less busy, either before they open or during slower periods. However, this wasn’t possible with Wright’s. I found myself photographing at 1 p.m., right in the middle of a bustling lunch rush. To make things even more challenging, I was asked to shoot outside in the picnic area, under red umbrellas, with no lighting equipment—only natural light, as per The Infatuation’s request.

Overcoming the Challenge of Natural Light in Summer Heat

BBQ in the summer heat, under red umbrellas—what could go wrong? As I waited for the first round of dishes, I had a mini panic attack as I worried about capturing the food’s vibrant, delicious look under such tough and red conditions. I thought, “I can fix this in post-processing,” but as soon as I lined up the first shot, I knew it wouldn’t work.

A good food photograph should make you hungry—it should evoke the taste, texture, and aroma of the dish. Unfortunately, my initial shots did the opposite. I knew no one would be craving BBQ after looking at those images. Here’s an quick iPhone video to show you how things looked.

Finding Inspiration and Thinking on My Feet

In challenging situations like this, I often ask myself, “What would [inspiration] do?” This time, I recalled an image of BBQ taken by my friend, Sara Reeves, and it gave me the push I needed. Inspired by her work, I rolled down the red umbrella and decided to shoot in direct sunlight, even though it was harsh.

That decision was a game-changer.

The Results: Some of My Favorite Food Shots

Thanks to my experience and quick thinking, the images I captured at Wright’s BBQ turned out to be some of my favorite shots from the entire project. Not only are they pretty, but they represent my ability to solve problems on the fly and deliver high-quality work under pressure.

This is what sets me apart as a food photographer—adapting to challenges, thinking creatively, and consistently producing images that make people hungry.

Let’s Work Together on Your Next Project

If you’re looking for a food photographer who can deliver stunning, mouth-watering images even in challenging environments, I’d love to work with you. Whether it’s BBQ, fine dining, or anything in between, I’m ready to create images that showcase your food at its best.

Fill out the contact form below, and let’s discuss how I can help bring your culinary vision to life. Maybe we can even meet up for some delicious BBQ at Wright’s!