The Adventures of a Freelance Editorial Photographer: Food, Farms, and Flexibility
As a freelance editorial photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with AY Magazine on several assignments in recent months. It’s been an exciting journey filled with incredible people, delicious food, and some unexpected challenges. Here’s a peek into two of my recent shoots and what they’ve taught me about this dynamic career.
Dining and Photographing for Food Reviews
One of my favorite assignments each month is photographing for AY Magazine‘s food reviews. Getting paid to explore new restaurants? Yes, please! A standout experience was photographing at Vetro 1925 Ristorante in Fayetteville. Their Italian cuisine transported me back to my summer in Rome—complete with memories of simple, delicious meals and cheap wine.
While I love food photography, it had been a while since I shot anything food-related, so I was admittedly nervous. The restaurant owners joined us for dinner, which added an extra layer of pressure as they watched me work. Despite the nerves, I walked away with a few images I’m proud of and plenty of inspiration to refine my food photography skills. And hey, if that means trying more amazing meals, I’m not complaining!
Photographing Cynthia Coughlin and Her Bulls
Another recent assignment took me to a farm outside Bentonville to photograph Cynthia Coughlin with her bulls. This shoot was a completely different challenge. Animals, especially large ones, add a layer of unpredictability to any project. Despite having a plan, the bulls were more interested in exploring the back of my car than posing for photos.
Patience was key as we waited for the bulls to get comfortable with us and my equipment. Once they were in position, it was a race to capture the shots before they moved again. Balancing technical photography in bright sunlight with the need to keep the animals calm taught me a lot about improvisation and quick thinking. Cynthia’s easygoing attitude made the shoot even more enjoyable, and I left with new skills and a story to tell.
The Joys and Challenges of Editorial Photography
Freelance editorial photography is never boring. Each assignment brings new people, settings, and unexpected twists. Whether I’m shooting plated pasta at a fine dining restaurant or navigating bulls on a sunny farm, the common thread is adaptability. You have to be ready for anything and willing to embrace the unexpected.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to create images that connect with audiences, showcase amazing stories, and allow me to grow as a photographer. If you’re looking for someone to bring your vision to life—whether it’s a food feature, a farm story, or something entirely different—I’d love to collaborate.
Let’s create something extraordinary together!