Director of Food Photography & Visual Creative Lead

Hey There! I’m Olivia Turner

Food Photographer | Visual Storyteller | Creative Director | Age 32
Austin-based artist who believes every recipe deserves to be seen, felt, and craved before the first bite ever happens.

My Story

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a food photographer. In fact, my earliest memories revolve around colors, textures, and light—long before I ever set foot in a studio. I was raised in a small Texas town where weekend farmers’ markets were a family ritual. I’d wander between stalls, fascinated by the glossy sheen of fresh tomatoes, the warm tones of crusty bread, and the way sunlight danced on jars of honey.

My mom loved cooking, but I loved watching her cook. Not the food itself, but the way steam curled from a pot or the way herbs scattered across a cutting board. Without knowing it, I was learning the language of visual storytelling.

After studying photography and design in college, I was drawn to editorial work. I interned at a boutique creative agency, then spent several years shooting lifestyle campaigns for local Austin brands. But the turning point came when a bakery asked me to shoot their seasonal menu. I set up a small table by a window, styled the pastries with fresh florals, and captured a shot that changed everything: soft morning light hitting a powdered-sugar croissant at the perfect angle.

I realized food wasn’t just beautiful—it was emotional.
It told stories.
It connected people.
And I wanted to spend my life freezing those moments.

The Turning Point

My career took off when a major food magazine discovered my work on Instagram. They offered me a chance to style and shoot a feature on Southern-inspired desserts. I poured myself into the project—testing lighting setups until midnight, hand-selecting linens, even baking some of the items myself when needed. The spread went viral.

Brands started calling.
Restaurants reached out.
I photographed for Whole Foods Market, The Pioneer Woman’s online platform, and several rising food startups.

But despite the success, something was missing.
I didn’t want to just shoot beautiful food—I wanted to craft entire visual identities.

That’s when I joined the team here.

What I Learned the Hard Way

Food photography isn’t as glamorous as it looks.
I went through years of trial and error:

sauces that split during shoots
ice cream that melted faster than I could style it
soups that photographed like mystery bowls
cakes collapsing under studio lights
natural light that disappeared at the worst possible moment

But every challenge taught me how to control chaos with creativity.

I learned:

to build textures with layers and props
to play with shadows instead of fighting them
to create motion that feels alive
to style food that looks real, not over-produced

And most importantly — that perfection isn’t appetizing.
Real food, with crumbs, drips, and texture, tells a better story.

My Approach Now

Today, my creative philosophy is simple:
Make people hungry with their eyes first.

My work focuses on:

bright, crisp, editor-style food imagery
minimalistic art direction
storytelling through color and composition
approachable, lifestyle-driven styling
capturing recipes in their most craveable form

I collaborate closely with our chefs, developers, and writers to ensure every dish looks exactly like the recipe promises — honest, beautiful, and achievable at home.

Nothing is over-styled.
Nothing is faked.
Just real food, photographed beautifully.

What I Believe

✨ Visuals are the first ingredient of every successful recipe.
✨ Food should be photographed in a way that feels authentic, not intimidating.
✨ Natural light is a gift — and the best seasoning.
✨ Every dish has a story; the camera is just the bridge.
✨ Beauty matters, but honesty matters more.

How I Can Help You

On our platform, I create:

full visual direction for recipes
photoshoots for Pinterest, Instagram, and editorial features
step-by-step process visuals
brand identity through consistent color palettes
seasonal visual campaigns

My goal is simple:
Turn every recipe into something people want to cook the moment they see it.

A Little More About Me

When I’m not in the studio, you’ll find me exploring Austin’s coffee shops, thrifting vintage props, or taking long walks to chase the golden hour. I’m a lover of handmade ceramics, fresh florals, and anything with a matte finish.

I’m also mildly obsessed with sourdough starters (I have three) and have a secret dream of photographing cookbooks full-time.

Let’s Connect

If you’re a brand, creator, or food lover who wants visuals that feel warm, modern, and irresistibly delicious, I’d love to connect.

Follow my work on Instagram @OliviaShootsFood
or reach me at [email protected]