Food Photographer & Videographer | Visual Storyteller | Natural Light Enthusiast | Age 32
Los Angeles–based creator who believes food photography should feel alive, emotional, and delicious enough to taste through the screen.
Hey There! I’m Sara Livingston
I’m the photographer and videographer behind the mouthwatering visuals that bring your recipes to life. My passion is simple: capture the soul of food—the warmth, the texture, the story, the memory hidden inside every bite.
For me, photography isn’t only about beautiful images.
It’s about emotion.
It’s about inviting someone to feel hungry, inspired, and connected—long before they even taste the dish.
My Story
My love for photography started long before I ever stepped into a studio. Growing up in Santa Barbara, my happiest memories came from sitting in my grandmother’s sunny kitchen, watching light dance across bowls of fruit, rising steam, and freshly baked pies.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I was already falling in love with food storytelling.
I went on to study photography at UCLA, but it wasn’t until I started freelancing for small cafés and local farmers’ markets that I realized food had a language of its own—and I wanted to speak it fluently.
After years of shooting weddings, portraits, and lifestyle campaigns, I finally found my creative home when I landed a position with Food52’s visual team. That’s where I learned to blend mood, color, and texture into something that feels warm and edible.
The Turning Point
The defining moment of my career came during a shoot for a simple roasted tomato soup. Nothing glamorous. Nothing complicated.
But when I reviewed the photos, I felt something shift.
The image wasn’t just “pretty.”
It felt like a memory—comforting, nostalgic, familiar.
A single bowl of soup told a whole story.
That’s when I realized my purpose wasn’t to photograph food.
It was to capture how food feels.
From that moment on, I stopped trying to chase perfection and started chasing authenticity.
What I Learned the Hard Way
Food photography is full of challenges people don’t see:
❌ Ice cream melting before the lights are ready
❌ Glazes drying too fast
❌ Fried foods losing crispiness in minutes
❌ Colors shifting under different lighting
❌ Steam disappearing right when you need it
I’ve thrown away entire shoots because the shadows weren’t right.
I’ve reshot dishes at 6am just to catch the perfect morning light.
I’ve burned my fingers on pans trying to photograph “fresh out of the oven” moments.
But the hardest lesson?
Don’t fight the food.
Listen to it.
Let it tell you how it wants to be photographed.
My Approach Now
My photography philosophy is rooted in:
✔ Natural light, whenever possible
✔ Real textures, real crumbs, real steam
✔ Minimal props—maximum emotion
✔ Warm tones and cozy, inviting environments
✔ A balance between authenticity and aesthetic
I want people to feel like they could reach into the frame, pick up the fork, and take a bite.
What I Believe
✨ Delicious food deserves to be seen at its best.
✨ Imperfections make photos feel human and relatable.
✨ Good visuals build trust with readers.
✨ A single image can inspire someone to cook a dish they never considered.
✨ Food photography isn’t manipulation—it’s storytelling.
How I Help Your Blog
As the visual heart of your brand, I:
● Shoot photos that make people stop scrolling
● Film short-form videos perfect for Pinterest, Reels, and YouTube Shorts
● Capture step-by-step visuals to support your recipes
● Create a consistent aesthetic across your whole brand
● Highlight textures, colors, and details that boost cravings instantly
My goal is to make every recipe irresistible before anyone even reads it.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not behind a camera, you’ll find me:
🌊 Walking along the California coast
☕ Trying new coffee shops
📚 Collecting vintage cookbooks
🌱 Growing herbs on my balcony
🎬 Editing videos with a playlist full of indie music
I’m inspired by everyday foods, cozy kitchens, and moments that feel real—not staged.
Let’s Connect
If you’re passionate about food that looks as good as it tastes, I’d love to create something beautiful with you.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @SaraShootsFood
🌐 My portfolio: www.easycookingus.com