Editorial: the art of visual storytelling

Grab that second cup of coffee, have a flip through the pages, and see where the story takes you. Creating editorial food stories is my deepest passion: where does our food come from? how does food tie to its origin culture? To really explore the world around you and come to understand the people of a place, you need to look deeply at the spaces and tastes that collide within their dining experience.


“With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, DL Acken creates authentic, brand defining imagery that is both relevant and relatable. The work is influenced by the deep tonality and colours of nature as well as a holistic understanding of ingredients, preparation, food history, regional wonders and simply what tastes and looks delicious, encouraging viewers to eat with their eyes. Known for their signature lighting and composition style as well as a fine art approach to narrative, DL Acken is a food photographer who consistently creates content that reminds us of why and how we come together – over a meal that is beautiful, comforting and familiar.”

~Mercury Labs

Actively plugged into the food scene across the globe, DL Acken’s award winning food photography is frequently cited on “best of” lists including the prestigious 2020 and 2021 Gourmand World Cookbook Award. Available for work on location throughout North America and Europe with two established full-service studios offering photography, food styling and recipe development in the Pacific North West (Vancouver, BC) and the American South (Birmingham, AL).