Black coffee in a white cup and saucer on crumpled linen, food photography by DL Acken

how i photograph

I tell stories through bold, thoughtful images, turning everyday moments into work that feels elevated and intentional. Every dish has its own character; I bring it forward through considered colour, styling, light and composition, creating photographs that invite people in.

From the first conversation to final delivery, I work closely with you to understand your vision, your audience and what the project needs to say. DL Acken Photography is a food photography studio offering packaging imagery, cookbook and editorial photography, and recipe development for brands, authors and publishers.

For cookbooks, I work with the author and publisher to shape a consistent visual approach, then bring the right team together to make it happen. Photography, recipe development, food styling and props work in concert, so the process feels considered, collaborative and well run.

The studio is a space for fresh ideas, creative problem-solving and confident execution. For larger commercial campaigns, I bring the right team together, including food and prop stylists, so every detail supports the story. Together, we bring authenticity, craft and impact to the work, in the studio or on location.

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Award-winning VANCOUVER food photographer

Commercial FOOD photographer beyond the everyday

Vancouver based AND available worldwide

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Misty forest beside a hand shucking an oyster (Copy)

White blossom-shaped dessert on a dark plate (Copy)

Coiled rope on driftwood beside a bowl of pasta (Copy)

Calm lake at sunset beside a white cake on a dark stand (Copy)

Hotel bedroom with forest view and a drinks tray (Copy)

Forest floor of pine needles beside a figure in a meadow (Copy)

Pile of hazelnuts beside a woman in a white dress (Copy)

Person walking through a golden field beside a cup of black coffee (Copy)

Nasturtium leaves beside a farmer at a field gate (Copy)

Overhead table of drinks and herbs beside a portrait of a young woman (Copy)

Moody vintage washroom beside a black-and-white portrait (Copy)

Glass of milk beside a rustic pie (Copy)

Woman in a white knit outfit beside an oyster on ice (Copy)

Bright bathroom with a clawfoot tub beside a portrait of a man (Copy)

Hotel room with an armchair and window view, with a cup of tea (Copy)

Green salad with tomatoes beside a bowl of spiced curry (Copy)

Black-and-white restaurant interior beside a latte (Copy)

Our TEAM OF food photographers, ART DIRECTORS, and food stylists work with customers to create collaborative solutions that make brands and products unique, recognizable, and relevant.

A close-up of an elderly man with a white beard, wearing a blue shirt, holding a white bowl of salad and a fork. The salad appears to contain mushrooms, greens, cheese, and shredded ingredients.

Go ahead, play with your food

In today’s market, visual taste appeal is one of your most valuable assets, and nothing connects advertising to real customer desire like high-quality food photography that’s good enough to eat. That’s where DL Acken Food Photography comes in.

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Strawberry and Nootka rose shrub in a tall glass with fresh strawberries and wild roses, food photography by DL Acken

Oysters with rhubarb ginger mignonette on ice with lemon, food photography by DL Acken

Slivered winter vegetables with apple ginger dressing in a dark bowl, food photography by DL Acken

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Charred broccolini on a decorative white plate.

Hiring a Food Photographer in Vancouver

Professional lighting is what separates casual imagery from strategic commercial food photography. As a Vancouver food photographer, I build light intentionally — shaping texture, depth, and atmosphere so dishes feel dimensional and appetising rather than flat. Whether on location in a restaurant or in a controlled studio environment, the goal is consistent, refined imagery that holds up across web, print, and campaign use.

Strong food imagery is composed to support the brand story and highlight the craftsmanship behind the dish. With a background in culinary arts as well as photography, I understand food and how to photograph it at its best. Every element in the frame — garnish placement, surface choice, negative space, steam, colour balance — is considered to ensure the beauty of your food translates through to the image.

Commercial food photography has to do more than look beautiful. Images need to show what makes your food worth choosing, feel unmistakably like your brand, and work hard wherever you use them — from your menu and website to social media, packaging and campaigns. I bring the experience, recipe knowledge and considered visual approach to make images that give your customers a reason to look closer and take the next step.

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