This work represents the beginning of my path into food and ingredient photography, created before AI-assisted retouching when every adjustment was done by hand and required a highly technical, detail-driven approach. Produced for DTC sites and recipe content featured on andrewzimmern.com, these images prioritize precision, texture, and clarity over heavy styling. I believe realistic, well-executed food and product photography helps people make informed decisions, whether that is choosing where to spend their money or deciding if a recipe is worth their time. While my skills have evolved significantly since this work was created, I continue to showcase it because it marks the foundation of my relationship with food and still informs how I approach visual storytelling - with intention, discipline, and respect for the subject.