Cookbooks are more than recipes — they’re storytelling tools that capture the flavour of a place. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of art directing and photographing the Langara Island Lodge Cookbook, a project that brought together an incredible team to highlight the culinary experience of Haida Gwaii.
Planning & Art Direction
Every cookbook starts long before the camera is turned on. Working closely with the lodge’s graphic designer, Jon MacArthur (jmad.ca), I developed a rustic yet elegant visual direction that would reflect the West Coast environment while showcasing the artistry of the lodge’s culinary team.
To bring this to life, I spent days sourcing props, linens, and textured backdrops — each choice designed to complement the natural ingredients and storytelling style we wanted to achieve.
The Dream Team
No project like this happens alone. I was lucky to work with:
Chef Richard Benson, whose thoughtful dishes were the heart of the book.
Assistant Brianna Matheson, whose sharp eye and energy kept us on pace.
The team at Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park, where we shot in their stunning kitchen — the perfect setting for a West Coast culinary story.
3 Days of Shooting
We had just three days to capture an entire cookbook — fast-paced by any standard. Each day was a balance of food styling, photography, and creative problem-solving to make sure every shot felt polished yet natural.
To show the process, I’ve paired a few behind-the-scenes images with final photographs — highlighting the planning and teamwork that went into each frame.
The Results
The finished book reflects what we set out to achieve: rustic elegance, authentic West Coast textures, and dishes that truly celebrate the spirit of Langara Island Lodge. It was one of those projects where the pace was intense, but the results made every long day worthwhile.
Projects like this remind me why I love what I do: turning flavour and atmosphere into visuals that tell a bigger story.
👉 Want to bring the same editorial energy to your brand? Get in touch to talk about your next project.