Introduction

Food photography plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s thriving culinary scene, where visuals often dictate dining choices. With the growing influence of visual storytelling in F&B marketing, a stunning image can make or break a brand’s appeal. To curate this list, we evaluated photographers based on awards, portfolio quality, client base, and testimonials, ensuring only the best creatives made the cut.

1. Teena Agnel

🌐 Website: teenaagnel.com
🏆 Award: Food Photographer of 2021/22, UAE
Teena Agnel is an internationally award-winning food stylist and photographer, known for her collaborations with giants like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Panda Express, as well as royal clients in the UAE. Her work blends artistry with commercial appeal.
💬 Testimonial: “An absolute pleasure… professional, talented, and excellent value for money!” — Bader Alotaibi, Bagel Yard

2. Evgenia “Jenny” Fedorova

🌐 Website: foodielishious.com
With over a decade in Dubai, Jenny specializes in crafting irresistible menu and social media imagery, combining technical skill with styling expertise.
💬 Testimonial: “Blending creativity with professionalism, delivering exceptional results promptly.”

3. Spinthiras Media

🌐 Website: spinthirasmedia.com
🏆 Awards: 14x International Food Photography Award Winner
This UAE-based rising star is celebrated for cinematic flair and vibrant compositions, ideal for commercial and digital campaigns.
💬 Testimonial: “Mr. Ibrahim is amazing at his craft, his attention to detail and passion on completing the project is commendable.” — Safwan Mohiuddin

4. Athira Mohan Krishnan (The Food Shutterbug)

🌐 Website: thefoodshutterbug.com
Starting in old Dubai in 2015, Athira is now globally recognized for her commercial and editorial food visuals, trusted by brands like Accor and Domino’s.

5. Anas Cherur

🌐 Website: anascherur.com
Anas is renowned for his signature light-play and compositions, with work featured in Discovery, BBC Good Food, and Gulf News.
💬 Testimonial: “His artistic approach captures the soul of food — our go-to for campaign shoots.”

6. Jure Ursic

🌐 Website: jureursicphotography.com
A photographer-stylist hybrid, Jure leads strategy-backed shoots for brands like Coca-Cola and Gaucho, ensuring every image tells a story.
💬 Testimonial: “A genius with composition — you eat with your eyes first!”

7. Drina Cabral (Verge Film)

🌐 Website: verge.productions
🏆 Awards: Pink Lady Food Photographer category winner; work exhibited at Louvre
Drina blends art, food, and editorial finesse, creating exquisite visuals for 5-star hospitality clients.
💬 Testimonial: “Her photographs are like fine dining — every shot is exquisite.”

8. Thomas George

🌐 Website: thomasgeorgephoto.com
Thomas’s minimalist storytelling has graced campaigns for KFC, McDonald’s, and Uber Eats across the Middle East.
💬 Testimonial: “Simple. Striking. Strategic. He brings out the brand essence in every click.”

9. Karim Hesham

🌐 Website: karimhesham.com
Karim merges agency-quality production with technical mastery, delivering mouth-watering visuals for brands like Ogilvy & Hug.
💬 Testimonial: “Mouth-watering visuals every time — our go-to for campaigns.”

10. Gerry O’Leary

🌐 Website: gerryoleary.com
A 20-year UAE veteran, Gerry has shot for Nobu, Four Seasons, and Burj Khalifa’s Atmosphere, embodying elegance in every frame.
💬 Testimonial: “Every image reflects elegance — chefs and hoteliers swear by him.”

Conclusion

The UAE’s food photography scene is a dynamic blend of artistry and strategy, with these top 10 creatives leading the charge. Investing in professional photography isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a proven way to elevate brands and captivate audiences.

FAQs

1. What makes a food photographer stand out in the UAE?
   Unique style, technical expertise, and a strong portfolio with diverse clients.
2. How much do top food photographers charge in the UAE?
   Rates vary (AED 2,000–15,000+ per project) based on experience and scope.
3. Can food photography help grow a restaurant’s Instagram or TikTok following?
   Absolutely — high-quality visuals boost engagement and shareability.
4. Who are some up-and-coming food photographers in the UAE?
   Watch for emerging talents like Ibrahim and Behlah, gaining traction in 2025.
5. What should I prepare before booking a food photographer?
   Define your vision, budget, and usage goals; share mood boards for alignment.