Stephen Hamilton is an award-winning food and beverage director and photographer whose work has appeared almost everywhere you see images of food - on television, in national magazines and cookbooks, on packaging, and across seven seasons of Top Chef. Stephen built his career showcasing ingredients in all their organic, beautiful reality.

Through Stephen Hamilton Productions, Stephen combines his talents with those of world class producers, editors, prop stylists, and a roster of skilled photographers for a full-service production company that delivers anything you might need photographically, all under one roof.

Stephen’s natural lighting style and tight taste appeal let food’s honest allure speak for itself. This time of year dishes up a fresh perspective as crisp colors, comfort food, and the warm giddiness of gathering take center stage - and Stephen captures it all for a truly visual feast.

Last days of summer are upon us when the breeze is cool and the sun spots are still hot. Stephen wanted to explore lights, shadows and focus to bring the viewer into the shots. He has recently been inspired by seasonality and the beauty of Farmer’s Market end of summer bounty. Focusing on the incredible variety of color in fruits and vegetables, he highlights that stunningly simple ingredients are eye catching on their own or as mouthwatering dishes.

Stephen Hamilton Productions combines Stephen’s photography and directing talents with those of a full-service production company, featuring an expert team of food stylists, prop stylists, lighting technicians, and special effects professionals. Their flexible, generous studio space in Chicago accommodates multiple shoots, offering clients start-to-finish capabilities.

The Stephen Hamilton Productions studio also hosts a 4,000 square foot prop room brimming with surfaces, dishes, flatware, and more in every material, texture, and color imaginable. Their team uses their endless creativity and expert vision to choose just-right pieces to bring any shoot to life.

Stephen Hamilton is an award-winning food and beverage director and photographer who built his career on a passion for showcasing food in a natural and enticing style, always pushing the envelope in pursuit of honest, authentic imagery that heightens taste appeal.

Stephen combined his talents with those of a full-service production company to create Stephen Hamilton Productions, featuring a world-class crew of food stylists, prop stylists, lighting technicians, and special effects professionals.

Working with Stephen Hamilton Productions is like enjoying fresh food and delicious cocktails on a perfect summer evening. You’ll enjoy a warm welcome, a refreshing perspective, an abundance of flavor, and a delightful experience leaving a lasting impression you won’t soon forget.

Stephen Hamilton is an award-winning food and beverage director and photographer whose work has appeared almost everywhere you see images of food - on television, in national magazines and cookbooks, on packaging, and across seven seasons of Top Chef.

Stephen Hamilton Productions combines Stephen’s talents with those of a full-service production company, featuring an expert team of food stylists, prop stylists, lighting technicians, and special effects professionals. Their flexible, generous studio space in Chicago accommodates multiple shoots, offering clients start-to-finish capabilities.

The Stephen Hamilton Productions studio also hosts a 4,000 square foot prop room brimming with surfaces, dishes, flatware, and more in every material, texture, and color imaginable. Their team uses their endless creativity and expert vision to choose just-right pieces to bring any shoot to life, just like in these tone-on-tone, perfectly paired prop collections.

Stephen Hamilton is an award-winning food and beverage director and photographer with a passion for showcasing food in a natural and enticing style, pushing the envelope in pursuit of honest, authentic imagery. He loves an integrated, sensory approach to food, as it allows him to expand the visual story and bring food to life.

Stephen’s iconic work, renowned for its tight taste appeal and natural lighting style, has appeared almost everywhere you see images of food - from television, magazines, cookbooks, packaging, international publications, and blogs, to seven seasons of Top Chef.

Stephen Hamilton Productions combines Stephen’s talents with those of an on-staff producer and editor at their studio in Chicago, offering start-to-finish capabilities and industry-leading client service.

Stephen and his team recently shot this collection to capture the heat, texture, and depth of flavor of Asian-inspired takeout perfect for warming up a cozy winter night in.

Visit his website and follow him on Instagram to see more of his work.

It is one thing to shoot food photography with enormous appetite appeal, but a whole different area of expertise to photograph beverages.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton explains it this way: “Liquids never stop moving. You look into transparent liquids. They can have bubbles popping and froth foaming. Beverages may need to be poured or stirred. Hot ones need a stream of steam or cold ones a glass crusted with ice. Whipped cream toppings melt in two minutes, as does ice cream. It takes a lot of planning and a great team to shoot beverages.”

Whether it is a cocktail, a mocktail or a new line of energy drinks that needs to be shot, Stephen Hamilton Productions takes a 360° capabilities approach to every project. You wil have a comfortable shoot in his 11,000 sq ft studio and then walk away with every asset for your campaign in hand.

Just imagine: it’s a shoot day in director and photographer, Stephen Hamilton’s 11,000 sq ft studio. While the team is focused on the visual production, an amazing aroma is swirling in the air. Today’s shoot is for bacon. There aren’t many people who can resist this salty, hammy strip with its umami flavor.

For many, this aroma triggers delicious food memories. This only helps Stephen in his philosophy of capturing real life moments on a plate for chef Justin Brunson of Brunson Meat Co. in Colorado for a print and social media campaign.

Stephen gets close to an ultimate BLT sandwich – tempting you to take a bite. Classic bacon and eggs are made personal with green tomatoes; bacon is paired with peaches and basil for a salad of surprising flavors and grilled shrimp are tucked in a blanket of glistening bacon. This wouldn’t happen without careful planning, lighting and a very talented crew that makes the magic happen.

People can imagine just how a dish will taste - and smell.

Just imagine. It’s a shoot day in director and photographer Stephen Hamilton’s 11,000 sq ft studio. While the team is focused on the visual production, an amazing aroma is swirling in the air. Today’s shoot is for bacon. There aren’t many people who can resist the shiny, salty, hammy strip with its umami flavor.

For many, this aroma triggers delicious food memories. This only helps Stephen in his philosophy of capturing real life moments on a plate for chef Justin Brunson of Brunson Meat Co. in Colorado.

Stephen gets close to an ultimate BLT sandwich – tempting you to take a bite. Classic bacon and eggs are made personal with green tomatoes; bacon is paired with peaches and basil for a salad of surprising flavors and grilled shrimp are tucked in a blanket of glistening bacon. This wouldn’t happen without careful planning, lighting and a very talented crew that makes the magic happen.

People can imagine just how a dish will taste. And smell.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton gives back in creative ways. For years he has donated excess 'client' food to Feeding America – everything: from chicken and lunchmeat, to pasta and cookies. He also supports small food businesses with Images for Artisans by donating his photography.

His latest undertaking is to work with the Urban Growers Collective (UGC), through Workbook and APA Chicago, to photograph their produce.

UGC’s mission is to use education and their eight Chicago area gardens to build a more equitable local food system. One thing they need, which doesn’t require a green thumb, are photographs to promote and document their gardens.

In preparation, Hamilton visited a UGC Garden, then photographed their spring harvest in his studio. The challenge was to shoot the produce in a way to make it look heroic, yet different, from his work on Sara Grueneberg's cookbook, 'Listen To Your Vegetables'.

Hamilton’s solution was to photograph individual, larger than life portraits of the small vegetables. Then he used a dark background to vignette the subject with chiaroscuro lighting to create depth and texture. He is excited to see what produce UGC will send him next!

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton loves to play and experiment with food. He gets an idea, a twinkle in his eye, and his creativity plays out on set. Recently he dove into a study of colour and light, as well as the art of the still life. The result is a stunning take on the pop of colour trend and a nod to the beauty of life before cameras. In each case, every detail, every creative nook and cranny, can be seen.

Hamilton’s fully equipped studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities cover over 11,000 square feet, including three studios and a 4,000 square ft. prop room.

The Stephen Hamilton Productions team offers an integrated, comprehensive, and client-first approach to any size production. Their full-circle capabilities include broadcast spots, OLV, still photography, social media content, how-to videos, and textured macro videos.

Stephen’s unique perspective, lighting style and incredible team are why brands have trusted him for over 25 years.

Now more than ever, photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s eye for expertly capturing beautifully flawed foods is in demand. He captures drips, pours, spills and crumbs, knowing that flaws are delicious accidents. His vision of food is nothing short of authentic and he collaborates with exceptional food and prop stylists to deliver on any client request.

Hamilton’s fully equipped studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities cover over 11,000 square feet including three studios and a 4,000 square foot prop room.

The Stephen Hamilton Productions team offers an integrated, comprehensive, and client-first approach to any size production. Their full-circle capabilities include broadcast spots, OLV, still photography, social media content, how-to videos, and textured macro videos.

Stephen’s unique perspective, lighting style and incredible team are why brands have trusted him for over 25 years.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton recently worked on a cookbook project with chef Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde in Chicago. Over 15 days, spanning from May to October, Stephen captured Sarah’s ode to seasonality, 'Listen to Your Vegetables'. Sarah felt that Stephen’s natural lighting, authentic food style and creative eye were the perfect fit to highlight nature’s bounty and inspired recipes.

Hamilton’s fully equipped studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities cover over 11,000 square feet including three studios and a 4,000 square foot prop room. The Stephen Hamilton Productions team offers an integrated, comprehensive, and client-first approach to any size production. Their full-circle capabilities include broadcast spots, OLV, still photography, social media content, how-to videos, and textured macro videos. Stephen’s unique perspective, lighting style and incredible team are why brands have trusted him for over 25 years.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton is known for his craveable drips, pours and crumbs, expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savor. Stephen has determined that flaws certainly aren’t flaws, they are imperfect perfection. Collaborating with an exceptional group of food and prop stylists, Stephen is able to deliver on any client request.

Hamilton’s fully equipped studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities cover over 11,000 square feet including three studios and a 4,000 square foot prop room.

The Stephen Hamilton Productions team offers an integrated, comprehensive, and client-first approach to any size production. Their full-circle capabilities include broadcast spots, OLV, still photography, social media content, how-to videos, and textured macro videos. Stephen’s unique perspective, lighting style and incredible team are why brands have trusted him for over 25 years.

Director and photographer Stephen Hamilton has a passion for food and beverage and his goal is to capture it in a beautiful, authentic way.

Stephen was recently inspired by his travels to France and Ireland, recreating some of his favorite meals in the studio - sophisticated Parisian bistro fare, the quintessential fish & chips pub spread, and a special meal that heroed honey. The food echoes the story of a love affair with travel and new experiences.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of broadcast spots, OLV, still photography, social media content, how-to videos, and textured macro “delicious moments” videos.

Director and photographer Stephen Hamilton has a passion for food & beverage and he brings it to life in a way that makes mouths water.

Stephen has recently done an exploration on the morning day part – finding inspiration in a perfectly shaped bagel, a deliciously drippy donut, an effervescent breakfast cocktail or a lusciously runny egg. He proves that a beautiful breakfast is a perfect way to start the day!

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of broadcast spots, OLV, still photography, social media content, how-to videos, and textured macro “delicious moments” videos.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food and beverage and he is known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour. Spring is a time when he truly embraces fresh ingredients. Spring means asparagus, the perfect pea dish, even pizzas and pies get the freshest seasonal ingredients. Stephen loves to photograph dishes and drinks thoughtfully crafted with care.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production.

Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast / commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food & beverage, and he is known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savor. Winter is the time for food that delivers cozy satisfaction. Whether it be a perfectly baked cookie, a curated breakfast, or artisan cheese and charcuterie, Stephen loves to photograph the nuances of dishes thoughtfully crafted with care.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19-safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast / commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food and beverage and he is known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour.

As the seasons change, he has turned his eye toward images that exude warmth and cozy satisfaction. Expertly caramelised root vegetables, a perfectly roasted chicken, a glass of whiskey poured just right – Stephen’s personal projects focus on foods that capture his desire for dishes crafted with care.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production.

Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast/commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food and beverage and he’s known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour. Stephen has recently been inspired by seasonality and the beauty of mother nature’s bounty. Focusing in on the imperfect perfection of a ripe tomato or doing a study of the incredible variety of colour in peppers, he highlights that stunningly simple ingredients are eye-catching on their own or as mouthwatering dishes. 

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and COVID-19 safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast/commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food and beverage, and he is known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour.

Stephen has recently found inspiration in seasonal fruits and vegetables, capturing the beauty of Mother Nature’s bounty. Focusing in on the sensual lines of a mushroom or the magnificent fringe of frisee, he highlights that simplicity can be stunning.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production.

Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast / commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton’s passion is food and beverage and he’s known for expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour. His second passion is travel and in an exploration of Puerto Rican food, Stephen combines his passions. Shot in Old San Juan, Guavate’s Ruta del Lechon and in studio, Hamilton highlights the culture and signature dishes of this beautiful island paradise.

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast / commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton is known for his craveable drips, pours and crumbs, expertly capturing food you want to immediately pick up and savour. Flaws certainly aren’t flaws, they are imperfect perfection. 

In a series with up-and-coming food stylists, Stephen focuses on the philosophy of less is more in terms of styling and more is more in terms of exploration. Highlighting the stylists’ cultures, signature dishes and areas of interest Hamilton brings a visual feast to life. 

Hamilton’s studio is based in Chicago, but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. His versatile facilities offer an integrated, comprehensive and Covid-19 safe approach to any size production. Covering over 11,000 square feet of three studios, the Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast/commercials.

Photographer and director Stephen Hamilton combines his love of food and beverage with his love of travel in a series of explorations into global cuisines. Capturing some of the most craveable dishes of Latin America and the Mediterranean, as well as one of his favorite destinations, Sicily. 

This series also taps into the private prop collection of Steve’s globetrotting brother and prop stylist, Tom Hamilton. Meant to capture the essence of the culture and the importance of a shared meal, the series touches on the emotion of food bringing people together.

Hamilton’s fully integrated studio is based in Chicago but he brings his vision to clients all over the globe. The Stephen Hamilton Productions team delivers their client-first full-circle capabilities in the form of still photography, animated stills, cinemagraphs, stop-motion builds, how-to videos, tight and textured “delicious moments” videos and broadcast/commercials.

Stephen has grown his photography business into a full-service production company. Stephen Hamilton Productions combines his talents with those of an on-staff producer and editor as well as a roster of skilled photographers.

"We’re also proud to deliver seamless remote shoots to better serve our North American and international clients."

Stephen's stylistic intention is showing food as simple, delicious and most importantly, real! He is always pushing the envelope for honest authentic imagery where taste appeal is heightened: where nutritious and delicious are synonymous.