Burlap & Barrel
Role
Photographer
Contribution
Creative Direction
Photography
Burlap & Barrel is a public benefit corporation that provides single-origin spices.
Website
Product Photography
Team
Creative Direction: Katherine Jacobson
Photography: Katherine Jacobson
Burlap & Barrel sought a product image to replace the original on their e-commerce site, integrating color elements from the product. Using the same equipment and setup they had in mind already, I opted for an airy blue tinted white and a hint of a pale yellow glow on one side. This choice nods to the product—a 'passport' of diverse spice samples from around the globe. The image's colors and gradient background conjure the experience of witnessing a sunrise from above the clouds, akin to the sensation of traveling in an airplane. I chose to highlight the product by (1) seamlessly blending where the backdrop meets the ground to avoid any harsh cuts, especially since the product itself has angular features; and (2) accentuating the texture of the product to bring it prominently into the foreground.
Before
After
Other Photography Highlights
Creative Direction: Katherine Jacobson
Photography: Katherine Jacobson
The majority of Burlap & Barrel’s audience is home chefs who are comfortable in the kitchen but still prefer simplicity and approachability. They have a dedicated Facebook group of over 12,000 members that serves as a hub for sharing recipes, seeking advice, and exchanging culinary tips. So when it came to photographing, it was important to capture images that show dishes that were put together with a lot of heart and love, just like home cooking, as opposed to ultra-manicured editorial minimalist photography. For one of the shoots, I shot co-founder Ori in his own kitchen setting which already set a tone of approachability and authenticity. I shot him as he prepared his favorite dish to share, Shakshuka, incorporating Burlap & Barrel spices. Following their brand’s vibrant aesthetic that lets the food and spices shine brightest, I captured Ori candidly as he assembled the dish, conveying the brand’s commitment to quality and flavor in a straightforward yet visually compelling manner.
