Spoonfuls of Inspiration

I was born in Iowa, graduated with a BFA from Iowa State University’s College of Art and Design, moved to New York City to be a photographer, and never looked back. Rather than join a large company, I set out to work with individual journalists, restaurants, and brands in the hospitality space because I’ve always had a particular passion for food and how it helps to connect individuals.

I like to think it’s my skill with lighting design, my creative application of line and movement, and my ability to jump into all sorts of shoot scenarios that have grown my reputation and resume as a food and lifestyle photographer. But I suspect my midwestern friendliness and curiosity for the unexplored have served me well, too. (Hence, spoons.)

I’ve photographed the best-selling The Whole 30 Cookbook, The Dead Rabbit Drinks Manual and Mixology and Mayhem, Myron Mixon’s BBQ&A, Scott Conant’s The Scarpetta Cookbook, and Danny Mena’s Made in Mexico. On top of contributing photography for publications including Bon Appetit, Food Art Magazine, Food & Wine, Serious Eats, Departures, and many more, I’ve published photojournalism in a heightened contemporary style in The New York Times, The New York Times T-Magazine, and GQ.

As the director of Brent Herrig Photography, I regularly oversee the production of advertising campaigns for clients including Pepsi, Moet Hennessy Group, American Express, LDV Hospitality, CNN, Starr Restaurant Group, Belvedere Vodka, and Tanqueray. I live in New York City with my wife and young son, who loves every kind of cheese but thinks pepper jack cheese is an abomination.