Tom Dahm

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Tom Dahm *

Food photographer assembling a plated dish during a studio shoot under controlled lighting.

I’m a food & product photographer.
I work across restaurants, brands, packaging, and editorial use — whatever the image needs to support.

My work is guided by a simple principle: clarity over noise. Every image is the result of preparation — technical, mental, and physical — so that what’s in front of the camera can be represented with intention and respect.

I approach assignments with discipline and restraint, focusing on light, structure, and visual presence rather than trend-driven effects. The goal is not spectacle, but usefulness: photography that holds attention, communicates clearly, and remains relevant over time.

LOCATION & AVAILABILITY

I’m based in the Chicago suburbs and work throughout Chicago and the surrounding area.

AREAS OF FOCUS

My work includes:

  • Editorial and restaurant food photography

  • Food product photography for brands and packaged goods

  • Commercial imagery for digital, print, and marketing use

I collaborate with chefs, brand teams, designers, and marketers to create imagery that integrates cleanly into real-world applications.

HOW I WORK

I don’t control every variable.
I do control my readiness, my process, and my response.

That mindset shapes how I prepare for shoots, how I work on set, and how I deliver final images. Whether the project is a restaurant menu, a packaged product, or a brand campaign, the responsibility is the same — to show up prepared and execute with consistency.

Hands holding a bowl of pad thai photographed for editorial food use.

Inquiries

To discuss a project, use the contact form and include:

  • A brief description of the work

  • Intended usage (editorial, menu, packaging, web, campaign, etc.)

  • Timeline or relevant deadlines

I respond to all serious inquiries.