In a recent post on his website blog, Photographer/Director Dan Goldberg takes stock of his approach to barbecue photography.
In the post, titled Based in Ritual: Dan Goldberg’s Soulful Approach to Barbecue Food Photography, Dan talks about the juxtaposition between the smokiness of the subject matter and his clean and stylized aesthetic. “I don’t see rustic and clean as opposites. The rustic elements – the char, the smoke, the worn tools – that’s what makes barbecue beautiful. I embrace those authentic details. I love the patina and feel it tells the story about how hard it is to cook barbecue. ” He also discusses the degree of human element in his BBQ photos and its necessity. “The human element is huge in my barbecue work – it’s often what tells the real story of the food and the place. Barbecue isn’t just about the meat; it’s about the people behind it and the culture around it.”
The journal entry is a delightful deep dive into a Dan’s method to capturing Pitmaster and end product, which offers a mirror to the Photographer himself. “When I’m shooting barbecue, I’m not just documenting food – I’m capturing something I’m genuinely passionate about. I understand the patience it takes, the skill involved, and what makes great barbecue special. That authentic enthusiasm comes through in the images.”
Read the full journal entry here.
See more images from the project below. To view more of his work, visit his Workbook portfolio.
Represented by Heather Elder Represents.
