Photography Brand Identity for Thrillist.com

Skills: Creative Direction, Photography, Photo Editing, Freelancer Management

As the lead photographer for Thrillist.com for eight years, I helped shape and evolve the brand’s photographic identity to reflect its core ethos: taking fun seriously. Thrillist’s mission—to help readers discover the best local spots and live life to the fullest—inspired a bold, vibrant visual style rooted in energy and authenticity. I translated this into a cohesive photographic voice defined by rich, surreal color palettes, dynamic lighting, and lived-in, approachable settings.

Food photography was people-forward and tactile, moving away from sterile glamour shots in favor of scenes that captured the full dining experience—hands reaching in, bites mid-air, and the joyful mess of a good meal. Travel imagery sparked a sense of wanderlust, inviting viewers to explore rather than observe from afar. Celebrity portraits leaned into casual, candid moments—reflecting the down-to-earth vibe of interviews that explored how people spent their free time, rather than their résumés.

Together, these distinct verticals created an aspirational yet attainable visual world, full of joy and spontaneity. Beyond my own photography, I worked closely with freelance photographers, evolving the brand's style and ensuring visual consistency across the site. This work was an ongoing practice in creative leadership, adaptability, and storytelling through imagery.