Nader Khouri turns up the heat on food photography

Nader Khouri is well known for his dynamic food photography – and now he’s making pots and pans look fabulous, too. Hestan, a high quality cookware company, contacted Nader last year and they’ve been making beautiful photos together ever since.

Nader shoots the Hestan pans and app in use as well as ingredients and final dishes.

The company was prepping to launch their new Hestan Cue Smart Cooking System – a sensor enabled induction burner and sauté pan that connect to your smart device via Bluetooth. “It was a tall order,” says Nader. “They needed 200 recipes photographed for the app, plus ingredient shots – it meant shooting on a weekly basis.”

One of Nader’s 200+ recipe shots for the Hestan Cue App
Nader jumped at the chance to partner with Chef Phil Tessier – former Executive Sous Chef at The French Laundry – and his talented team, shooting amazing recipes in a Napa barn every week. “We make each other look good,” says Nader. “When you know how to use light, you make a chef look good. When you plate food well, the photographer looks good.”
Nader gets just the right angle to minimize reflection off the pans.
Shooting the pans, however, is a whole different challenge. “They’re so reflective of light,” Nader explains. “I have to be really conscientious or the whole thing turns to a bright, messy reflection. Usually I light for the food and focus on positioning the light. Everything depends on the angle I shoot.”
Nader has added sister-brand, NanoBond, to his client roster as well.

He must be doing something right. Shortly into his project with Hestan Cue, they introduced him to sister cookware line NanoBond and he’s since done two shoots for them as well. “The second shoot was super exciting because we showcased the kitchen of Chef Corey Lee at his three Michelin-starred restaurant Benu, stocked with NanoBond. Obviously, Chef Corey does his own food styling,” laughs Nader.

The NanoBond looks even better with Chef Corey Lee’s food in it.

Outside of Hestan, Nader continues to shoot food photography and lifestyle projects, always inspired by his personal mission to promote eating and living well. You can see more of his cravings-worthy work here.

Nader’s inspiration is sharing his passion for eating and living well.

Want more of the latest work from our artists? Browse our website, blog, instagram or LinkedIn.