Meet Photographer Nader Khouri
We are relaunching our blog this month with the incredibly talented photographer Nader Khouri! Based in San Francisco, California, Nader is a recognized food and lifestyle photographer and director. When Nader isn’t photographing incredibly delicious-looking plates that induce a visual food coma, he’s performing his duties as a board member of the American Photographic Association’s San Francisco chapter. Better yet, you might find him camping with his pup, Olive, cooking over an open campfire!
Nader’s photographic roots are in journalism where he spent 10 years covering hard-hitting events such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. When Nader made the transition from photojournalism to the commercial world, he quickly excelled but needed to stay true to his mission of adding good to this world. Nader found his compromise by shooting projects that aligned with his mission of leading a clean lifestyle. Nader breathes a realness into his commercial work and moves the narrative in an authentic way that is informed by his photojournalistic background and passion for healthy living.
You could call Nader a foodie, but that wouldn’t be the whole story. Nader’s passion for food shines through his inviting photographs of artfully crafted meals and settings. It is undeniable that he is a master when it comes to photographing a project that involves meals shared. One example of this is the beautiful overhead shot for The Art of Plating’s Instagram that got over 25,000 likes! We are so thankful that Nader took the time to answer a few questions for us. Come see why Nader’s work caught our eye and our appetite!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART AND HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED WITH PHOTOGRAPHY. WHAT LED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
First off, I read the book The Artist’s Way when I was in my first year of college. Life-changing. I went from being a sports nut to becoming open to living a creative life. When I was studying to be a photojournalist I discovered photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Alex Webb, who helped me evolve my way of seeing the world. They helped me see that photography wasn’t just about moments between people, but also about composition, light, and shadow.
WHAT WAS A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
When I made the switch from photojournalist to commercial photographer. It was quite a change. I used to be very anti-advertising when I was a journalist. I photographed things like the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Schwarzenegger on his governor campaign, life under occupation in the West Bank. But, I got burnt out, yet still loved shooting. So I still see what I’m doing is supporting a cause now. The cause to promote healthy living. My work is commercial in nature, yet there is purpose behind it. Media to me, whether it’s editorial or commercial, should promote a cause. I still want to support the world to be a better place, yet I’ve now changed my sense of purpose.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER?
In my food career, it has been photographing Alice Waters. The amount that she values a simple, healthy, and abundant diet is inspiring. The strength of her motivation is amazing to be around. She has gone to such great lengths to support local, healthy food in her life, and when you are around her, she helps you see how much of an immediate priority it is. I spent four days at her house, photographing her for MasterClass. But, I was also on a shoot with her recently, and when I asked her how she was doing, she jumped at the chance to tell me about the great strides they are making to bring healthy, locally grown meals to schools throughout California.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SHOOT TO WORK ON? WHY?
That’s a tough question, I have so many wonderful shoots. I had a really good time on an editorial shoot where I was photographing a number of makers having dinner together on a pier in Tomales Bay. It was a butcher, candlemaker, cheesemaker, sheepskin maker, candlemaker, and a platemaker. They were feasting on a delicious spread of meats and cheese, vegetables, oysters, and cocktails when two men walked up curious about what we were up to. Once we all realized who they were everyone stopped what they were doing and sat and stared. It was Bill Pullman and Tom Waits. Once they realized we knew who they were they lost interest and left. I guess they didn’t want the attention. Our “celebrities” here in the Bay Area are the tech billionaires, so it’s nice seeing real celebrities from time to time.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS YOU ENJOY WHEN YOU AREN’T SHOOTING?
Playing with our little terrier, Olive. Driving up to the Sierras, mainly in the summertime, stay in a cabin or camp and swim in fresh mountain water and cooking w/ friends and/ or family.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU THINK ANYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU TO REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU STAND FOR?
I am a first generation son of immigrant parents who grew up in the SF Bay Area suburbs playing sports, but then discovered photography, buddhism, nonviolence, and vegetarianism in college. I am now a mix of it all. I value working hard, eating healthy, enjoying life, and treating people and the world with as much respect as possible.
WHAT FILMS, BOOKS, ARTISTS, PLACES, OPPORTUNITIES, ECT., HAVE BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN SHAPING YOU?
Under a Grudging Sun, Alex Webb, Henri Cartier Bresson, Magnum photographers Larry Towell, Harry Gruyaert, Elliot Erwitt, to name a few. People - Thich Nhat Hanh, Oprah, my mother. Directors - Akira Kurosawa, Agnes Varda. Places - Naples, Crete, Menorca, Palestine.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU PROVIDE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS LOOKING TO CARVE OUT A SPACE FORTHEMSELVES IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Believe you are worth it, deliver quality work, have a purpose and find something worth making a difference for, treat your crew and clients with respect, be funny, have fun, work real hard and smart, be persistent and build relationships. I am a big believer in intention. The more I set my intention and show the universe what I want, the more the universe will deliver.
WHAT CURRENT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON?
I am working on a video series celebrating 40 years of the vegetarian restaurant Greens and post-production on a steakhouse advertising shoot as well as planning a lifestyle shoot for a winery.
Check out Nader in action:
Website: Nader Khouri
Instagram: @naderkhouri
for booking: Freda Scott Creative