Pekara Bakery & Bistro brand shoot

WOW! I was SO EXCITED when I got an email this winter from the owners of Pekara, Martinelli’s and Central Illinois Bakehouse saying they needed new brand & food photos.

I have long been a fan of Pekara Bakery & Bistro (their quiche Lorraine is one of my go-tos!!), and was anxiously awaiting the opening of Martinelli’s this past year. And the reach of CI Bakehouse is far and wide in our area as they supply baked goods and breads to many local establishments.

Our first big shoot day was at Pekara and it was a fast & furious couple of hours, let me tell you! The kitchen staff were the real MVPs here as they brought out menu items faster than I could shoot them! We successfully navigated nearly the entire menu though and I have some new favorite food images for sure!!

Lauren (co-owner) and I decided that we both LOVE the photos with people’s hands involved. You can never go wrong with brand photos that include the “human element.”

Consider this your sign to stop by Pekara for breakfast, lunch, or brunch soon! If you go, report back and tell me what you tried and enjoyed!

And stay tuned for more food sessions with this trio of businesses!