Adam C Bartlett is a Los Angeles-based commercial photographer at the intersection of lifestyle and food.

Pleasure to meet you! I’m Adam Bartlett and I’m a commercial photographer based in Los Angeles. I got my start attending both the cinematography program at Vanguard University and the photography program at Orange Coast College at the same time. I Then I started out to begin my career in the commercial photo industry as a lighting assistant, then digital technician for some of the world’s top photographers spanning the worlds of fashion, entertainment, cars and food. I met some of my heroes and learned a ton.

Traveling in my formative years gave me a thirst to understand and experience humanity and appreciate little moments across places and cultures. I believe food is inseparable from context and always comes with a story. Having grown up in a [half-]Mexican household, surrounded by incredible cooks, food was always important to me. While I feel at home behind the stove, I feel most at home behind a camera.

I strive to make images that feel peaceful, honest, thoughtful, visceral, lived-in, playful and human. I’m continually inspired by photographers like Elliot Erwitt and William Eggleston. I still love to nerd out about lighting and I try to keep my set a lighthearted, laid-back and creative place for my team and clients. Those who work with me know I try to have a great playlist and I love to start the day with some Hermanos Gutierrez or Khruangbin. You might even hear me retell a joke from one of my favorite comics.

When I’m not on set, I still spend time behind a camera, but my wife, daughter and our 2 rescue dogs become my subjects. I can also be found trying out a new recipe they talked about on KCRW’s Good Food; planning which restaurant I want to try next; working on our 75 year old house; or camping, mountain biking and everything else outdoors.