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 actually live in the suburbs, but don’t tell anyone). I attended photo school at Orange Coast College; but I began my career in the photography industry as a lighting assistant and then digital technician for some of the world’s top photographers spanning the worlds of fashion, entertainment, cars and food. I met a lot of 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 with my assistants 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 Mike Birbiglia joke.

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 my next restaurant I want to try; working on our 100 year old house; or camping, mountain biking and everything else outdoors.

Each year I train for a triathlon benefitting cancer research at Children’s Hospital LA. Check my instagram page for the link. I also try to volunteer at Grow Good Farm, feeding the previously-homeless and underprivileged with fresh and healthy produce out of their Bell, CA gardens.