TJ Perez
Food, Drink & Product Photographer | Phoenix, Arizona
When you need visuals that make strangers smash the “Reserve Now” button—and make your CFO smile at the ROAS—call TJ Perez. Raised in the glare of the Sonoran sun, TJ learned early how to tame harsh light and turn it into glossy highlights on a Negroni, velvety shadows on a rib‑eye, and perfect specular pop on a copper still. Today he partners with restaurants, craft distilleries, CPG brands, and agencies that refuse to settle for stock‑photo sameness.
TJ isn’t just a shutter‑clicker; he’s a visual strategist. Before the first softbox powers up, he digs into positioning, plate cost, and target demographic so every frame earns its keep. The result: campaigns that have boosted menu conversions by double‑digit percentages, launched packaged‑goods lines into national retailers, and turned one‑off pop‑ups into booked‑out mainstays.
Founder of the “Mastering the Shot” intensive and guest lecturer at industry workshops, TJ is known for demystifying lighting—teaching chefs why a scrim is sometimes better than a sauce, and showing marketers how a single highlight can shift consumer psychology.
When he’s not elbow‑deep in strobes and garnishes, you’ll find him road‑testing new soft modifiers in 115 °F parking lots (heatstroke builds character) or arguing—with good‑natured fury—about the ideal fizz-to-spirit ratio in a Ramos Gin Fizz.
Why clients keep coming back
ROI‑driven imagery – Every shot is storyboarded against your KPIs, whether that’s increased covers, higher AOV, or scroll‑stopping social reach.
Seamless production – From prop styling to retouching, TJ handles it all, so your chef stays in the kitchen and your marketing team keeps its sanity.
Collaborative mindset – Agencies appreciate the brainstorm sessions; chefs appreciate that the food stays hot.
Quick reality check (because we don’t sugar‑coat things around here):
If your bio needs to close five‑figure deals, sprinkle in real numbers—actual campaign lifts, marquee clients, awards, or publications. Hard proof beats clever prose every time.
Ready to make mouths water and margins rise? Say hello.