Photographing and Writing About Edmonton’s Best Burgers for Tomato Magazine

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about being a photographer is where the job takes me—and, occasionally, what it allows me to eat.

Recently, I had the opportunity to work on an article about burgers in Edmonton for Tomato Magazine. The assignment gave me the chance to explore a few of the people and places helping shape Edmonton’s burger scene and, of course, photograph some pretty incredible food along the way.

Edmonton has developed an increasingly diverse and interesting food culture over the years. The burger might seem simple, but creating a truly great one is anything but.

From the quality of the beef and the grind of the meat to the bun, toppings, sauces, and cooking technique, every detail matters. Some restaurants take a classic approach, while others completely rethink what a burger can be.

For the article, I had the opportunity to visit and feature Backstairs Burger, Popowich Meat Company, Flat Boy Burgers, and The Butchery by Range Road. Each approaches the burger differently, which made the story—and the photography—particularly interesting.

Telling Stories Through Food Photography

Food photography is about much more than making something look good.

For me, the most interesting assignments are about the people, personalities, and stories behind the food.

Photographing a burger presents its own challenges. You want the food to look natural and appetizing without making it feel overly styled or artificial. The lighting, composition, textures, and details all need to work together, but the photograph should still feel like something you genuinely want to reach into the frame and eat.

Working on assignments like this allows me to combine several things I enjoy: photography, storytelling, meeting interesting people, and discovering more about Edmonton’s food community.

Edmonton Has a Great Food Story to Tell

After more than 25 years working as a professional photographer, I still enjoy assignments that introduce me to new people and businesses in my own city.

Edmonton has an incredible community of chefs, restaurant owners, butchers, and entrepreneurs who care deeply about what they create.

The burger article was a reminder that sometimes the simplest foods have the most interesting stories behind them.

A great burger can be nostalgic. It can remind you of backyard barbecues, roadside diners, late-night meals, or your favourite neighbourhood restaurant. At the same time, Edmonton chefs continue to find ways to take something familiar and make it their own.

That combination of tradition, creativity, and personality is what made this assignment so enjoyable.

Photography, Food and Storytelling in Edmonton

I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to photograph everything from professional sports and corporate campaigns to portraits, restaurants, and food.

Every assignment is different, but the goal remains the same: create photographs that help tell a story.

Working with Tomato Magazine on an article about Edmonton burgers was another opportunity to document some of the talented people contributing to our city’s evolving food scene—and an excellent excuse to eat a few burgers along the way.

Not a bad day at the office.

Curtis Comeau Photography
Commercial, Editorial and Food Photographer in Edmonton, Alberta