Jackie Alpers

Jackie Alpers
Jackie Alpers, 2020
Born
Jacqueline Sue Alpers

(1968-04-01) April 1, 1968
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Alma materColumbus College of Art & Design
Occupation(s)Food photographer, cookbook author, writer
Notable workSprinkles!: Recipes and Ideas for Rainbowlicious Desserts, Taste of Tucson, The Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook
Websitewww.jackiealpers.com

Jackie Alpers (born April 1, 1968) is an American food photographer, food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author based in Tucson, Arizona. She is known for her editorial and commercial food photography and expertise in Sonoran-style Southwestern cuisine.[1]

Early life and education

Alpers was born in Columbus, Ohio,[2] and earned a BFA in photography from the Columbus College of Art & Design in 1991.[2]

Career

Alpers began her professional career as a photo editor before transitioning into food photography and cookbook authorship.[3] Her early work included assignments for regional publications and advertising clients, where she developed a distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors, close-up compositions, and narrative-driven imagery.[4]

She has collaborated with major media outlets such as Food Network, The Kitchn, Refinery29, and Good Morning America, providing photography, recipes, and styling.[5][6] Her recipes have been featured internationally and adapted for television segments, digital media, and print.[7]

In 2013, she published Sprinkles!: Recipes and Ideas for Rainbowlicious Desserts, a whimsical dessert cookbook that celebrates the use of colorful confections.[8] This was followed in 2020 by Taste of Tucson, which was named an official Arizona Centennial Cookbook and received praise for its authentic representation of Sonoran cuisine.[9] Her 2024 title, The Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook, draws inspiration from the popular television series and explores the food culture of the American West.[10]

Alpers' work has been exhibited in photography shows and culinary events, and she has taught workshops on food photography techniques for professional and amateur photographers.[11] Her photography is frequently cited for its ability to blend storytelling with commercial appeal, influencing a new generation of social media food content creators.[12]

Publications

  • Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona (West Margin Press, 2020) – author and photographer.[13]
  • Sprinkles!: Recipes and Ideas for Rainbowlicious Desserts (Quirk Books, 2013) – author and photographer.[14]
  • Contributing photographer on numerous cookbooks, including Angry Birds, Bad Piggies Best Egg Recipes (2012) and Mexican Cooking (2010).[2]

Awards and recognition

Alpers has received:

  • Multiple American Photography selections
  • IPA Lucie Awards
  • Gold Muse Photography Award
  • Black & White Spider Awards
  • RUSA Book and Media Award for Taste of Tucson
  • Inducted into the 12th Taste Awards Hall of Fame for food and beverage photography (2025)[15]
  • Described as “the world’s most famous food photographer” by Shotkit and Art in Context and ranked #7 Best Food Photographer in the World by Great Big Photography World (2024)[16]
  • Named Best Cookbook Food Photographer (USA) in the Global Excellence Awards (LUXlife Magazine, 2022); and Best Global Food Photographer in the Creative and Visual Arts Awards (LUXlife Magazine, 2024)[17][18]

References

  1. ^ "Bio – Jackie Alpers". Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  2. ^ a b c "Bio – Jackie Alpers". Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  3. ^ McDonough, Megan (2014-03-11). "How Jackie Alpers Made a Career Out of Photographing Food". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  4. ^ "Inside the Colorful World of Jackie Alpers". Shutterbug. 2018-09-14. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  5. ^ "Jackie Alpers – Food Network Profile". Food Network. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  6. ^ "Jackie Alpers' Colorful Food Photography". The Kitchn. 2017-05-02. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  7. ^ "Cookbook Author Jackie Alpers Shares Sonoran-Style Recipes". Good Morning America. ABC News. 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  8. ^ Jackie Alpers (October 15, 2013). Sprinkles!: Recipes and Ideas for Rainbowlicious Desserts. Quirk Books. ISBN 978-1-59474-638-3.
  9. ^ Smith, Jennifer (2020-05-12). "'Taste of Tucson' Celebrates Sonoran Cuisine". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  10. ^ Jackie Alpers (June 4, 2024). The Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1956403206.
  11. ^ "Food Photography with Jackie Alpers". Pima Community College. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  12. ^ "The Best Food Photographers in the World". Expert Photography. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  13. ^ Jackie Alpers (April 20, 2020). Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona. West Margin Press. ISBN 978-1513262567.
  14. ^ Jackie Alpers (2013). Sprinkles!: Recipes and Ideas for Rainbowlicious Desserts. Quirk Books. ISBN 978-1-59474-638-3.
  15. ^ "Biography…". Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  16. ^ "Biography…". Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  17. ^ "Jackie Alpers (2022 Winner: Global Excellence Awards)..." Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  18. ^ "Jackie Alpers (2024 Winner: Creative and Visual Arts Awards)..." Retrieved 2025-08-08.
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