Debora Smail

A very important book is being created in the studio.

We've been spending our days with beautiful food, thoughtful conversations and a remarkable group of people.

Dr. Jennifer Wargo and Dr. Nadim Ajami of MD Anderson have dedicated years researching & studying the relationship between what we eat, the gut microbiome, the immune system and cancer.

Their work is helping change the way we think about food as part of health and cancer care.

This cookbook grows from that science, but is being made for real life.
Food people will actually want to cook and eat, with some very smart thinking behind it.

I can't share too much yet, but I can share a little of what it looks like while we're making it.

Tabasco Spill

It’s National Oyster Day.
Oysters aren’t something I enjoy eating.
Photographing them is another story.
I’m drawn to the contrast between the rugged shells and the delicate oyster, the crushed ice or salt, the reflections, and the subtle color palette. They have a quiet beauty that’s easy to overlook.

good light.
crispy edges.
fresh grated parmesan.

happy national french fry day.

6:30 AM
07.08.2026
pre-sunrise
the day begins quietly

This morning I had one of those unexpectedly happy moments.
I was scrolling Instagram and suddenly there was Brandee Younger in a collaboration with Samara Joy, preparing for Nomad Jazz Festival, and I literally gasped.

These few photographs came rushing back.

In 2010, two years before this building (Dakota Lofts) became my studio,
I photographed Brandee here.
Even then, she had this beautiful, strong yet quiet presence. She knew herself & what she wanted.

Watching people grow into who they are meant to become is such a gift. And she is going all the way up!
Check her out here .

Anyway…
felt like these deserved to come out of the archive.