Capturing Craft: My Shoot at Buster’s Butcher for River City Lifestyle Magazine

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Buster’s Butcher, a standout specialty butcher shop in the heart of Memphis, for a feature in River City Lifestyle magazine. This assignment was a visual deep dive into a business that’s redefining what it means to be a neighborhood butcher—blending old-world craftsmanship with modern Memphis flavor.

Buster’s Butcher is more than just a place to buy meat. Founded by the team behind the iconic Buster’s Liquors & Wines, the shop is a 2,200-square-foot haven for food lovers, offering everything from prime steaks and unique game meats to house-made sausages, charcuterie, and an impressive cheese selection. Every product is carefully sourced, with many cuts coming from local farms like Home Place Pastures, and the staff’s knowledge and passion for their craft is evident from the moment you walk in.

My goal for this shoot was to capture both the artistry and the atmosphere that set Buster’s apart. I focused on the details: the marbling on a bone-in ribeye, the vibrant colors of the prepared sides, and the hands of skilled butchers at work. The shop’s layout, with its glass-enclosed dry-aged case and shelves lined with curated condiments, provided a rich backdrop for storytelling through images. I also aimed to showcase the welcoming, community-driven vibe that makes Buster’s a destination for home cooks and chefs alike.

Photographing Buster’s Butcher was a reminder of how much care goes into every cut and every customer interaction. The team, led by head butcher Brad McCarley and cheese director Lindsay Chaisson brings a chef’s eye for quality and presentation to everything they do, making it a dream setting for any photographer who loves food and local business stories.

Thank you to River City Lifestyle for the opportunity to document this Memphis gem. I’m excited to share these images that celebrate the people, products, and passion behind Buster’s Butcher. If you’re in Memphis and appreciate great food, this is a spot you don’t want to miss.