BOOK YOUR DAY RESTAURANT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT
Restaurant shoots can be an exciting project, capturing the ambience, food, and environment.
Here are my steps to plan and execute a successful shoot:
Pre-shoot planning:
Discuss the shoot with the restaurant owner/manager to understand their vision and specific requirements.
Decide on the photography style: a fine-dining setting, casual and cosy, or a combination.
Make a shot list with essential images to capture, such as interior, exterior, dishes, ambience, staff, etc.
Decide if natural light or artificial lighting is required.
Example from a recent Italian restaurant shoot day
After meeting with the Owner, a list to be photographed on a photography shoot day
1. Gift & loyalty cards
2. Drinks for winter and summer
3. Food for winter and summer
4. Customers eating, drinking and being served
5. Property photographs
6. Delivery food photographs
Once a plan and the brief list have been arranged, I will form a shooting schedule, with time allocation, food/drinks and areas in the restaurant where images will be taken. Don’t forget equipment, styling and props. The restaurant will confirm dishes and drinks to be photographed, and I will photograph or video locations for schedule planning.
Key points for equipment prep and styling/props to consider:
Equipment Preparation:
Ensure you have the necessary camera equipment, lenses, and accessories for the shoot.
Bring a sturdy tripod to maintain stability
Styling and Props:
Coordinate with the restaurant to arrange tables, dishes, and decor to enhance photography
Consider using props such as wine glasses, fresh ingredients, or flowers to add depth and interest to the images.
Shoot Scheduling example plan for the Italian shoot, mentioned above.
During the photography shoot:
From my plan, I will take:
Wide-angle property images capture the restaurant, including its decor and layout.
Consider composition, framing, and angles per photograph, along with colour and background when styling each setup. This is something that will make or break the photographs taken and I like to plan for this via visual inspiration.
I will include close-ups of dishes, staff interactions, and candid moments.
Let’s edit the shoot photographs:
After the shoot, as the photographer, my process is to select quality images and check that these align with the restaurant's vision.
I perform basic editing, including colour correction, exposure adjustments, and cropping. The client has the option to expand this editing service, by asking for enhanced colours, selective colour enhancement, exposure and amending images to Black and white.
Once all the images have been edited, the restaurant can view images in an online gallery.
What I can recommend!
Communication and collaboration are key, before, during and after the photography day.
Make sure that you have the correct vision for the restaurant so that both parties are on the same page.
Being well-prepared and organized will help you make the most of the 4-5 hour shoot and deliver outstanding images that showcase the restaurant.
After reading my thoughts, processes and points, I hope this has given you a small insight. Follow this link to read more about this shoot day for Prego in Buckingham and take a glimpse at the photographs taken throughout.
If you would like more information and to learn, or suggestions, please comment below or arrange a 1:1 photography session with me.
Or check out my food photography page and let’s take some wonderful food pictures for your company.