If you’re looking to master the art of restaurant photography, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re an aspiring professional food photographer or an enthusiastic beginner seeking to record the magic of restaurant-quality dishes, this article will be your gateway to capturing stunning shots that make the taste buds tingle!
In this guide, I delve deep into the realm of restaurant food photography. I share tips and techniques to elevate your skills to the next level, covering composition, lighting, styling, gear, and more. So let’s dive in and explore the art of restaurant photos, one practical tip at a time!
1. Ask for a shot list
Restaurant photography is serious business, and it’s important that you get compensated for your talent and time. But before you can provide a client with an estimate, you need to know the specifics of what you’ll be capturing. This will help you gauge how long the shoot will take, as different subjects, like beverages, may require extra attention due to tricky glass reflections.
To price your services accurately, it’s crucial to base your estimates on the project scope. So ask for a detailed breakdown of the number of food images, drink images, and other requirements. Some restaurants may request you to bring your own props like surfaces, dishes, and linens. That’s not necessarily a problem; just make sure you understand the look the client is seeking. Also, bear in mind that shooting prop-filled scenes may take a bit longer compared to capturing dishes on the restaurant tables.
Remember, a well-prepared shot list not only helps you plan and estimate better but also ensures you’re equipped with everything you need to deliver stunning images!
2. Scout for the location and light
If you want to capture those appetizing shots, understanding the lighting conditions is crucial. So before your shoot, take the time to explore the restaurant, getting a feel for its lighting, layout, and ambiance. While most areas of restaurants are usually accessible to the public, it’s a good idea to ask permission if you plan on venturing into the kitchen – or if you’re hoping to capture any test shots with a camera (which I highly recommend).
During your scouting expedition, pay close attention to the direction and quality of light within the restaurant. Consider how the lighting changes throughout the day and aim to schedule your session when things look their best.
Next, let’s talk about setting up your equipment and workspace. You’ll need to choose a spot in the restaurant to act as your home base; it’ll be the place with the best lighting and plenty of room to work.
If you’re shooting with studio lighting, keep your workspace away from the windows to avoid interference from ambient light. On the other hand, if you’re harnessing the beauty of natural light, positioning yourself near the windows is a great idea.
Finally, it’s important to get the manager or proprietor on board with your plans; be sure to explain where you plan to shoot and what you plan to bring with you.
Pro tip: While you’re shooting, be mindful of the restaurant’s patrons. Strive to be discreet and unobtrusive to minimize disturbances. Consider asking if a section of the restaurant can be temporarily closed off so you can shoot without inconveniencing anyone.
3. Discuss styling the food
Establishing clear boundaries is essential when shooting for restaurants. As a professional photographer, it’s important to make it crystal clear from the outset that your expertise lies in capturing remarkable images, not in the intricate art of food styling.
Food styling requires a distinct set of skills that often belongs to chefs or dedicated food stylists. Let your clients know that while you excel at lighting and image capture, the responsibility for plating the food falls outside your scope. (On the other hand, if you happen to possess a talent for both photography and food styling, feel free to skip to the next section!)
In other words, the restaurant owners should be sure their chef is up to the task of styling each plage – and if they aren’t, they’ll need to consider hiring a food stylist. Unfortunately, food stylists are expensive, but at the very least, your client should recognize that the final look of the food on the plate ultimately falls on their shoulders. Be sure to address this in your contract (and if you don’t have one, get one right away!).
That said, even though you’re not directly responsible for plating, it’s still crucial to pay attention to the finer details that enhance the food’s appearance. Keep a keen eye out for garnishes – it’s important that they complement the dish! – and watch for any stray crumbs that might distract from the overall visual appeal. Trust me; I’ve been known to send back a bad-looking burger or two!
4. Bring a food styling kit and some basic props
Although you won’t be the one plating and styling the food, it’s crucial to have a basic styling kit on hand. Equip yourself with useful tools like tweezers, cotton swabs, and small brushes. These little helpers will assist you in taming unruly garnishes, and they’ll come in handy when you need to wipe away crumbs or drips from a plate. Remember, even if you’re not the one doing the plating, you want to present it in the best possible way.
Don’t forget to pack a few props to act as the supporting actors in your food photography production. You might try using linens in different shapes, sizes, and colors, which can add texture and visual interest to your compositions. Also consider bringing some cutlery to enhance the overall aesthetic.
But make sure to get your props approved before shooting! Some clients may want their tables, flatware, and dishes captured as they appear to customers, while others might have specific branding that requires a particular look or ambiance.
For instance, if your clients desire dark and moody images, they won’t be pleased if you show up and start shooting with bright white linens. Instead, you’ll need to be prepared with small, dark dishes and vintage cutlery. It’s important to talk to the client about this beforehand to prevent any confusion!
5. Choose your lighting wisely
Lighting is a critical factor in capturing enticing food photographs.
While natural light can work wonders, most restaurants tend to be dimly lit, which can be a real challenge. If you rely solely on natural light, you’ll need to position yourself near a window and work on a tripod so you can decrease your shutter speed without losing sharpness. (Keep in mind that this technique isn’t suitable for photographing moving people. However, if you’re shooting for the web or social media, you can generally just increase the ISO and address any noise issues during post-production.)
During your restaurant scout, take a few test shots and review them in Lightroom to assess the lighting situation. While natural light may suffice, it’s also beneficial to have a set of strobes or speedlights on hand as a backup plan in case the available natural light doesn’t meet your desired aesthetic.
By being prepared with alternative lighting options, you won’t have to worry about sudden changes in the weather ruining your entire shoot.
6. Photograph to meet the client’s needs
When preparing for your restaurant photoshoot, it’s essential to have a conversation with the client ahead of time. Ideally, this conversation should take place days or even weeks in advance. During this discussion, ask about the preferred format and resolution for the images. That way, you can ensure that you capture the perfect shots that align with their vision.
In most cases, restaurants require images primarily for their website, in which case landscape orientation is often the way to go. Landscape shots often integrate seamlessly with restaurant website displays.
But it’s worth noting that if the client intends to print some of the images on their menu, a vertical format may be necessary. Keep in mind that if the client requests both orientations, it may take twice as long to complete the photoshoot. Not only will you need to adjust the camera before each new shot sequence, but you’ll also need to recompose each image. Be sure to factor this into your pricing and have a transparent discussion with the client beforehand to manage expectations.
By proactively understanding the client’s preferences and planning accordingly, you can ensure you capture stunning images that meet their specific needs.
7. Shoot tethered
Tethered shooting may seem like a hassle for many beginners. Who wants to lug around a laptop in a restaurant and juggle it alongside their camera? Yes, working with your camera connected to a laptop can be inconvenient, but it’s also a major game-changer.
I always do restaurant shooting tethered. Why? For starters, shooting tethered allows me to view my shots in greater detail because my laptop screen certainly surpasses what I can see on the back of my camera.
But that’s not all. Tethering also comes in handy when I want to show my clients the images as I work (which I highly recommend!). They can easily point out any looks they love or don’t quite fancy.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t tethering rather complicated? Not really! It’s actually simpler than you might predict. You can use popular software like Lightroom or Capture One Pro for tethering; just make sure you have a high-quality cord on hand to ensure a seamless connection (as well as a backup cord just in case!).
8. Work with the client
As a professional restaurant photographer, your goal should not be to take photos that you feel are great. Instead, your goal is to deliver exceptional work that impresses the client.
That’s why it’s crucial to involve the client in the process. If possible, arrange an in-person meeting ahead of the shoot. Then insist that your client works with you to provide creative direction and approve the captured images on the day of the shoot. It’ll prevent any surprises or discrepancies later, and you’ll avoid complaints that the photos don’t align with the restaurant’s branding or aesthetic.
As a professional photographer, you must protect your time and effort. That’s why I include a clause in my contract stating that I won’t commence a shoot without a representative from the restaurant present. I also include a clause noting that if I have to pack up my gear and leave due to their absence, they will forfeit their deposit. While this may seem like an unpleasant measure, it’s necessary to maintain a smooth workflow and produce outstanding results.
By actively involving the client throughout the photography process, you can create a collaborative atmosphere that boosts client satisfaction – so remember to communicate, establish expectations, and ensure their presence during the shoot.
9. Collaborate with the chef
In addition to working closely with your client, it’s a great idea to involve the chef in the process whenever possible. So when you schedule a visit to scout the location, ask to meet the culinary mastermind behind the dishes!
Giving the chef a sense of importance and inclusion might not seem like a big deal, but it can dramatically impact the outcome of your shoot. The most memorable and enjoyable photoshoot experiences occur when the chef is genuinely excited to collaborate with you – plus, if the chef is excited, they’ll strive to present their culinary creations in the most enticing way possible. So make that connection and let their passion infuse your work!
10. Don’t forget your insurance
Before you even set foot into the restaurant, there’s one important thing you must not forget: your liability insurance. While some small eateries may overlook this crucial detail, larger clients often demand proof of liability coverage.
Why is this so essential? Well, if someone takes an unfortunate tumble over a tripod leg or a tethering cord and decides to take legal action against the restaurant, you might find yourself entangled in that messy lawsuit.
By the way, it’s wise to shop around for the best insurance tailored specifically for the photography industry. And don’t be fooled by the sales pitch; make sure to meticulously read the fine print. Look for comprehensive coverage that shields you in each of the situations you’re bound to encounter in your line of work.
It’s not just your skills that need safeguarding; your food photography camera, lens, and accessories deserve some protection, too. Insure your gear against potential thievery, loss, and damage, including fire or flood. You wouldn’t want a stroke of misfortune to leave you high and dry without the tools of your trade.
Restaurant photography tips: final words
In the delicious world of restaurant photography, nailing that perfect shot requires a combination of skill, preparation, and creativity. By following these tried-and-true tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing images that’ll make anyone salivate!
Remember, it all starts with understanding the client’s vision and scouting the location. Once you’ve established a good starting point, work with the light to transform those restaurant dishes into a feast for the eyes!
Now over to you:
Do you have any restaurant photo tips that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
