Finding Words Again

And recharging

I’ve been quiet for a few weeks. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because, honestly, everything I wrote just felt small, pointless and insignificant in the face of the heavy, relentless and deeply unsettling world news. Every time I sat down to write I would be distracted, feel a sense of overwhelm and lose my thread.

None of that lends itself to creativity, or to finding a flow. Having a career in a creative industry has always felt like a massive privilege, but recently, more often than not, it has felt frivolous. I’ve felt guilty about photographing and writing about food in such a fractious moment in time.

But great chefs, amazing producers, delicious restaurants, packed bars, exciting events, grounding retreats and joyful festivals are a big part of what makes us human. What it means to be part of a community, how we feel connected. And right now, that feels more important than ever. So I decided that feeling guilt about being part of an industry that generally puts people before profit is ridiculous.

So. I have credited a free month to all my paid subscribers, to make up for the radio silence and to show my huge appreciation of their support.

Onwards.

I realized recently that the perception of what it entails to have a food photographer come and shoot your business varies wildly. And when asked, I used to loftily say “Each shoot is different”. Which is unhelpful, and I think what I meant was, “Each business if different but essentially there are guidelines for how a shoot runs”. So here it is, a hopefully more helpful answer …

How To Get The Most Out Of a Food Photography Shoot for your Cafe or Restaurant.

1. Know What You Need the Images For

A set of Instagram photos might look very different from images meant for a full page advert or a listing. Let me know ¹what you need the images for, and then I can style and shoot accordingly.

For example, the image on the left is for social media for the shop and cafe at Bruern Farms, whereas the photo on the right is for a product listing for the ancient grain flours that they mill and sell. Same business, different styles for different usage.

2. Choose Your Best Dishes

I’m not talking about the plates you serve your food on (although those ARE important) I mean, pick a mixture of visually gorgeous, best-selling and seasonal options. A plate of brown stew is bloody delicious, but think how it will look in a photograph. I can help with styling the harder-to-love plates, but some dishes just naturally have more ‘main character’ energy than others.

3. Timing

If possible, have your photoshoot on a day that you’re closed to the public. I shoot a lot of restaurants on Mondays… This way the focus is on getting the best from your photoshoot rather than rushing a dish out between orders. If that’s not practical, then having a designated area of at least 4 tables so I can shoot without my backside ending up in a customer’s face - it’s only polite!

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4. Prep Your Space

Your space sets the tone of the shots, ergo, shoots work best when they are in the main area of your cafe or restaurant. You would be amazed how often I’m shown to a back room or meeting space to shoot. Wherever possible, an area with plenty natural light is key. I want the images to be a reflection of the style you have chosen for your business, be that scandi and minimal, or fully retro and eclectic. So while I’m alway happy to bring a few bits and pieces to prop the shots with, honestly, it’s better if I use what you have in your restaurant.

5. Don’t forget the Details

Hands tearing into food, fresh ingredients and kitchen action shots all add character. I can help you put together a workable shot list that will include a mix of plated dishes, atmosphere shots and behind-the-scenes kitchen action shots for the full story of your business.

6. Think About your Branding

Tell me about your signature colours, point out the things in the restaurant that you have had commissioned, bring me the plates that you asked a local ceramist to make so I can include them. This is something that I can put in place in the planning stages when I create a mood board, so that nothing is forgotten on the day.

7. Plan for People shots

If you’re keen to include lifestyle shots, consider inviting mates, regulars, or staff who have been briefed to be part of the shoot. Having shots of real people enjoying food works much better if you have the freedom to set those moments up, rather than hope real customers will be happy to be in shot eating their lunch. Spoiler alert - they never are.

The best shoots are a balance of creativity and respect for the environment you’re in. A bit like life.

1. It’s OK to say “A bit of everything” to this question by the way. That version is possible too. But I don’t want to create a selection of lifestyle instagram shots if what you’re after is a listing for UberEats