One of the best parts about photographing restaurants is that each and every one is different - with it's own unique story to tell, along with it's quirks and charms. Of course some restaurants might fall into the 'copy/paste' category, but usually once you scratch the surface just a little, you'll find a whole load of individual character bubbling underneath.
Whenever I'm called to shoot a new restaurant (or at least a restaurant that's new to me) I know it's time to sink my teeth into their online presence - from their website to their Instagram and everything else in between.
Do they have cohesive branding?
What is their current photography style (if any)?
Do they focus mainly on dishes, staff, exteriors/interiors, ingredients, etc?
Do they have a colour palette or particular colour theme matching the restaurant?
Are the photos telling a story, or simply showcasing dishes/the space?
Are they more of a serious brand or fun and playful?
Any factors that stand out?
Some restaurants will have a defined charisma that my photography will need to seamlessly blend in with, whereas others might be starting from scratch or simply might want a fresh pair of eyes to create something totally different. It's important for me to know which one of these it is - because it will totally dictate both the photoshoot itself and the post-processing.
Once I've spent some time getting a good understanding of the restaurant from a customer's perspective, I'm ready to go back to the client with some questions that will help me really understand why this restaurant has come to me and what exactly they want to achieve in working together.
What is the objective of our photoshoot? Understanding my client's goals and purpose for the photographs is essential. Are they looking to create a menu, promote a new dish, update their website, or enhance their social media presence? This information will guide me and my approach and ensure that the photographs align with their specific needs.
What is the desired style or mood for the photographs? Clients often have preferences regarding the visual aesthetic they want to achieve (although like I mentioned above, some will choose to leave it up to the artist!) Some may prefer a bright and vibrant look, while others may lean towards a more rustic or dark/moody atmosphere. Discussing their desired style will help me plan the shoot from an Art Direction perspective, taking into account lighting, composition and props.
Are there any specific dishes or food items that require special attention? Do they have specific dishes or signature items they want to highlight? Will they have a new special arriving on the menu in the upcoming weeks? Have they recently started offering takeaway? It's important to know which items they consider most important so that I can prioritise these shots - capturing them in the best possible way. There is nothing worse than packing up my equipment after a long shoot and the restaurant owner or chef runs over to me to let me know they'd forgotten a new special next month and we can't leave until we've got it.
Do they have any specific props, backdrops, or set requirements in mind? Understanding the client's vision for the shoot will help prepare the necessary equipment and props. They might have particular preferences for backdrops, plates, cutlery or additional elements they want to include in the photographs. I will often share details of what props/accessories I have in my arsenal to bring to the shoot, but anything else will need to be sourced separately with enough time before the shoot date.
What is the expected timeline and deliverables? Discussing the timeline and deliverables is crucial for both parties. I'll always let my clients know my current turn-around time before we even commit to a shoot, so that they're totally aware of the time it takes to get their shots. From experience, the majority of clients simply want their images 'ASAP' - not because they need them, but because they're just so excited to see them.
By now, I'll have a very clear idea of how to capture the essence of their restaurant - why we're shooting, what we're shooting, and how we're shooting it.
All that's left is to block off a day in my diary, organise day-care for Kano, and prepare my equipment.
Sit tight for Part 2 - Capturing The Essence Of A Restaurant - On Shoot Day!