How To Prepare For a Restaurant Shoot
Restaurant photography is my absolute favorite. I love to collaborate with chefs and watch their creativity shine through the dishes they create. But shooting in a restaurant can also be STRESSFUL. Unexpected situations can arise, and you have to think on your feet.
There may be ugly overhead lights messing with your perfect shot. The restaurant could be busy, limiting the amount of space you have to work with. While these situations are usually unavoidable, they are much easier to navigate if you come prepared. The day of my first restaurant shoot, I woke up with my heart beating out of my chest, my head running through every possible catastrophic scenario. A few years later, I have a step-by-step checklist that helps me walk into restaurant shoots with confidence…
Step 1: Have a thorough pre-production meeting.
Get on the same page with your client. Ask them about their creative vision for the shoot. A moodboard can be a great tool here. Here are some questions you may want to ask…
Will you need to bring backdrops/props, or will the restaurant have everything you need?
Do they need tablescapes, or just shots of individual dishes?
Where will the images be used?
This is also a great opportunity to talk the client through your creative process so that they know what to expect on the day of the shoot.
Step 2: Scope out the space.
I recommend visiting the restaurant before the day of the shoot so you can get a feel for its layout and lighting situation. If you can’t make it there, ask your point-of-contact to send you a 360° video. Tell the restaurant in advance where you want to set up so they can reserve the space.
Step 3: Make a shot list.
Restaurant shoots are fast-paced and your time may be limited. A shot list will help you stay on task.
Step 4: Consider lighting.
Does the restaurant have big windows? Is there ugly ambient light?
I always use natural light if possible. It is beautiful and minimally disruptive to the restaurant’s customers. If the restaurant is dark or has ugly overhead lights, I take out my artificial light. If it’s dark, but the ambient light isn’t too bad, I use continuous lighting. I try not to use flash unless I absolutely have to. It tends to kill the ambience of the restaurant and interfere with the experience of the customers around me, but sometimes it’s the only choice.
Step 5: Make a packing list.
This is the most crucial step in my planning process. My biggest nightmare is showing up to a shoot, only to realize my battery is low and I forgot to bring a spare. Here is the list I typically use, though it may vary depending on the shoot.
Camera (duh!) and lenses
Camera battery, spare battery, and battery charger
SD card (I usually bring two just in case)
Tripod
Lighting equipment (light, light stand, trigger if you’re using flash)
Light modifiers (reflector, diffuser, umbrella, etc.)
Styling tools (tweezers, q-tips, etc.)
Computer
Step 6: Pack up and go!
You got this! Restaurant photography can be so fun! It’s a great way to change up your environment and unleash your creativity (plus you don’t have to do any cooking!).
Trust yourself to overcome any obstacles. Fun fact: on my last restaurant shoot, I forgot to bring a reflector and I desperately needed one. I ended up holding up a white napkin, and it totally worked! Unforeseen circumstances may arise, but you can navigate through them. Be adaptable and have an open mind.
So go out there and do what you do best: create killer content! Feel free to share it with me and I’ll be your cheerleader :)
