How to Prepare for a Food Photography Shoot
If you’re ready to elevate your food photography game, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to prepare for a food photography shoot—from selecting the dishes to styling them perfectly on camera. Learn how to prepare for a food photography shoot with expert tips on planning, styling, and lighting to capture mouthwatering images. Whether you’re aiming to showcase your restaurant’s best dishes or create stunning visuals for your brand, this post offers step-by-step advice to ensure your shoot is both efficient and creative. Let’s dive in and transform your culinary vision into captivating images.
Before the Shoot
Choose the Dishes to Feature
Which dishes best represent your business? Consider your most popular items and those most likely to attract new customers. Consult with your photographer to determine which dishes will look the most visually appealing on camera.
Select the Best Location(s)
Your choice of location can significantly impact the efficiency and quality of your shoot. Shooting at your restaurant or food production facility is often ideal, as it keeps you close to your kitchen and ingredients.
Identify potential backdrops such as:
- A well-lit spot by a window
- The bar area
- A corner table with a textured or colored wall
Your photographer can help you decide on the best settings to enhance your food’s presentation.
Create a Shot List
List each dish you plan to photograph and include ideas for locations, props, and camera angles. Share this with your photographer to ensure alignment on the vision and logistics.
On the Day of the Shoot
Photography Takes Time – Be Patient
Great food photography is all about the details, and perfecting those details takes time. Since you’ve invested in a professional shoot, make the most of it by allowing the process to unfold at the right pace. Expect it to take longer than you think, and don’t rush through the shots.
Be Ready to Prepare Dishes More Than Once
Food has a short “visual shelf life.” Once plated, greens start to wilt, steak dries out, and fries become soggy. To counteract this, photographers often use a “dummy” dish to set up lighting and composition. Once everything is perfected, the fresh “hero” dish is brought in for the final shot, ensuring your food looks its absolute best.
Food Styling Matters
A food stylist can elevate your images by ensuring each dish is plated and presented perfectly. If your budget allows, consider hiring one. Otherwise, a skilled food photographer—like myself—will have basic styling expertise. I also bring my own styling kit and am hands-on when it comes to enhancing food presentation.
Plan to be On-Set
No one knows your food better than you. Either you, your chef, or a trusted manager should be present to oversee the shoot and approve images in real time. This ensures the final photos align with your brand and expectations
Beyond Food: Capture the Full Story
A versatile food photographer should be able to capture more than just plated dishes. Consider adding shots of:
- Your restaurant or kitchen (interior & exterior)
- Chef and staff portraits
- Action shots of food preparation
- Discuss these options with your photographer to maximize your shoot.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out to me here.