How To Execute An On Location Food Photoshoot

One of the biggest questions I get ask a lot from my peers and other photographers is how do I work with the elements on location? For example, going from dark moody underground bars to bright cafes is extremes of what is available to you in terms of available light and space to work with. But for me this is one of the most exciting parts about being a hospitality photographer, as I am constantly challenged with new scene to work with. As working on location is my main source of photography work I thought that I would share some of my thoughts on the topic to help you get a better understanding of how I approach every food photography shoot.

Take Time to Plan & Research

This is probably the most vital part to any of my on location shoots because this is what sets me up for success every time! It all starts with the initial consultation with the client, this is where you want to get a true understanding of their brand and the outcome they are trying to achieve with the images. Ask lots of questions like “what is different about your venue?” and “how would you describe the experience of the venue?”, listen out for key words and make sure to take down notes. One other thing I may do is to ask them if they could send me through some phone images of the space, provided that these are not currently on the website. This will help to begin your visual research, use those key words and start to look for images that align with them. Search for images that fit the brand, the venue or even current trends within the industry, maybe you have some new ideas you might want to put forth now you understand the brand a bit better! (note: don’t be pushing if the client doesn’t like your ideas, at the end of the day it is their business!). Also it is a good idea to look through the venues Instagram and website to get a feel for the current style of images they have been using. Start collecting all of these images in folder or on a Pintrest board so you start get an understanding of the direction that concept is going. I also like to share these images with the client to get their feedback on what things they like and what things they don’t like. A week prior to the shoot I will ask the client to provide me with a list of all of the important items that they want to shoot of the day, this can be key menu items, staff portraits of sections of the restaurant. Collaborating with the client within the early stages sets you up for success and gives them peace of mind knowing that you are prepared to photograph their business in direction that they want.

Pizzicotto - Strathmore

Get A Feel For It

Always arrive at least 15 minutes early to every photoshoot! Not only is it punctual but it gives you time to suss out your environment, meet the team and get set up. Once I have introduced myself to my point of contact, I will always make a point of introducing myself to the chefs, bartenders and floor staff to ensure everyone knows that I am here and my intentions for the day. Next I take a look around, looking for key features, spaces with good geometric values and what is happening with the light. If you have done your planning correctly you will already understand what the main features are but I can never hurt to ask on the day if there is a set area that they would like to use, but If you feel that you will be un able to capture what is required from you in the space given, don’t be shy to let them know that it wont work for you and politely ask if they have any other alternatives. Another thing to not be scared of is setting up your scene, move things around, pull the table out, get rid of that ugly plant and tie up the curtain. Do what ever you need to to make sure you get the perfect shot for every image.

Archies All Day - Fitzroy

Gear, Lighting & Settings

Let me clear one thing up before we start this paragraph, natural lighting has its advantages and you should always be looking at how you can utilise it (some of my best images have been from strips of natural light beaming through the restaurant!), but if you want to be able to kill it on any on location shoot you need to be using artificial lights, in other words, Strobes and Speed Lights. There is no better way of capturing food than by shaping the light yourself! Every plate of food and crafted cocktail is different and that is why you need to be able to modify the light in way that best represents it. I usually use a Godox AD600 Pro bounced into a white umbrella with a diffusion sock and then either a Godox Speed Light with a smaller umbrella or a white reflector to bounce light back into my scene. Don’t be scared to pump up your ISO when trying to balance natural and artificial light. This comes into play usually when shooting portraits but sometimes also interactive or food images and the background is too dark. Pull your shutter down as low as you can for the lens that you have, keep your aperture where you want it and the adjust your lighting power to balance the scene! I shoot using a Canon 5D Mk4 with a variation of canon prime lenses, mainly a 100mm 2.8 Macro but also a 85mm 1.2 and a 50mm 1.4 as I have found that shooting with prime lenses has given my images incredible clarity with little distortion. Another thing to mention is that I always when I can shoot to Capture One Pro as this allows me to collaborate with the client on the shoot and to harness the incredible power of the software for on the fly editing.

Carlos - World Class Bartender

Styling & Collaborating

Okay I may sound like I am repeating myself here but collaborate with the client, the chef, the waitstaff! Before the shoot begins discuss with the chef what dishes they can finish at the table, ask the bartender is there any drinks that look cool when they make them, ask the waitstaff to sit in at the table to have their hands holding a glass of wine or cutting open the incredible entree! These are the sort of images that will help to sell the experience of the venue, but of course still get the clients brief for images of each dish. Don’t be afraid to move things around on the table, take things out, add things in, make sure you set the scene to look good through your lens. Make sure you get a variety of angles and compositions. Look for lines within the tables, chairs or counter tops that you can create geometric shapes with and help your composition. I always start off with each individual dish and interactive shots and then move onto grouped images and flat lays, I also recommend setting the table and pulling back to capture a scene of what it is like to experience the venue.

Mr & Mrs P - Brighton

Conclusion

So I hope that helps you have a clearer understanding on how I approach my on location food photoshoots. Things to remember, always over plan and discuss ideas with the client prior to the shoot, introduce yourself to everyone at the venue and get a good feel for the space, learn how to use artificial lighting and last but not least collaboration with the team! Get everyone involved and have fun with it!