How a fast food photographer shoots in your restaurant

Food photographers have this technique of making an okay-looking burger look like the most delicious and mouthwatering burger that anyone ever laid eyes on. I can do that for you.

As an experienced food photographer in London, my expertise involves making food look scrumptious through food photos I take for your business. I am passionate about making onlookers hungry just by looking at an image of your food. How do I do that, you ask? Keep on reading my brief guide on how a fast food photographer works in your restaurant.

Preparation.

Preparation is key in food photography, whether shooting for a fast food brand, for drinks and cocktails, or for confectionery and macro food.

Preparing for the shoot.

As an expert photographer in food and drinks, when I shoot for a fast food brand - small or big - I always prepare the right material beforehand. I prepare a mood board and a shoot schedule. A mood board, or photography brief, helps predict the duration of the shoot as well as the need for any special equipment that will support the shoot and the images. It is also essential to include the plan of the shoot in order for everyone involved to work efficiently and within deadlines.

The mood board also prepares the client and the food stylist I work with of the photo shooting project, of colours that will be used, of the overall concept of the photo and of the message we're trying to communicate. Lastly, depending on the medium the images will be shown in, such as on a menu or the press, we need to plan the resolution of the images, or sometimes plan for models to join the shoot for lifestyle shots. All this is included in the mood board I create for the shoot, planning and scheduling a shoot from start to finish.

My intention with the shoot schedule is to keep all people involved in the shoot updated and always in the loop. It is a great way to avoid miscommunication on the day of the shooting.

Collaboration.

Most food photographers don't work alone. The job is done with the help of a food stylist, an assistant and a prop stylist if needed.

Collaboration with my food stylist.

If a food photographer takes the appropriate shots - considering lighting, brightness, angles - then a food stylist is a professional who styles the food before shooting. They arrange the food on the plate to make it aesthetically pleasing for the photo, following closely the mood board of the project and the marketing brief of the restaurant. A food stylist is also responsible for the props which help support the shot and its meaning.

Together, the food photographer and the food stylist, along with a photographer assistant that helps with the setup and gear preparation, create the image that will speak your brand message and excite customers. Essentially, investing in a food photographer for your restaurant will benefit you long-term, as visual stimulation is key in increasing customers for any food business.

Shooting.

For any restaurant or food business I am able to shoot onsite and offsite at a studio, depending on the requirements of the client.

On the day of the shooting production for the fast food client, I arrange the gear and prepare the setup with my assistant. As a freelance food photographer, I arrange to bring my own gear from lighting to my own professional camera. I am able to work up to high standards when I use the correct gear and camera, suitable for the food photo campaign.

Then the food stylist prepares the presentation of the dish, the props, and the setting.

The end result, a delicious image of a fast food burger.

I take care of the photo shooting. I strive to create an emotional connection between the food and the viewer. My goal is to create aesthetically pleasing images of your dishes and foods that can communicate a message - your brand message. Using the relevant angle, lighting, gear and setup, the food images are high quality and valuable.

Get in touch with me to arrange a meeting for your next food photography project.