10 Tips for Better On-location Food Photography

I recently had a client ask how they could make their session more effective and efficient. Amazing. I love this. 

All photography involves collaboration. And, when a client is proactively working to make that collaboration seamless or more effective, I am a big fan.

For these tips, rather than talking about composition or styling, I will delve into aspects of on-location food photography that I’ve found to make things run more smoothly.

1.) Create a plan of action

Build out the expected schedule. Things don’t need to operate precisely as the plan lays out, but this will give the team a timeline they can aim for or return to throughout the session to maintain a flow.

2.) Be clear with what the must-haves are

If a signature dish or drink must be photographed, start with that or at least make sure it is early in the schedule. Don’t be shy about what you are hoping the photographer will photograph. The more clarity early in the session, the better.

3.) Don’t hide prep

Whether it is lowering noodles into boiling water or a citrus fruit being squeezed over a cocktail, these scenes of preparation offer images that highlight the process and often are full of action. 

4.) Make a mess … well, kind of

Flour on the apron or an overflowing beer on the bar adds texture to the images. Don’t be afraid of a bit of “mess” during the process.

Perfection can feel almost sterile in photography. 

5.) Aim for consistency in lighting

The spaces change immensely in a restaurant, but working to keep consistency in the lighting when possible can help create a feel in the images and add continuity across the set.

For me, I love a single strobe for on-location food photography. This gives me plenty of light and control. For plated food or drinks, I will sometimes add a tabletop v-flat to help control or shape the light as needed. This additional light also gives more consistency as I shift from space to space.

6.) Schedule for slower days

It is great to have a full house, but photographing in a busy can be an additional stressor for all involved.

When scheduling an editorial food photographer, it is helpful to identify a slightly slower day or period. This lets the photographer have a bit more space to work with, and the intensity of the kitchen may be down a few degrees. 

7.) Play

Play in creativity is essential.

This will look different depending on the kitchen. Maybe it looks like adding more drama to a cocktail pour or embellishing a tossing of frying vegetables. Perhaps it is drizzling a chicken sandwich with far too much sauce.

These embellishments can amplify an image.

8.) Identify a partner for the photographer

Establishing a point of contact or two in the bar/kitchen area is helpful. This doesn’t mean the photographer is babysat; instead, it means that there is someone that can help make sure the process continues moving along.

9.) Be clear with what is off limits

There are things you may not want to be photographed or a particular plate coming off the menu soon.

Be clear with what you don’t want. This can make sure no time is lost focusing on something that isn’t necessary.

10.) Give your staff a day or two notice

An essential piece of bringing a photographer on location is giving the staff a day or two notice that a photographer will be coming in. 

This allows everyone to come in prepared to be photographed.