How to Prepare for a Food Photography Shoot: A Guide for London Restaurant Owners

How to Prepare for a Food Photography Shoot: A Guide for London Restaurant Owners

Booking a food photography shoot is the easy part. Getting the most out of it takes a little preparation — but not as much as you might think. With the right groundwork, a shoot runs smoothly, finishes on time, and delivers exactly the images you need. This guide walks you through the whole process, from the initial conversation to the day itself and beyond.

Step 1: Brief Your Photographer Clearly

The single most important thing you can do before a shoot is communicate clearly about what you want. Think about:

What are the images for? Website, Instagram, Deliveroo listing, press, or a menu reprint? Different uses often require different crops and orientations. It's much easier to plan for this in advance than to discover it after the shoot.

Which dishes are the priority? Not every item on your menu needs a hero shot. Identify your top five to ten — your bestsellers, signature plates, or seasonal specials. These get the most time and attention. Everything else can be covered more quickly.

What style do you want? Bright and clean? Dark and moody? Natural and relaxed? Show your photographer a few reference images from other accounts or restaurants you admire. This isn't about copying — it's about ensuring you're both working toward the same visual result.

Are there any specific requirements? Does a dish always come with a particular garnish? Is there a branded element that needs to be in frame? Are there any shots the chef specifically wants? Get these out upfront.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

Fresh, just-cooked food always photographs better than food that's been sitting. On the day of the shoot, have each dish cooked to order as it comes up in the schedule — not in advance.

For dishes with sauces, dressings, or melting elements, timing matters. A scoop of ice cream has about 90 seconds before it starts to lose its shape. A freshly seared steak looks dramatically different after five minutes. Brief your kitchen team on which dishes are coming up and in what order, and have everything ready to plate quickly.

If possible, prepare two versions of each dish — one to shoot and one as a backup in case the first needs adjusting. This sounds like extra work, but it avoids the frustration of reshooting after a garnish has wilted or a sauce has spread.

Step 3: Prepare the Space

Clear the area where we'll be shooting. This might be a particular table, a section of the bar, or a stretch of the pass. Remove anything that doesn't belong in the shot — menus, napkin holders, salt and pepper shakers, and staff belongings. It takes five minutes and makes a significant difference to how quickly we can set up and how clean the shots look.

If there are windows involved, be aware of what's visible through them. A beautiful interior shot can be undermined by a skip or a parked van visible through the glass. Simple curtains or a repositioned camera angle usually solves this.

Step 4: What to Expect on the Day

A typical Lia Photography shoot starts with a 15–20 minute setup — unpacking equipment, checking the light, and doing a test shot to establish the look and feel. After that, we move through the dish list systematically.

For each dish, we'll shoot from a few different angles, try a couple of different compositions, and shoot enough frames to guarantee at least 2–3 excellent options. We'll show you the back of the camera as we go so there are no surprises.

Expect the pace to feel efficient but not rushed. Good food photography isn't slow — but it's also not hurried. The goal is to get it right, not just get it done.

Step 5: After the Shoot — Editing and Delivery

Within 5–7 working days, you'll receive a password-protected online gallery with all your edited images. This includes:

• High-resolution files for print (menu reprints, press features, signage)

• Web-optimised files for your website and social media

• Square-cropped versions sized specifically for Instagram

  
  

If you need a different crop, a retouched background, or a specific adjustment for a particular use, just ask. Minor revisions are included in all packages.

A Few Things That Make a Shoot Day Run Perfectly

Based on experience shooting for London restaurants and cafés, here are the things that consistently make a difference:

• Assign one person from your team to liaise with the photographer throughout the day — someone who knows the menu, has access to the kitchen, and can make quick decisions.

• Have the dishes in a clear priority order before we arrive, so we shoot your most important content while everyone is freshest.

• Make sure the kitchen team knows the schedule and has enough staff to prep and cook during the shoot without disrupting normal service.

• Keep the space as quiet as possible during the shoot — background noise doesn't affect photos, but foot traffic through the frame can slow things down.

  
  

Ready to Book?

Lia Photography shoots for restaurants, cafés, and food businesses across London. We handle all the technical side; you just need to turn up with great food.

Final Thoughts on Preparing for Your Food Photography Shoot

Preparing for a food photography shoot can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth process. Remember, the key is communication and preparation. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your shoot goes off without a hitch.

Whether you're looking to showcase your menu on your website or create stunning images for social media, these tips will help you get the most out of your food photography session.

So, let's make those dishes shine!

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