Champaign steakhouse food shoot | Hamilton Walker's

I recently visited Hamilton Walker’s for some behind-the-scenes photos in their kitchen. A look “behind the curtain” is a GREAT idea for helping to tell your brand’s story and show your audience what is it that you do. Show your processes, your staff, your attention to detail, your “special sauce,” which in this case, could be an actual special sauce! 😂

I always want to go into a brand shoot with a plan, and Hamilton Walker’s was no exception. Preparation and attention to detail are key, especially when it comes to a food or restaurant shoot. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you think about your own food shoot.

  1. Ingredients and Props: Gather all the necessary ingredients for each dish, ensuring they are fresh and visually appealing. Additionally, select appropriate props such as plates, utensils, napkins, and background elements to enhance the composition.

  2. Lighting Equipment: Assess the available lighting at the shooting location. If needed, bring or arrange for additional lighting equipment like diffusers, reflectors, or artificial lights to control and enhance the lighting conditions.

  3. Styling Tools: Bring essential styling tools such as tweezers, brushes, cotton swabs, and spritz bottles filled with water or oil to refine the appearance of the food and make it more photogenic.

  4. Backgrounds and Surfaces: Prepare a selection of backgrounds and surfaces to create appealing textures and colors that complement the food. Options can include tabletops, cutting boards, linens, or textured papers.

  5. Props for Styling: Apart from basic tableware, consider including additional props like fresh herbs, spices, condiments, or garnishes that relate to the dishes being photographed. These props can add visual interest and context to the images.

  6. Clean and Tidy Workspace: Make sure the shooting area is clean and clutter-free. This will ensure that the focus remains on the food and prevent distractions or unwanted elements from appearing in the frame.

Remember that attention to detail and meticulous preparation can greatly enhance the quality and appeal of your food photography.

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