Sometimes, a job comes along that reminds you exactly why you do what you do. The Block House food photography shoot was one of those days — challenging, spontaneous, and deeply rewarding.

Normally, I keep my photography work fairly close to home. Based in Thetford, Norfolk, I usually cover East Anglia and London for projects ranging from restaurant photography to menu shoots and food styling sessions. It’s a practical choice; travel logistics can quickly eat into a creative day. But every so often, something comes up that’s worth breaking routine for — and this was definitely one of those moments.

A Call Out of the Blue

It started with a message that popped up about 48 hours before the shoot.

“Any chance you could help us out with a food shoot? We’ve got a new menu launch coming and need some shots fast.”

It came from an old client — someone I’d built a great working relationship (and friendship) with over the years. I’ve always believed that photography, especially in hospitality, is built on trust and loyalty. When a client you care about is in a tight spot, you make it work.

Even though Stoke-on-Trent isn’t exactly on my doorstep, I couldn’t say no. After a quick check of the diary, a bit of logistical juggling, and some mental calculations around travel costs, I packed up my kit and planned the drive north.

Why This Shoot Was Different

Most of my food shoots are pre-planned weeks in advance — mood boards, lighting setups, brand guides, the lot. But The Block House was a little different. It was fast-paced and spontaneous, the kind of project where experience really pays off.

Normally, I’d stay within the East Anglia–London belt simply because travel beyond that can turn into a logistical puzzle. However, I take pride in being loyal to clients who’ve supported my work over the years. Sometimes that means jumping in the car and heading to Manchester or Stoke-on-Trent at short notice.

Was it a day that would make me rich? Not at all.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Because at the end of the day, photography isn’t just about invoices and day rates — it’s about helping people you believe in and capturing something that moves their business forward.

Arriving on Site

After a long early-morning drive, I arrived at The Block House ready to get to work. The kitchen was already buzzing, chefs were prepping dishes, and the smell of fresh herbs and grilled meat filled the air — a food photographer’s version of caffeine.

The brief was simple: create a strong set of food photography images for their upcoming menu launch and social media marketing. The images needed to showcase texture, freshness, and flavour while staying consistent with their relaxed, rustic brand.

That’s one of the things I love about restaurant photography — every kitchen has its own personality. Some are high-end and polished; others are raw and full of character. The Block House had that perfect blend of bright colours, moody lighting, wood finishes, and authentic charm that made every dish pop on camera.

Setting the Scene: Lighting and Food Styling

When it comes to food photography, lighting is everything. I often say that a camera captures light, not food — and the challenge is to make that light work for the dish.

We used a combination of deep shadows and. directional lighting for the plated dishes and a few additional highlights to bring out the shine of sauces and textures. For social media content, you want a bit of sparkle — something that catches the viewer’s attention mid-scroll.

I worked closely with the chefs to ensure every plate came out looking camera-ready. Food styling is an art in itself: brushing a little oil to keep greens vibrant, spritzing steam to make hot dishes look fresh, or building a burger that looks indulgent but not chaotic.

Capturing the Perfect Shots

The day was a whirlwind of activity. Between plating, adjusting lighting, and capturing each dish at its best angle, there wasn’t much downtime — but that’s exactly how I like it.

For the menu photography, we focused on consistency: clean backgrounds, bold colours, and appetising textures. For social media shots, I added a touch more personality — wider compositions showing hands, steam, or ingredients being sprinkled for that “behind-the-scenes” authenticity that performs well online.

Modern food photography isn’t just about showing what’s on the plate; it’s about telling a story. A plate of ribs becomes a moment shared. A cocktail becomes a Friday night. A fresh salad becomes a lifestyle statement. And that’s the magic of restaurant photography — it sells not just food, but experience.

Behind the Scenes: Teamwork and Timing

Every successful food shoot is a collaboration. There’s the kitchen, the marketing team, the photographers, and sometimes even front-of-house staff who jump in to help hold a reflector or pass a garnish.

I always make it a point to work in sync with the restaurant’s team, not around them. There’s a rhythm to a kitchen, and when you respect that, everything flows more naturally.

The Block House crew were brilliant — quick, efficient, and completely in tune with what was needed. We worked through the menu in record time without compromising on quality. By late afternoon, we had a full gallery of images ready to be edited and sent for the menu design and social campaigns.

Packing Down and Heading Home

After a final tidy-up and a round of goodbyes, it was time to load the car and hit the road. There’s something strangely peaceful about that drive home after a successful shoot — the quiet satisfaction of a job well done, even if your back’s a bit sore and your memory cards are full.

It wasn’t a day that would make me rich, but it was a day that made me proud. Proud to have helped out good people, to have delivered professional food photography that’ll help their business grow, and to have proven that distance is no barrier when the project matters.

What This Means for Future Clients

If you’re a marketing professional, restaurant owner, or brand manager looking for a food photographer who’ll go the extra mile (literally), this shoot sums up my philosophy perfectly.

Yes, I’m based in Thetford, Norfolk, and most of my work happens across East Anglia and London — but I’ll happily travel across the UK, from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester, when the brief excites me and the people are right.

Because photography, at its heart, is about connection. Whether it’s for a cookbook shoot, a menu relaunch, or a social media campaign, my goal is always the same:
to create images that make your audience feel something.

Final Thoughts

The Block House food photography shoot was more than just another job on the calendar — it was a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.

Good restaurant photography goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about teamwork, trust, and the joy of bringing food to life in a way that supports your business and inspires your customers.

So, if you’re planning a new menu, launching a campaign, or simply want to elevate your brand visuals, I’d love to chat. Whether you’re in Norwich, London, Manchester, or anywhere in between — I’ll bring the same energy, creativity, and loyalty that made this project such a success.

Because sometimes, it’s not about the distance you travel — it’s about the passion you bring with you.