Behind the Scenes: A Typical Food Photography Shoot at a Pub

Food Photography is Where It All Started

When I first set up my photography business, food was where it all began. I’d just left my role managing social media for Greene King, and while I learned a lot about marketing and strategy, what I really loved was the photography of food.

And, let’s be honest—eating it wasn’t too bad either.

So when one of my former colleagues recently reached out and asked if I could help with a marketing photography project for a pub reopening under new management, I jumped at the chance. This wasn’t a one-off gig—it was exactly the sort of thing I do regularly for food-led pubs and restaurants across the region.

A Structured Approach to a Normal Day’s Work

We treat this kind of shoot like a working partnership, not a quick favour. In fact, this is exactly how we like to operate when building a marketing image library for pubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues.

Step 1: Planning with the Chef and Front-of-House Team

Before any cameras come out, we collaborate with the in-house team to build a full running order and product list. This usually involves sitting down with the head chef and the management team to map out:

• Which dishes we’re photographing

• The ideal running order (usually working from starters through to desserts)

• Timings that work with the kitchen’s prep schedules

• When we might fit in staff training

We write this down in a shared shoot schedule so everyone knows what’s coming next. This helps the kitchen run smoothly, prevents any last-minute stress, and allows me to focus on capturing each dish at its absolute best.

Step 2: Capturing the Food – and the People Behind It

On shoot day, we typically set up a small photography station either in the dining area (if it’s not open yet) or somewhere with good light. We always bring portable lights and backdrops, but whenever possible, we work with the look and feel of the venue to ensure the photos feel authentic.

Each dish gets its moment in the spotlight—literally. I shoot a mix of:

• Close-ups to highlight texture and ingredients

• Overheads for social media

• Wide-angle shots to show the plate in context

• Occasional behind-the-scenes images of the chef or kitchen team prepping, garnishing, or plating up

These action shots are great for storytelling on Instagram and make the team feel involved, which leads me nicely to the next point…

A Smart Add-On: Front-of-House Training

Something that’s become part of our normal process—and that clients absolutely love—is building in time for front-of-house team training during the shoot.

Once a dish is photographed, it’s not binned—it’s passed straight to the FOH team. Management can talk them through:

• The key ingredients

• Allergen information

• The story behind the dish

• Presentation and garnishes

The staff then get to try the dish (yes, seriously!) and ask questions so they can speak confidently and passionately to customers. It’s one of those little extras that lifts morale, helps with menu knowledge, and gives everyone a bit of buy-in.

It’s something you’ll often see on TV—Gordon Ramsay does it all the time on his kitchen rescue shows—and there’s a reason: it works.

Do I Get to Eat the Food?

This is the question I get asked all the time. And the answer is… kind of.

The reality is, a full shoot day is so tightly packed with work that there’s barely time to stop. A cheeky chip here, a spare canapé there—but I’m mainly too busy adjusting lights, reviewing shots, or directing plating to sit down and enjoy a full meal.

That said, desserts tend to come out last—and since they’re fresh and often left over at the end of the day, that’s where I sometimes get to indulge just a little. Not a bad way to finish the day!

What You Get from a Full Food Photography Day

A full-day shoot can yield 400–600 high-resolution images, covering:

• Every dish on the menu

• Several angles per plate

• Contextual shots (e.g. hands serving, drinks pairing, staff interactions)

• Venue details (interiors, signage, bar shots)

• Seasonal garnishes or specials

• Team portraits, if requested

These images are delivered in both web-optimised and print-quality formats, ready to use across:

• Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest)

• Website and menus

• Booking platforms like OpenTable or ResDiary

• Poster campaigns or table talkers

• Press releases and advertorials

• Seasonal promotions

Real Numbers: Why It’s Worth It

I always tell clients that if you break down the cost of a full-day shoot across two years of marketing use, you’re looking at something like £8–£10 a week.

That’s the cost of a single customer.

If just one extra table per month comes in because of your improved online presence, the photography has paid for itself. And realistically, good food photography doesn’t just bring in one table—it boosts everything from footfall to FOMO.

Plus, breweries will often co-fund shoots like this, especially if the venue is undergoing a rebrand, management change, or relaunch.

Keeping It Sustainable: Menu Refreshes

We understand that most pubs and restaurants can’t afford a photographer every month, and we don’t expect to be a weekly regular. Our goal is to maximise your budget and give you a bank of images that work hard for you, day in and day out.

When the menu does change—perhaps for a new season, new head chef, or a relaunch—we offer smaller “refresh” shoots. These are quicker, lower-cost sessions to top up your library with new dishes, updated interiors, or staff changes.

The Value of an Image Library

Many of our regular clients tell us that one of the biggest benefits of a structured food shoot is having a proper image library. No more scrolling through phone snaps or panicking about what to post on a Tuesday morning.

Your team can simply dip into the gallery and grab a shot—whether it’s to announce a dish of the day, post a last-minute Mother’s Day message, or update the website in minutes.

It’s one of the most powerful time-saving tools in a busy hospitality business.

We’ve Been There, So We Get It

Because of my background in the hospitality industry—and particularly in managing social media for a major pub brands—I understand the pressures on your team:

• You need fast, flexible content

• You need to look polished without being pretentious

• You need staff who feel supported, not stressed

• You need marketing tools that actually save time

That’s why we’ve shaped our approach around what genuinely works in a real-world hospitality setting.

We know how to make a pub or restaurant shine online without taking up your whole week or your whole budget.

Let’s Chat – No Pressure

If you’re reopening, launching, refreshing, or just trying to boost your bookings, I’d love to have a conversation. There’s no pressure or hard sell—just a friendly chat about how food photography could help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

Whether it’s a full-day menu shoot, a mini seasonal refresh, or a starter package for a new venue, we’ll work to your budget and tailor the shoot around what matters most to you.

Drop me a message, give me a call, or grab a coffee. I’m always happy to help.

Food photography isn’t just where I started—it’s something I’m still deeply passionate about, and it’s the backbone of what we do every week.

Let’s make your menu look as good online as it tastes on the plate.

If you’d like to chat with us… Call us at 01842 267567

If you prefer email send us a message here: Send mail!