How to Prepare Your Restaurant for a Photoshoot: A Checklist for Hospitality Owners

Planning a professional shoot for your venue? Knowing how to prepare your restaurant for a photoshoot can make all the difference. From styling your tables to perfecting your lighting, these steps will help ensure your space looks its best. Whether you're promoting a new menu, updating your website, or creating content for a campaign, this checklist is designed with hospitality owners in mind, so you get images that truly reflect your brand.

If you're investing in professional imagery to promote your restaurant, the prep work is just as important as the shoot itself. Knowing how to prepare your restaurant for a photoshoot ensures you get images that attract high-value diners, elevate your brand, and feel authentic to your space. Whether you're shooting for a new website, social media campaign, or a feature in a publication, this step-by-step guide will help hospitality owners maximise their time and investment on shoot day.

Why Preparation Matters

Great hospitality photography isn’t just about having a beautiful space—it’s about telling the right story. By preparing your restaurant in advance, you can:

• Ensure every image aligns with your brand

• Minimise stress and downtime during the shoot

• Highlight the atmosphere and details your guests love

• Make the most of your photographer’s time and expertise

  
  

Karl Martin-Boulton, chef patron of The Green, a Chef's table. © Photographed for Broadsheet Media.

Photoshoot Prep Checklist for Restaurant Owners

1. Clarify the Purpose of the Shoot

Before anything else, define what the shoot is for. Are you launching a new menu? Rebranding? Promoting private dining or a seasonal campaign? Clear goals help shape everything, from the shot list to the styling.

Keywords: restaurant branding photography, food marketing shoot, commercial restaurant photography

2. Create a Shot List with Your Photographer

Collaborate with your photographer ahead of time to plan what’s being captured. A good shot list might include:

• Hero dishes

• Interiors (wide shots + vignettes)

• Beverage close-ups

• Staff interactions

• Outdoor dining areas

• Signage and branding

Pro Tip: Prioritise your “must-have” shots early in the day when everything is fresh.

Keywords: food photography for restaurants, restaurant marketing images

3. Tidy and Style Your Space

Clean and declutter all areas that may appear in the photos:

• Wipe down all surfaces

• Remove any visible cleaning supplies or clutter

• Style tables with minimal but intentional decor (glassware, cutlery, folded napkins)

Don’t forget details like menus, flowers, or signature items that reinforce your brand.

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4. Lighting

Natural light is often ideal for food and lifestyle photography. If your shoot is during the day, consider when your space gets the best light.

• Open blinds/curtains for soft daylight

• Replace blown bulbs in feature lighting

• Dim harsh overheads if needed

• Turn off screens or fluorescent signage that casts colour casts

Keywords: restaurant lighting for photography, natural light photography tips

5. Have Staff Prepped and Ready

If staff will be featured:

• Ensure uniforms are clean and well-fitted (have a set aside especially for the shoot)

• Brief them on the tone of the shoot (candid, professional, playful, etc.)

• Plan a few simple actions: pouring drinks, plating food, smiling while interacting

Keywords: hospitality team photography, restaurant staff portraits

6. Prepare Key Dishes in Advance

Select dishes that represent your restaurant’s vibe, and prep them fresh for the camera.

• Garnish with care

• Clean plates around the food and avoid highly reflective plates

• Have extras ready in case of touch-ups or wilted garnishes

Tip: Your food stylist (or photographer if they offer styling) will likely tweak things, trust the process!

Keywords: food styling for restaurants, commercial food photography

7. Minimise Disruptions

If the shoot takes place during service hours:

• Block off shoot areas from diners

• Let your team know the timeline

• Consider closing off small sections temporarily

Keywords: photoshoot during restaurant hours, restaurant shoot logistics

8. Have a Brand Moodboard or Style Guide?

Share a few reference images or brand elements with your photographer. It’ll help keep the shoot cohesive and true to your identity.

• Colours to highlight or avoid

• Fonts, logos, or visual elements

• Your tone: rustic and relaxed? Polished and fine-dining?

Keywords: brand storytelling through photography, hospitality brand visuals

9. Think Beyond the Plate

Customers want to feel what it’s like to dine with you. Don’t just focus on food, show ambiance, team culture, and details.

• Capture your restaurant’s layout, mood, and textures

• Photograph interactions between chefs, waitstaff, and guests

• Highlight lifestyle moments: cheers, laughter, shared plates

Keywords: lifestyle restaurant photography, experience-based imagery

10. Trust the Photographer

You’ve done the prep, now let your photographer guide the process. They’ll know how to make your dishes shine, direct staff if needed, and keep things running smoothly. The best photoshoots feel like a collaboration, not a performance.

If you want high-impact visuals that bring in more bookings and align with your brand, preparation is key. From lighting to logistics, every detail matters when you prepare your restaurant for a photoshoot. Not only will it save you time and stress, it will result in a gallery of images that truly reflect the heart of your venue.

Ready to book a shoot in Hamilton or beyond? Get in touch here to discuss your next project.