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

Visually compelling imagery isn’t just a luxury, it’s vital for hospitality brands aiming to attract diners across New Zealand. Planning a shoot for your venue? Knowing how to prepare your restaurant for a photoshoot can transform your brand’s visual appeal, whether you're marketing a new menu, doing a website refresh, or launching a seasonal campaign.

As a Hamilton-based Waikato food and brand photographer, I’ve seen how well-prepared spaces yield better results in less time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through each step, from shot planning to lighting and styling, so your shoot runs efficiently and your visuals drive bookings.

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

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

  
  

Photoshoot Prep Checklist for Restaurant Owners

1. Define Shoot Objectives & Gather Inspiration

Why are you doing this shoot? Is it for a seasonal campaign, website update, or media feature? Defining your goal helps tailor the visual approach, from styling to props to mood. Create a mood board with images that reflect your brand’s vibe (rustic café, fine dining, or cozy comfort) and share it with your photographer and team to align on creative direction.

2. Create a Detailed Shot List & Pre-Production Plan

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

• Diners enjoying the food and the space

Share shooting order, time allocation, and responsibilities with your team. This preparation sets the tone for a smooth, timely session.

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

3. Clean, Style, and Stage Your Space

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

• Wipe down all surfaces

• Remove any visible cleaning supplies or visual clutter (like temporary signs)

• Style tables with minimal but intentional decor (glassware, cutlery, textured linens, or your branding elements)

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

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 overhead lights if needed

• Turn off screens or fluorescent signage that casts colour casts

  
  

5. Prepare Your Team for On-Camera Moments

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, relaxed, etc.)

• Plan a few simple actions (pouring drinks, plating food, smiling while interacting or greeting guests)

Those authentic moments bring warmth and humanity to your visuals.

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

• Work collaboratively with your photographer to fine-tune details

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

Capturing elements like steam or drizzled sauces adds movement and life to your shots.

7. Minimise Disruptions with Smart Logistics

If the shoot has to take place during service hours:

• Block off shoot areas from diners

• Let your team know the timeline

• Consider closing off small sections temporarily

  
  

8. Use Brand Moodboards to Guide Visual Storytelling

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?

  
  

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 to tell a richer story. These lifestyle touches bring your brand identity to life in every image.

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

• Photograph interactions between chefs, waitstaff, and guests

• Highlight lifestyle moments: cheers, laughter, shared plates

  
  

10. Trust your 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.

If you'd like to bring your restaurant's vision to life with consistent, creative images that speak directly to your ideal market, I'm here to help.

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

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