Hiring a food photographer isn't complicated, but it helps to ask the right questions up front. Here are the ones I'd ask, and how I answer them.

Can I see food work like mine?

A good portfolio should look like something you'd want for your own place. If you run a cocktail bar, look for drinks. If you run a bakery, look for pastry. Style matters too. Some photographers shoot dark and moody. Some shoot bright and colorful.

My work is on the work page. It's hard light and bright color, mostly. If that's not the look you want, better to know now.

Who styles the food?

On big commercial shoots there's often a food stylist. For most restaurant shoots, your kitchen plates the food the way it goes out, and the photographer makes small adjustments on set. Wiping a rim, moving a garnish, turning the plate to the better side.

That's how I work. Your food should look like your food. If you want a stylist for a bigger project, we can talk about it.

How many finished photos do I get?

Ask for a number. "Some photos" isn't an answer. You want to know exactly how many edited, finished images you'll get.

My packages are specific: 20 photos for a half-day menu shoot, 45 for a full day, 6 for a dish drop, 10 a month for monthly content. It's all on the pricing page.

How long is the shoot?

This matters for your kitchen. A long shoot means someone on the line is plating for the camera instead of prepping. Ask how long it'll take and how many dishes they expect to get through.

For me it's a half day, a full day, or one hour for a dish drop. We plan the shot list ahead of time so nobody's standing around.

What can I use the photos for?

This is the one people forget to ask. Photos come with a license, and the license says where you can use them. Website, social media, delivery apps, printed menus, ads, press. Some photographers charge extra for certain uses.

Ask, and get it in writing. I'll put what you can use the photos for in writing before the shoot, so there are no surprises later.

When do I get the photos?

Same idea. Ask for a turnaround time and get it in writing, especially if you have a menu launch or an opening date coming up. If you have a deadline, say so when you first reach out. I'll tell you what's possible and put the delivery date in writing before we book.

Do you work around service?

A photographer who doesn't understand how a restaurant runs can make a mess of your day. Ask when they like to shoot and how they handle a busy kitchen.

I spent 22 years working in restaurants, so I plan shoots around prep and service. Usually that means before you open. There's more about me on the about page.

What do you need from us?

A good photographer will tell you exactly what to have ready. For a menu shoot that usually means:

A shot list, agreed on ahead of time
Someone in the kitchen who can fire dishes one at a time
A table or corner near good light that's out of the way
Garnishes and any extras for dishes that don't hold up well
Someone who can make decisions on the day

If you've got more questions, or want to ask me these directly, get in touch.

What to ask before you hire a food photographer