Restaurant photography is a whole different beast from shooting in the comfort of your studio. The lighting isn’t always ideal, the props are unfamiliar, and you’re often working around a bustling kitchen or full dining room. But when done right, food photography on location can produce stunning, authentic images that reflect the soul of the restaurant.

Here’s how I approach it, and some tips to make your next restaurant shoot run more smoothly. 

Bring the Right Surfaces and Props—But Ask First

Before any restaurant shoot, I always have a quick chat with the client about props and food photography backdrops. I ask whether they want me to use the surfaces available in their space or if they'd like me to bring a few options. Restaurant tabletops can be reflective, overly busy or just not camera-friendly, (I'm thinking specifically of a former client's space that had yellowing wood tables....not the prettiest.) Having a few go-to food photography surfaces in your trunk can save the day, especially if they align with the restaurant's branding.

Some of the surfaces that have worked beautifully on my location shoots have been George, (perfect for rustic, warm locations), my favorite marble options: Simone, Maeve, Dorothy and Odette (ideal for bakeries, juice bars, anywhere with a lighter aesthetic), Coal (great for a dark, rich vibe), Simon, (looks like a modern concrete tabletop) and Zealand (which is always, ALWAYS a client favorite.)

I do the same with props. Usually, restaurants prefer we use their dishes, linens, and utensils to stay consistent with their aesthetic, but I still bring a small kit with alternate options. Why? Because some restaurants serve every dish on dinner-plate-sized white porcelain that swallows up the food. A smaller, matte-finish plate can help the food shine, filling out the frame and reducing distracting reflections.  

My advice? Think of your props and backdrops as a portable plan B.

I also ask the restaurant staff ahead of time to have some tabletop elements ready—things like wine, coffee, juice, water, glassware, salt and pepper shakers, even fresh flowers. These little details help tell the full story of the dining experience. Having those extras on hand gives me more flexibility to build out a scene that feels lived-in and authentic, not overly styled or sterile.

Location, Location, (Window) Location

Before the shoot, I ask the staff to reserve at least one table near the window for me to use. I generally gravitate towards using natural light for restaurant shoots, and it helps capture the organic, in-the-moment vibe that restaurant owners usually want. Pro-tip: Always bring black foam core to block or shape light, especially if you're trying to get that moody, directional feel, as well as white foam core to use as a reflector. 

If the shoot is happening at a time of day when natural light isn't possible, I bring supplemental lighting. My go-to setup? Speed lights on stands with modifiers. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and powerful enough to get the job done without bringing a full studio setup. Since I don’t work with an assistant, portability is everything. This setup is also less obtrusive than a studio strobe, which is good because I am almost always shooting during business hours.

Recently, I did a restaurant shoot with models and the speed light was a perfect solution to lighting people in an otherwise dark space.

Capturing the Vibe: Motion & Ambience

A successful restaurant shoot isn't just about the finished dishes—it’s also about telling the story of the space. When shooting a busy restaurant scene, I typically set my camera on a tripod and use a longer exposure. This way, the people moving through the frame blur just enough to create a sense of motion and energy, without becoming the focal point. It adds life to the image while keeping the food and atmosphere in focus. It also makes diners feel more at ease when I tell them they will not be recognizable in the images, (because who wants to be photographed while eating??? NOBODY.)  

I also like to incorporate hands or people in some of the food shots; holding a sandwich, reaching in with a plate, pouring a drink, etc. My models are usually the waitstaff because did I mention I don't work with an assistant?? Including hands is a simple way to bring life and human connection into the images without making them feel overly stage

Variety is Everything: Angles, Textures, and Details

Every dish has its own personality, and I shoot accordingly. I mix up my angles—overhead for dishes without a lot of height or larger scenes, 3/4 angle for anything layered or that would benefit from selective focus and a shallow depth of field, and straight-on for burgers, sandwiches, and taller items This variety keeps the gallery visually engaging.  

When possible, I incorporate elements of the restaurant itself. A blurred chair back, tiled wall, or even a corner of their signature neon sign in the background can tie the images directly to the brand. You're not just photographing food; you're capturing the whole dining experience.

Know the Format the Client Needs

Before I start shooting, I clarify how the images will be used. Most restaurants need horizontal images for their website and verticals for social media. I shoot with both formats in mind and often leave a little breathing room in the composition for text overlays or cropping flexibility.  

It might not seem like a big deal, but this little step can save a lot of back-and-forth during image delivery. Your clients will love you for thinking ahead.

Backup Plans and Fast Fixes

Location photography is unpredictable. Bring extra batteries, memory cards and clamps for holding a bounce card in place. Definitely define a shot list with your client ahead of time, but also stay flexible. Maybe the best light isn’t where you planned. Maybe a dish you thought would be super-photogenic just....isn't. Roll with it. 

Speaking of the kitchen—don't forget to document it. Some of the most compelling brand visuals come from capturing the behind-the-scenes action. I try to be as unobtrusive as possible, using available light when I can and adjusting my white balance to work with those heinous fluorescent overheads. When that doesn’t cut it, I’ll use a speed light off-camera to keep the lighting natural and consistent.

Don’t Forget the Branding Shots

In addition to food close-ups, I always capture a few wide shots of the space, environmental details like signage or menus, and even behind-the-scenes prep if allowed. These images round out the brand story and are often useful for press kits, social media, or future marketing.

Final Thoughts

Shooting on location in a restaurant is a balance of planning and adaptability. You want to come prepared with gear, surfaces, and styling know-how—but also be ready to adjust on the fly. With the right approach, restaurant photography can produce some of your most atmospheric, engaging work. And the more you do it, the more second nature it becomes.  

Whether you're working with natural light, staging food photography backdrops on a narrow table, or blending speedlights into the mix, remember: you're not just photographing a meal. You're telling the story of a space, a brand, and an experience—one frame at a time.

Want to learn more about shooting food on location? I just so happen to be teaching a 3 day workshop on the topic. Come join us!