Choose the products and the story
Will the shoot feature a seasonal offering, a new dish or a selection expressing the restaurant’s character? Discuss presentation and portions with the kitchen beforehand. Representing the product customers will actually receive matters as much as an attractive arrangement.
Plan the service and shooting order
Hot dishes, cold products and drinks follow different preparation rhythms. Agree on the order, who makes final adjustments and which items can be prepared again. A shared workflow between the kitchen and shooting area helps the team work to one plan.
If interiors are part of the brief, identify service hours and the areas to be shown. Plan the photography around the restaurant’s daily operations.
Frame images for their intended channel
A horizontal website hero and a vertical social post need different space. Tell the production team if text will sit over an image. Include menu, advertising and social ratios in the delivery list, so alternatives can be captured rather than forcing every image into every crop later.
Look at an original production archive
Ganjue Creative’s past work selection for When includes original food, drink and interior photographs. Its menu, drink and interior images show examples of different photography briefs.