If you’re investing time, effort, and money to capture beautiful photos, naturally, you want the final product to be as stunning as possible. However, achieving great food photos requires not only the photographer’s skills but also the restaurant’s cooperation and preparation.

As the saying goes, “You can’t make bricks without straw.” The outcome won’t be satisfactory if the restaurant doesn’t prepare anything, no matter how talented the photographer is.

So, what can the restaurant do to prepare tableware for a successful food photography session? Let’s delve into this topic.

First, Tableware

Usually, restaurants use their existing tableware for photo shoots because it closely matches the actual product and portions, making it easier for chefs to prepare and present. Additionally, there’s no extra cost involved in purchasing or sourcing special tableware. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges.

Common Issues with Using Existing Tableware

  1. Avoid Chipped Dishes: Everyday restaurant tableware often suffers from wear and tear, including chipped edges. While this might go unnoticed during daily use, it becomes a glaring issue in photos. Ensure to select newer, undamaged dishes for the shoot.
  2. Color and Design Mismatches: If the photos are intended for specific design purposes, it’s essential to match the tableware with the design’s color scheme. For example, a vibrant design won’t pair well with dull or monochromatic dishes commonly used in restaurants. Paying attention to this detail can prevent issues down the line.
  3. Size and Depth of Tableware: Many customers overlook this issue until the photographer points it out during the shoot. For instance, western restaurants often use large plates which, when photographed, can make the food appear smaller, detracting from its appeal. Similarly, deep bowls used for Japanese ramen can make the portion look small and unappealing while also complicating lighting.
  4. Reflective and Stainless Steel Tableware: Reflective surfaces can be tricky to photograph because they can disrupt lighting and create unwanted reflections. Although solvable, this issue can slow down the shoot, especially in fast-paced environments like Hong Kong. Ideally, use non-reflective, matte finishes to ensure smooth progress.

In Summary

To avoid these common issues when using restaurant tableware for photography, ensure:

  • Consistent Color Scheme: Match the tableware with the design theme.
  • Undamaged and Clean: Choose newer dishes without chips or cracks.
  • Proportionate to Food: Select tableware that complements the food’s size.
  • Non-Reflective Surfaces: Opt for matte finishes to avoid lighting problems.

If the restaurant’s tableware meets these criteria, the photography session is likely to be more successful with fewer problems.