Photographs of restaurants for successful promotion

In the context of the pandemic, the business model is actively changing. If earlier it was acceptable for a business not to have any social media presence, in conditions of isolation, it has become downright necessary.

The first to adapt to the conditions of isolation was the restaurant business. Since the only way to keep restaurants afloat was to deliver the same food they would normally serve, many made the expansion to the field of delivery/catering. To attract customers, the only thing they could do was advertise high-quality images of their business and products, sharing them on social media and whichever apps customers could use to order.

Since we’ve already discussed food photography, I’d like to touch on the topic of interior photography and the work process for creating high-quality content.

After isolation, many consumers grew accustomed to judging an organization’s work by social networks, as well as ordering food delivery through aggregators. The better a businesses photographs, the more professional and reliable it seems.

It’s intuitive that good photos of dishes are important, but not everyone thinks about the importance of photos of the interior and the process of work. These show your client the business itself, convey the general idea, concept, and mood, and create an atmosphere of transparency.

Many people go to a restaurant not only to eat but to relax and socialize with friends, family, or business partners. The interior styles of different restaurants are different, and the owner of a catering outlet faces the difficult task of creating a special atmosphere that will bring satisfaction to visitors, will be remembered, and will make you want to come back again. As for the photographer, the main task is to convey this atmosphere and mood in the images.

The design of catering establishments is a world in which hundreds of different trends exist at the same time. These are difficult to follow, but a good photographer must notice and understand them in order to perform their work well. His job is to create an atmosphere that will, without words, create a good impression in the minds of the restaurant’s possible clientele, drawing in their business and even initiating long-term customer/business relationships.

A few simple tips when preparing the restaurant for photography

1. Create the atmosphere you want to convey

Is your establishment designed for large, bustling groups of visitors? Or is it more suitable for couples in love who have decided to hide from prying eyes in a quiet, cozy cafe? In addition to the menu and the quality of service, when choosing a place to visit, people are guided by the atmosphere in which they would like to spend their time. This atmosphere can be conveyed in photographs by choosing the right time of day and the decoration and setup of the restaurant.

2. Don't forget about the exterior

Guests appreciate not only the interior of the restaurant but also its appearance - the exterior. After all, each person’s first-hand acquaintance with the institution begins right here. Facade decoration, interesting lighting solutions, large panoramic windows - all this can attract not only people passing by, but also potential guests looking for information about the restaurant on the internet.

3. Impeccable cleanliness

Nothing decorates the interior of a restaurant quite like spotlessly clean tablecloths, the shine of glasses and silverware, and soft light streaming in through translucent shades. Therefore, before the photographer arrives, make sure that everything looks perfect: this means that all mirrored surfaces are polished, the windows and floors are washed, furniture covers and tablecloths are ironed, all the lighting fixtures are working properly, and there are no foreign or misplaced objects lying around.

4. Choose the right time of day for shooting

It can be both in the morning or the late evening - it all depends on what kind of audience you want to attract to your establishment, and what kind of atmosphere you want to convey. It is important to note that there should be no visitors in the establishment at the time of the shoot. For indoor photography with morning lighting, a session before opening is best. Such soft, natural lighting is especially well-suited to gently painting the interior of a building through its windows.

Next, I’d like to share some points that a photographer should pay attention to in his work, as they are often overlooked during shooting.

1. Vivid and memorable design fragments are important.

By paying attention to what decorates the interior, we can convey its personality, giving the restaurant a distinct view of its feel that separates it from similar establishments in the minds of its clients.

It is also worth showing fabrics and textures, as these are some of the most significant decorative elements that subtly emphasize the business’s character.

2. It is imperative to convey the color scheme and lighting.

While creating an image with the general palette of colors and lights of the location, it is crucial that the aesthetic scheme in the photo does not appear as isolated parts of decoration but instead actively plays into the character of the establishment. The lighting should not be excessive, but еhere should be no unlit places.

3. Capture the layout of the space.

You need to capture in the photo what kind of events the institution is suitable for. Can it hold a large party (or a small feast), or it is such a secluded institution that it is more suitable for a romantic date?

4. Show that the design of your establishment is not only beautiful but practical.

Show that the design of the location not adds to the overall atmosphere and appeals to the artistic sensibilities of the customer base but also is well-suited for whatever is needed from it. This means showing that it was built with convenience, efficiency, and practicality in mind.

In the era of social networks and a huge number of advertising images to flood them, it is important for customers to be captivated by the very first image they see. Make your images as expressive and personal as possible by paying close attention to each element they help portray to your possible clients.