What should I expect during a restaurant photography session?

Each session includes pre-production planning, professional lighting setup, styling direction, and coordination with your kitchen staff. I work efficiently to minimize disruption to your service while capturing both individual menu items and the overall dining experience.

How do you make food look fresh and appetizing in photos?

As a food photographer with 10+ years of restaurant industry experience, I use professional lighting techniques, understand optimal shooting angles, and work quickly while food is at peak freshness. I also provide styling guidance to ensure every dish looks its absolute best.

What file formats and image sizes do you provide for commercial use?

All final images are delivered as high-resolution JPEGs suitable for both print and digital use. I provide multiple sizes optimized for websites, social media, print menus, and large-format marketing materials. RAW files are available upon request for an additional fee.

Can you help with social media content for my restaurant or food brand?

Absolutely! I create content specifically optimized for Instagram, Facebook, and other social platforms. This includes both individual dish photography and behind-the-scenes lifestyle shots that help tell your brand story and engage followers.

How much does food photography cost in Los Angeles?

Food photography pricing in Los Angeles varies based on project scope, location, and deliverables. Basic menu photography sessions start around $2,000, while comprehensive restaurant or brand campaigns range from $5,000-10,000. I offer customized packages for restaurants, food brands, and social media content to fit different budgets and marketing goals.

What's the difference between commercial food photography and lifestyle food photography?

Commercial food photography focuses on clean, product-focused shots perfect for menus, packaging, and advertising. Lifestyle food photography captures the dining experience, atmosphere, and emotional connection with food - ideal for social media, website headers, and brand storytelling.

Do you shoot both in-studio and on-location for restaurants in Los Angeles?

Yes! I photograph both in my controlled studio environment and on-location at your restaurant. Studio shoots offer perfect lighting control for menu items, while on-location photography captures your restaurant's authentic atmosphere and ambiance that customers experience.

Do you work with food stylists or provide styling services?

I offer styling consultation and direction as part of my services, drawing from my extensive restaurant industry background. For larger campaigns or specialized styling needs, I collaborate with trusted food stylists to ensure every detail is perfect.

What's your turnaround time for food photography projects?

Standard delivery is 1-2 weeks for most projects. Rush delivery (3-5 business days) is available for an additional fee. You'll receive a preview gallery within 48 hours so you can start using select images while waiting for final retouched files.

Do you photograph beverages, cocktails, and wine as well as food?

Yes! Beverage photography is a specialty of mine, including cocktails, wine, beer, coffee, and specialty drinks. I understand the unique challenges of photographing liquids and use specialized techniques to capture bubbles, foam, and liquid clarity perfectly.

What makes your food photography different from other Los Angeles photographers?

My unique combination of 10+ years restaurant industry experience and technical photography expertise allows me to understand both the culinary and visual aspects of food presentation. I've been featured in Forbes, Time Magazine, and Eater, and work efficiently in fast-paced restaurant environments. I specialize in creating images that showcase texture, composition, and the authenticity of each dish rather than overly stylized food that looks unattainable. Many of my clients have been working with me for several years, returning for new menu launches, seasonal campaigns, and ongoing social media content because they trust my consistent quality and understanding of their brand vision. This long-term relationship approach means I become deeply familiar with each client's style preferences and can work more efficiently while delivering exactly what they need.

How far in advance should I book a food photography session?

I recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons and holidays when restaurants launch new menus or campaigns. Peak times like Valentine's Day, holiday seasons, and summer patio launches book up quickly.

What licensing do I get for the photos, and can you use them in your portfolio?

When you hire me, you're purchasing a license to use the photos in agreed-upon ways. My standard license includes usage for your social media, website, and print marketing materials. This licensing can be expanded for additional uses (such as nationwide advertising campaigns, product packaging, or resale) for an additional fee. I retain the right to use images in my portfolio and marketing materials unless an exclusive licensing agreement is purchased, which removes my portfolio usage rights.

Do you offer ongoing photography services for social media content?

Yes! I offer monthly retainer packages for restaurants and food brands needing consistent content. This is perfect for keeping your social media fresh with new imagery and seasonal menu updates throughout the year.

What should I prepare before our food photography session?

I provide a detailed pre-production checklist covering everything from kitchen timing to prop selection. Generally, ensure your space is clean, have your best dishware ready, and coordinate with kitchen staff on timing. I'll guide you through all styling and setup requirements to ensure a smooth shoot.