Hiring a Food Photographer: Is it Right For You?

It almost goes without saying that a great food photograph is a primary ingredient in a recipe for success. If you are considering hiring a food photographer, then it means that you are ready to take your business to the next level. Deciding if hiring a food photographer is right for you seems like a two-part question. The first part, “Is it right for you?” is subjective to your individual needs and goals. The second, “Can you afford it?” is all about the math…

Hiring a food photographer will cost you

I’ve heard clients say, “I want a food photographer who is good, affordable and fast.” And my response is always, “Doesn’t exist.” We’ve all heard of the triangle: good, fast, cheap. Pick two.

If you want high-quality images fast, expect to pay more.
If you want high-quality and cheap, you’ll have to wait.
And if you want fast and cheap? Well… you’ll get crap.

You get what you pay for!
So pick two: Good, fast and cheap. 

A fantastic food photographer is worth their weight in gold. A talented food photographer will transform the image of your restaurant. They won’t just capture pretty pictures, they’ll capture pictures that tell a story and create an impression.

“Good enough” should never be enough. Just because someone took photos of their dinner does not mean they are a food photographer. 

Just as you would not choose a surgeon at random, so too should you choose a food photographer carefully.

You can always hire a cheaper food photographer

For every budget, there’s a photographer who fits, so the real question is what does “hiring a cheaper photographer” look like for you? Understanding and having a realistic budget for your expectations will help you answer that question. Know what you need.

The more you know about your project, the better prepared you will be when it comes time to hire a food photographer. For example, are you going through a rebranding process and need completely new images to reflect your new brand? Maybe you had photos taken in the past with an inexperienced photographer, but now you have a bigger budget and can afford to spend more on food photography. 

Or maybe you’re like John Hammond from Jurassic Park who “spares no expense,” willing to pay whatever it takes if the photographer’s style matches exactly what you envision. 

Whatever the case, the more you know about your budget, the more you can streamline the process of choosing a food photographer for your vision.

Take the DIY route, they said.

Taking the DIY route may feel like you’re saving your restaurant money, but what you’re saving in dollars you’re losing in time. And from one business owner to another, we can both agree that time is money and money is time.

Your food is your product. If it doesn’t look good, then no one will want to eat it. It’s simple math. You wouldn’t hire someone with zero cooking experience as your executive chef so why try and go the DIY route for your food photography needs? A professional food photographer will bring a level of expertise and attention to detail that you just can’t achieve yourself. 

There’s a big difference between an amateur shot and a professional photo – it’s like the difference between an amateur painting and a piece by Michelangelo – both are great in their own right, but one is far superior in terms of quality!

Hiring a food photographer for your food business shouldn’t even be an option but a must. Food photography is not only about the aesthetic appeal and art but it’s all about selling and marketing your product. If your potential customers cannot see how delicious and mouth-watering your food looks, they will probably not be interested in trying it.

Every restaurant needs great food photography. Telling a story about your brand helps you connect with customers and create trust. Are you doing everything possible to improve your business? Are you leaving money on the table? Are you taking advantage of every opportunity to make an impression on your guests? 

Not hiring a photographer can cost you in the end.

Let’s capture the essence of your menu, your food, and your culinary story. Book a call here.