#6 – Essential Gear For On-Location Food Photography

The world of commercial photography is complex & intense. Everything is at stake and the stakes are high.

I remember how nervous I was for my first restaurant photoshoot. Up until then I had worked with clients who sent me products at home.

I was in my comfortable space, had everything at my disposal, including time. I could shoot at my own pace. It was easy.

And then I was hired for my first restaurant shoot – my first commercial work in the true sense.

While celebrating, I was also sweating at the thought of executing a job on site, within a given time, covering the client’s requirements and delivering the quality I was hired for.

I was so nervous that I actually assembled my soft box from home, stuffed it in the backseat of my car and took it to the shoot to save time. Imagine!

The shoot went fine but could have been worse.

But then, there were a couple of shoots where I forgot to carry essential gear. That’s when I knew I had to be more organised.

Walking into a professional photoshoot in a new environment can be nerve wrecking. No matter how experienced we are, there are curve balls. And the only way to handle the curveballs is to have everything else sorted.

So here is the essential photography gear to carry to a photoshoot so it goes seamlessly.

1. Camera & batteries –

Obviously, a camera is essential but as important are extra batteries & a battery charger.  Photoshoots can easily run for 8-10 hours. As soon as one battery is done, plug it into the charger & resume the shoot with the second battery. That way if the second battery runs out, the first one is ready to use.

2. Lenses –

There were times I would carry 3 or more lenses to a shoot but then realised that based on the shoot list I already know what angles to shoot and how elaborate the scenes are. So, I began to carry lenses that were based on the style of shots.

For larger food scenes, I carry 24mm or 35mm or 50mm lenses (Nikon focal lengths). For product shots or for 45 degree photos I use 70mm to 105mm lenses.

I always carry the 50mm lens because it is so versatile. It is the one lens that never leaves my kit.

 3. Tripod –

Alright the third gear is tripod. This is an absolute must.

While tackling a 100 things during the shoot, imagine also handling your camera handheld.

A tripod gives you another pair of hands. I use a tripod with a horizontal arm for flatlays so that irrespective of angle, you have a tripod that works for all situations.

Once you set your tripod at the required camera angle, the food is placed in position, you can set the focus and shoot remotely to ensure sharp photos because blurry photos are a nightmare. The tripod is your best friend and I sure treat mine like it.

4. Tethering cable & laptop –

Shooting tethered gives you another pair of eyes. You can shoot remotely after setting the focus on your camera. There is no shake from the trigger so your photos will be sharp. Just click from your external application and the photo is on your screen.

I even do preliminary edits, check details & get the client’s approval on the spot by showing them the photo on the laptop vs. the tiny camera view finder.

Most clients really appreciate the process because there are no surprises in the end.

5. Artificial Light –

The next gear you may need is artificial light. This depends whether you have access to natural light. I like to be prepared for all those curve balls, which is why I suggest carrying a handy speed light. It’s small & doesn’t take much space. Carry a modifier like an umbrella or soft box and in case, natural light doesn’t work as planned you can just stylishly take out that flash from your bag, attach to a diffuser and impress your clients. They will love you for your skill.

6. Reflector –

Irrespective of whether you use natural or artificial light, as photographers we have to shape the light. I find the best light manipulators are black & white foam core boards. They are cheap, easy to handle, come in different sizes and do their job like no other. The black boards block light and white ones reflect the light to easily create the kind light required for the brand.

7. Light Stands –

Typically light stands are used to mount artificial light & diffuser but they can also be used to mount a backdrop or clip a reflector. Light stands are heavy and tall, so they’re tad hard to carry but they make you handsfree and you look Pro – what’s not to love!

These 7 items complete the basic photography gear for a photoshoot but your job scope may extend as the food stylist, for which you need food styling gear.

8. Props & backdrops –

Usually, the food stylist is responsible for setting the scene unless there is a prop stylist on the set too. It really comes down to your job scope. If you’re the prop stylist & food stylist & photographer then props and backdrops are your responsibility unless the client is providing them.

9. Food styling kit –

If you are the food stylist for the job, you need a food styling kit.  Spoons, tissues, sprays etc. there is an entire list of items that would be required to style the food because food stylists are in charge of how the food is prepared and goes in front of the camera. Food styling gear is packed separately & in addition to photography gear.

It is best to create a checklist, covering even the smallest of gear, and keeping the photography gear list separate from food styling list.

It is as important to cross-check the list before leaving for a shoot because being prepared allows you to walk into a shoot with confidence, keep calm, tackle curveballs & create the best quality work possible on-location. Who wouldn’t want that?

If you’re looking to come up with your own photography process, streamlining your workflow, getting efficient & saving time, checkout my free guide called the 10-step photoshoot right here.