Choosing the right food photographer can feel overwhelming.

Your food deserves to look as irresistible as it tastes, and your brand deserves to tell its story with visuals that connect with customers. In fact, studies show that people remember 80% of what they see compared to just 20% of what they read, making imagery one of the most powerful tools for growing your hospitality business.

But not every photographer will understand the unique challenges of food businesses. From styling and lighting to brand storytelling, the right photographer makes all the difference. Here are 10 questions to ask before hiring a food photographer, so you can feel confident your investment will bring results.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re thinking about investing in professional food photography for your café, restaurant, or hospitality brand here in Auckland.

First of all - how exciting! There’s nothing I love more than helping a business tell its story through imagery that makes people’s mouths water and their hearts connect.

But I know from speaking to my clients that hiring a food photographer can feel a little overwhelming. You want someone who gets your vision, understands your food, and delivers images that you’ll be proud to use across your menus, social media, and marketing.

So, here’s my honest, from-the-heart guide on what to look for when choosing your photographer, straight from my own experience working with hospitality photography clients across Auckland and beyond.

We all know that content is king, but not all content is created equal.

To build a strong, engaging, and credible brand, businesses need a strategic mix of both User-Generated Content (UGC) and professional photography & videography...it's that simple.

Each serves a unique role in marketing, and together, they create a powerful synergy that can drive brand awareness, trust, and conversions.

​But why? Let me explain...

As a full-time photographer, I work with a plethora of clients each with wild and wonderful unique briefs... which for the most part just click (no pun intended).

However, every so often you get scouted and given a brief that makes your heart SING! This was one of those briefs.
In all my shoots, my goal is to create and tell a unique story.

Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Clean Nutrition, a brand dedicated to premium, clean, and effective nutrition products, which for this gym lover was a dream!

My task? To bring their new products to life through both product and lifestyle imagery - a challenge I was more than excited to take on!

Work smarter not harder, right? 

In the competitive food and beverage world, captivating visuals are no longer optional—they are essential. Whether you are running a restaurant, a bakery, or an online food store, professional food photography can elevate your brand, boost sales, and save you valuable time.

Here’s why hiring a food photographer in 2025 is one of the smartest investments you can make for your business.