High-quality images are a cornerstone of successful restaurant marketing, but how much should you expect to pay for them? Whether refreshing your menu or planning a rebrand, understanding restaurant photography pricing helps you budget wisely and maximise your return on investment.
In this guide, we break down the costs, inclusions, and considerations around hiring a professional photographer for your restaurant.
Why Restaurant Photography Matters
Before delving into numbers, it’s worth restating why food photography for restaurants is so important. Beautiful imagery:
- Builds trust with potential diners
- Increases menu conversions online and in-person
- Enhances brand identity and professionalism
As explored in our post on how famous food photographers have shaped the industry, the right image can define the mood of your entire brand.
Factors That Influence Restaurant Photography Pricing
The cost of restaurant photography can vary significantly depending on a few key factors:
- Experience and reputation of the photographer
- Shoot duration and number of images required
- Styling needs and props
- Location and lighting conditions
- Post-production editing time
- Licensing and image usage rights
Packages may also vary based on whether you’re looking for basic shots or full-scale commercial restaurant photography for websites, print, and advertising.
Average Commercial Restaurant Photography Rates
While every project is unique, here’s a general range for menu photography pricing in the UK:
| Type of Photography | Average Cost Range | What’s Included |
| Basic Shoot (1–2 hours) | £99–£200 | 20–30 edited images, on-location setup |
| Half-Day Shoot | £300–£500 | 30–50 edited images, basic styling, light editing |
| Full-Day Shoot | £500–£1,000+ | 50+ edited images, full styling, advanced editing |
These are ballpark figures — costs may rise with complexity, urgency, or specialised post-production requirements. More pricing details can be found in our article on food photography pricing for restaurants and cafés.
What’s Typically Included in the Price?
Most professional packages for restaurant photography include:
- Pre-shoot consultation to understand your brand and goals
- Styling and setup assistance to make each dish look its best
- Use of professional equipment (cameras, lighting, backdrops)
- On-location photography in your restaurant or studio
- Post-production editing (colour correction, background clean-up)
- Usage rights for social media, menus, and web
Always clarify what’s included in your quote, and ensure usage rights meet your marketing needs.
Budgeting for Restaurant Photography
When budgeting for restaurant photography, consider:
- How often do you update your menu or branding
- How many platforms do you need images for (web, social, print)
- Your long-term content strategy
It’s often better to invest in a half-day shoot to create a bank of assets that can be repurposed throughout the year.
A professional image can last for months or years and bring significantly more engagement than low-quality or outdated content.
Hiring Professional Photographers at Splento
Fast, Reliable, Affordable
At Splento, we make it easy for restaurants to book professional food photographers with confidence. Our services are designed to be:
- Affordable – Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Fast – Edited images delivered in 24 hours
- Flexible – Shoots tailored to your location, menu, and goals
Whether you need a simple refresh or a full brand overhaul, our network of experienced photographers is ready to help. All Splento photographers are trained in food styling and understand the unique demands of restaurant shoots.
For more on choosing the right professional, see our articles on what sets the best food photographers apart and what to look for in a photography portfolio.
Conclusion
Investing in restaurant photography is essential in building a strong food brand. By understanding pricing structures and knowing what’s included, you can plan strategically and ensure your images work hard for your business.
Professional visuals attract more customers, improve menu performance, and strengthen your online presence. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant or updating your marketing assets, working with a skilled food photographer is a worthwhile investment.
FAQ
- How much does professional restaurant photography typically cost?
Prices range from £99 for a basic shoot to over £1,000 for full-day packages with advanced editing and styling. - What should I ask a food photographer before booking?
Ask about their portfolio, what’s included in the price, turnaround time, usage rights, and experience with similar venues or dishes. - How many photos will I receive from a typical shoot?
This varies, but most professional shoots deliver 30–50 edited images, depending on the package and time allocated.