Shaun's Blog

As a professional food photographer in Johannesburg, I recently received an enquiry that went like this:

“We need to shoot 70 dishes on day one, and 40 styled drinks on day two. Please send a quote.”

The short answer? No. And here’s why.

Food photography isn’t just about snapping quick pictures. A big part of my work is helping clients understand what goes into a successful food or restaurant photography shoot. Whether it's styled plates for a restaurant menu or product photography for a food brand, each image takes planning, creativity, and a lot of attention to detail.

There’s food styling – handled by a dedicated food stylist, as well as lighting, composition, test shots, and post-production. Every photo is carefully designed to make your dishes look absolutely irresistible. Because great food imagery doesn’t just look good – it helps sell your food!

You’ll see food photography everywhere – from printed menus and cookbooks to social media, websites, and marketing campaigns. It helps people visualise the dish and serves as a powerful tool for branding and promotion. Whether you're launching a new restaurant, revamping your menu, or growing your online presence, strong visuals are essential.

And the truth is, getting those mouth-watering shots takes time. Editing and retouching are just as important as the shoot itself. Without them, even the best food styling can fall flat.

On a typical day, we aim to shoot 8 to 10 fully styled dishes. That gives us time to finesse every detail – from how the garnish and chips are placed, to how the sauce reflects light. Trying to photograph 70 dishes in a single day isn’t just unrealistic. It’s impossible! Just setting up the photographic gear takes an hour, and breaking down the set takes another.

I’ve worked on rushed shoots before, where the food came straight from the kitchen and we flew through the shot list. The results? A disaster! I didn’t include a single photo in my portfolio, because they didn’t meet the standard I hold myself to.

If you’re investing in professional food photography, it’s important to treat it like any other investment in your business. Just as you invest in your space, your team, and your equipment, you should invest in high quality food imagery. Great restaurant photography helps build trust, tell your story, and make your food impossible to ignore.

In a world flooded with quick, cheap photography, there’s something to be said for the kind of image that makes someone stop and look twice. Architectural photography, when done right, does more than show a space. It captures the feeling, the craftsmanship, the light, and the story behind every design decision.

Too often in South Africa, property owners settle for low-cost real estate photography that delivers quick results, but little substance – quantity over quality. These images are often rushed, overexposed and lacks attention to detail. That approach might work for listings, but it falls short for luxury hotels, boutique lodges, and architect-designed spaces that deserve more.

As an approved Marriott luxury hotel and architectural photographer based in Johannesburg, I approach each project with care and precision. My process involves shooting 3 to 5 exposure brackets per image to capture the full range of light and detail, followed by manual blending and high-end retouching in Photoshop. On average, each image takes between 1 to 2 hours to perfect. This is hotel and lodge photography at international standards – not the kind of work that can be done in a rush.

High-end hospitality and architectural photography is a time-intensive art. It’s about creating images that reflect the true mood of a space – from the way morning light filters through sheer curtains to the warm textures of bespoke interiors. These images are essential for marketing luxury properties in a competitive tourism market like South Africa’s.

Whether you're a hotelier in Johannesburg, a game lodge in Mpumalanga, or an architect showcasing a signature project, professional architectural photography gives your space the attention it deserves – and helps you attract the right clientele.

Drone photography and videography have taken the industry by storm. Everyone wants aerial shots to keep up with the trends and showcase landscapes, real estate, events, and corporate projects; however, South Africa has strict drone regulations, making it crucial to hire a licensed professional for legal compliance, safety, and high quality results. Here’s why:

1. Flying Without a Licence is Illegal

In South Africa, operating a drone for commercial purposes without a valid Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) and SACAA registration is against the law. Unlicensed operators put clients at risk of legal consequences.

2. Legal Risks and Penalties

Hiring an unlicensed drone operator can lead to fines or legal action. Businesses using illegally obtained drone footage may also face penalties, making it vital to work with a licensed professional.

3. Safety and Risk Management

Licensed drone operators undergo extensive training to ensure safe flying, comply with airspace regulations, and avoid accidents. Untrained operators increase the risk of crashes, property damage, and injury.

4. Higher Quality Footage and Professional Expertise

A licensed drone photographer provides superior aerial imagery, using advanced equipment and professional editing techniques. Amateurs may lack the expertise needed for high-end video production.

5. Access to Restricted Airspace

Certain areas, such as cities, airports, and nature reserves require special permissions for drone flights. Licensed operators can obtain these permits legally, while unlicensed drone users risk fines or having footage confiscated.

6. The Cost of Hiring a Licensed Professional

Professional drone photography may cost more due to certification, insurance, and legal compliance; however, the risks of hiring an unlicensed operator far outweigh any potential savings.

7. Professional Equipment for Outstanding Results

Licensed drone operators use state-of-the-art drones and specialist equipment to deliver exceptional aerial content, ensuring seamless post-production editing for the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

As a professional photographer and videographer based in Johannesburg, South Africa, maintaining your camera's sensor is just as important as mastering composition and lighting. Regular sensor cleaning and pixel mapping ensure every shot is free from unwanted artifacts, delivering the best possible image quality for your clients. This is one of the reasons I shoot with the Nikon system. Nikon has a free, professional camera sensor cleaning service so that you don’t accidentally damage your sensitive camera sensor.

The Importance of Sensor Cleaning

Your camera's sensor is the heart of image capture, and any dust or debris can lead to unwanted spots in your photos or videos. This is especially problematic for product photography, fashion photography, and corporate videography, where precision is key. Ever heard someone at a photoshoot say, "We'll fix it in post"? Well, Photoshopping elements you could have avoided will cost extra time and money (or even a good reputation) – especially if you’re on a tight deadline.

Why Regular Sensor Cleaning Matters:

Prevents Dust Spots: Tiny particles show up as dark spots, especially in skies or light backgrounds.

Improves Image Clarity: A clean sensor ensures sharper, more professional results.

Reduces Post-Processing Time: Fixing dust spots in editing is tedious and time-consuming.

Essential for High Resolution Shoots: Dust is more noticeable on high resolution cameras.

What is Pixel Mapping?

I only heard of this term a few years ago. Over time, camera sensors may develop stuck pixels, which appear as bright or dead spots. Pixel mapping is a process where the camera identifies and compensates for these faulty pixels, ensuring seamless, high quality images or footage.

Benefits of Pixel Mapping:

Removes Hot Pixels: Prevents bright or dead pixels from ruining perfect images.

Extends Sensor Lifespan: Helps maintain the integrity of your camera.

Ensures Uniform Image Quality: Ideal for food photography, hotel photography, and professional headshots.

Maintenance Schedule

Sensor Cleaning: Every few months, or whenever you notice spots.

Pixel Mapping: At least once a year, or if you start noticing stuck pixels.

Conclusion

As a professional photographer, I always make sure to deliver images in the right format for their final use. Using the wrong format can lead to dull colours on screens or bad quality prints. That’s why it’s important to know which file type works best.

I always begin by shooting in RAW format, which allows me to retain more flexibility during post-processing. I then develop the final images to infuse them with my unique style. For digital purposes, I export images in sRGB format to ensure accurate display on various online platforms, including websites and social media. However, when working with high resolution displays or printing, RGB files provide a broader colour palette. If you’re sending files to a printing company, converting them to CMYK is crucial to achieve the desired colour accuracy.

Understanding colour spaces is crucial for professional photographers. Clients expect high quality images, whether it’s for corporate branding, hotel photography, or product shots. Getting the colours right means businesses maintain consistent branding, prints look sharp on billboards or packaging, and online content stays vibrant and true to life. Clients don’t always understand the technical jargon.

When I deliver photos, I usually send two folders – one with sRGB files for digital use and another with RGB files for printing. In some cases, I also provide DNG RAW files or high res TIFFs, depending on what my clients need.

Choosing the right file format and colour profile makes all the difference in how your images look. Whether you need photos for web, print, or commercial use, I ensure they’re delivered in the best possible quality.

Based in Johannesburg, I have the privilege of photographing a diverse array of culinary delights. Collaborating closely with esteemed food stylist Anna Montali over the years has allowed us to craft captivating images. Recently, our work together graced the pages of Food & Home magazine's March 2020 edition, featuring Italian biscotti. Renowned for their Tuscan roots and unique twice-baked preparation, these biscuits seamlessly blend centuries-old tradition with contemporary culinary appeal.

The Art of Baking

Biscotti, or "twice-cooked" in Italian, are first baked as logs, sliced, and then baked again to achieve their crispiness. This method enhances their texture and extends their shelf life, perfect for pairing with coffee or dessert wine.

Flavours and Versatility

While traditional biscotti feature almonds and anise, modern variations include chocolate-hazelnut and cranberry-orange, catering to diverse tastes and occasions.

Capturing Culinary Beauty

Photographing these biscuits in a simple glass jar highlighted their golden-brown hues and almond adornments. It was a joy to showcase their rustic charm through my lens.

Try It Yourself

For those inspired to bake, the magazine's recipe offers a straightforward way to recreate these timeless treats at home. With minimal ingredients and patience, you can indulge in the flavors of Italy.

Conclusion

Want to know the secret sauce for turning browsers into buyers? It's all about those gorgeous product snaps!

In our snap-happy digital world, brilliant product photography isn't just nice – it's essential! While your smartphone camera might seem handy, a professional touch can make your merchandise absolutely pop off the screen and make your product more legit.

Why Pro Product Photography Matters

Trust Builder

Crystal clear, professional images show customers you mean business! No more dodgy, dim, distorted photos scaring away potential sales!

Expert Eye

We know exactly how to play with lighting and angles to make your products look irresistible – whether it's beautiful leather handbags, a new perfume or skincare products.

Sales Booster

Gorgeous product images help customers visualise your items in their lives, leading to more confident clicks on that "buy now" or “add to cart” button!

Brand Consistency

Stand out in the busy South African marketplace with a consistent, professional look across all your products.

Platform Perfect

We'll make sure your images look stunning everywhere – from your website to Instagram to Takealot.

Don't faff about with DIY photography that eats up your precious time. Let a professional product photographer capture your merchandise in its best light!

These days your headshot is often the first thing people see – whether it's on LinkedIn, your company website, or business branding. A high quality headshot can make all the difference, setting you apart from the competition. While snapping a quick selfie might seem like a cheap and easy option, a professional headshot photographer gives you a polished, high quality image that reflects your brand and personality. Here’s why it’s worth the investment.

A pro photographer knows all about lighting, angles, and how to get the best out of you. No more awkward shadows, bad framing or distorted lenses – just a clean, well-lit shot that makes you look confident and approachable. In a competitive market, a great headshot boosts your credibility and helps you stand out, whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or freelancer.

Good lighting can make or break a headshot. Professionals know exactly how to position the lights to flatter your features and create a natural, professional look. They also ensure the right composition, so your face is framed perfectly without any distractions in the background.

A headshot isn’t just a photo – it’s part of your personal brand. Whether you want to look authoritative, approachable, or creative, a professional can help choose the best expressions, clothing, and background to match your goals. Trying to DIY a headshot might sound easy, but getting a high-end result takes the right equipment, setup, and editing skills. A pro photographer takes care of everything, saving you time and frustration.

People trust businesses and professionals who present themselves well. A sharp, balanced headshot makes you look more professional, helping you connect better with potential clients, employers, and business partners. First impressions matter – so make yours count with a professional headshot.

Need professional headshots?

In today’s digital world, good photos are more important than ever. Whether you own a small business, run a startup, or work in a corporate environment, high quality images make a big difference in how people see your brand. Hiring a professional photographer can help you attract more customers, improve your marketing, and give your business a polished look. Here’s why investing in professional photography is a smart move.

1. First Impressions Count

Your brand’s first impression often comes from images – on your website, social media, or adverts. Poor quality photos can make your business look unprofessional, while crisp, well-lit images help you stand out and build trust with customers.

2. Professional Quality Makes a Difference

A professional photographer has the right skills, experience, and equipment to take high quality images. They know how to use lighting, angles, and composition to create photos that showcase your business in the best way possible.

3. A Consistent Look for Your Brand

Consistency is key when it comes to branding. A professional photographer ensures that all your images have the same look and feel, making your brand more recognisable and memorable.

4. Better Engagement and More Sales

People engage more with professional photos on social media, websites, and adverts. Studies show that businesses using high quality images get more likes, shares, and clicks. This can lead to more sales, followers, and loyal customers.

5. Photos You Can Use Everywhere

When you invest in professional photography, you get a collection of quality images that you can use for different marketing purposes. Whether it’s for your website, business cards, social media, or advertising, great photos add value to your brand.

6. Showcasing Your Business in the Best Light

A professional photographer knows how to highlight your products, team, and workspace to attract customers. Whether you need corporate headshots, product photography, or office images, they will make sure everything looks professional and inviting.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a professional photographer is one of the best things you can do for your brand. High quality images help you build trust, create a great first impression, and boost engagement. If you want your business to stand out, professional photography is the way to go.

📸 From Childhood Dreams to Billboard Scenes 🌟

Since I was an eight-year-old boy, I've been captivated by the magic of seeing my captures come to life on paper. From those humble beginnings, where I first played with a basic film camera, to becoming the editor of my school newspaper, I've always felt drawn to the art of storytelling through images. As I honed my craft, I ventured into the world of news and magazine photography, where each frame became a narrative waiting to be shared. And now, to witness my work displayed on massive billboards nation wide, seen by millions passing by, is a dream realised. From that little boy with a camera to this moment now, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. 🌟 

What does it take to photograph a burger for a menu or a billboard?

A lot of planning, a lot of photographic gear, lighting, light modifiers, a big enough studio, a food stylist, a food photographer with a good camera, lenses, a fast enough computer, a tether cable, a light meter, blah blah blah… 

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