Challenge

The project was capturing the essence of Ottawa's newest and most exciting restaurants for Ottawa Magazine's Food Issue 2022, each location with its own unique vibe and atmosphere. The difficulty lay in showcasing each restaurant's personality through photography while making sure that the images would truly "pop" and convey a sense of playfulness and joy. I had to photograph in restaurants I hadn't seen before, with the added complexity of working with people who aren’t always comfortable being photographed. Balancing the fun, colorful energy of each restaurant with the need to make the clients feel at ease in an unfamiliar environment was a significant challenge, especially given the expectations of delivering striking, vibrant images for a major feature.

Strategy

To overcome these obstacles, I leaned into creative framing and color to produce impactful, visually engaging photos. I knew that the key to success was emphasizing the vibrancy of each restaurant and its food. For this, I used direct flash to intensify the colors in the dishes, ensuring the food looked rich and appealing. Hands and props were incorporated to bring a sense of playfulness and interaction, highlighting the full tablescapes. I made sure to schedule time with the clients to ease them into the photoshoot, creating a comfortable atmosphere where they felt at ease in front of the camera. This approach allowed me to capture the essence of the restaurant without making anyone feel overwhelmed or self-conscious. By spending time with each restaurant, I could connect with the space, the people, and the overall atmosphere, which made the photos feel more natural and engaging.

Solution

The outcome of this approach was a series of images that not only captured the spirit of each restaurant but also showcased their playful, over-the-top qualities in a way that matched the vibrant, color-rich theme of the magazine feature. The photos were well-received by both the clients and the magazine, and the successful completion of this series marked a significant shift in my career—from single-photo assignments to full features, covers, and even international recognition. This project helped me establish myself in the industry, proving that with the right creative vision and approach, you can turn a simple food feature into something visually compelling and memorable.