What to Look For in a Food Photographer: 7 Things That Make a Difference

When it comes to hiring a food photographer in Manchester or anywhere in the UK, it can be hard to know what to look for. With so many portfolios out there, how do you find the right person who not only takes great photos, but also understands your brand, your product - and how to make your food sell?

As a UK food and product photographer working with national brands, publishing houses, and on commercial campaigns, I’ve learned that it’s not just about the camera. Here are 7 key things that really make a difference when choosing a food photographer for your next project:

1. A Portfolio That Matches Your Style

Photography is personal - and so is your brand. Look for a portfolio that feels aligned with the tone and aesthetic of your business. Whether it’s rustic and natural, colourful and playful, or sleek and editorial, the right food photographer UK should already be working in a style that fits your vision.

Tip: Can you imagine your product or dish in their portfolio? That’s a good sign.

2. Experience With Food (Not Just Photography)

Working with food isn’t the same as shooting fashion or headshots. A professional North West food photographer understands how food behaves under lights, how quickly it wilts or melts, and how to style it to look fresh and irresistible on camera. Experience matters - especially when time is tight on set.

3. A Dedicated Studio (and the Right Tools)

A food photography studio means more control over lighting, space for props, and professional equipment to get the best out of your shoot. Whether you’re photographing for packaging, web, or social content, a studio gives you flexibility and consistency - especially if you want ongoing content that matches your brand.

4. Strong Pre-Shoot Planning

The best results come from a clear plan and pre-production. A good photographer will ask about your goals, help with the brief, advise on styling, and sometimes even help source props or food stylists. If you’re a business owner or marketing manager, that collaborative input is priceless - and it saves you time.

5. Professional Retouching and Consistent Editing

Clean editing, colour-matching, and consistent finishing are crucial in food photography - especially when you’re using images across web, print, and packaging. Ask what’s included in the post-production process, and make sure their editing style aligns with your brand’s look.

6. Clear Communication and Reliability

This might sound simple, but clear, timely communication is a huge asset. When you’re juggling a campaign, a menu launch or a rebrand, you need someone who can stick to deadlines, troubleshoot calmly, and keep things running smoothly. Reliability goes a long way.

7. Understanding of Commercial and Brand Needs

More than anything, you want a photographer who gets what your images need to achieve - whether it’s increasing online orders, launching a new product, or elevating your brand’s presence. The best UK food and product photographers think beyond the photo and focus on results.

Choosing the right food photographer isn’t just about finding pretty pictures - it’s about working with someone who brings experience, consistency, and creative direction to the table. Whether you’re a restaurant in Manchester, a producer in the North West, or a national brand looking for fresh content, finding the right fit can make all the difference to your visual storytelling.

If you’re looking for a food photographer in Manchester or across the UK, I’d love to hear about your next project. You can explore my portfolio here, or get in touch via our Contact page for a chat about how we can bring your food to life on camera.