Behind the Scenes: Crafting Engaging Food & Beverage Visuals in Phoenix

Why Food & Beverage Photography Matters More Than Ever

In today’s market, high-quality visuals aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. Whether you’re running a restaurant, café, craft brewery, or packaged food brand, the right images and videos help drive engagement, attract customers, and sell products.

At KPL Studios LLC, we specialize in food and beverage photography and videography that captures the details, textures, and ambiance that make a brand stand out. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our approach, along with why great visuals are an investment, not an expense.

1. Setting the Scene: Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere

Every successful shoot starts with understanding the brand’s aesthetic, but before even setting up a light or styling a plate, the first step is assessing the ambient usable light in the space.

Before we shoot, we ask: What is here that we can use or work with that will inform the shoot?

Whether we’re on location at a restaurant, bar, or outdoor dining space, we evaluate:

• Natural light sources—Are there large windows, overhead skylights, or shaded outdoor areas?

• Existing artificial lighting—Are there warm Edison bulbs, LED strips, or neon signs that contribute to the atmosphere?

• Reflections and shadows—How do surfaces like glass, metal, or glossy plates interact with the available light?

This step informs every creative decision that follows, from whether to lean into the natural lighting or bring in key lights, diffusers, or bounce cards to enhance the mood.

For example, when shooting at Highball cocktail Lounge, we have incredible challenge of natural light coming through large windows. For most properties this isn’t a problem, but Highball is a candle lit bar that is not open during the day. In order to recreate their atmosphere we have to black out their windows and relight the room, taking their natural ambiance into account while focusing on the strengths of their beautiful space and bringing them into the forefront of what we create.

2. Mastering the Art of Food Styling

Food styling is a mix of resourcefulness, precision and real world experience. The way ingredients are plated, the balance of colors, and even small details like the right amount of steam rising from a dish all contribute to the final shot. Though there are times when budgetary restrictions will not allow us to hire a food stylist, we always recommend it as the results speak for themselves.

When to Hire a Food Stylist

If the goal is high-end photography / videography for a website, or any form of advertising including national ad campaigns, or any situation requiring complex plating, large scenes, talent, melted cheese, frosted glasses etc, a food stylist is critical to ensuring every element is meticulously arranged for the highest visual impact. They also have advanced techniques for extending the lifespan of dishes making sure they look the most visually appetizing allowing us to capture both photo and video assets while maximizing time and minimizing waste.

One of the very best in Phoenix is Joanna Meyer, whose expertise in food styling brings out the best in everything from fine dining plates to packaged food products. For brands looking for an extra level of detail, she’s always worth the extra investment.

3. The Role of Video in Food & Beverage Marketing

Photography captures a moment, but video brings food and drink to life. Motion tells a story, whether it’s the pour of a craft cocktail, the sizzle of a steak hitting the grill, or a slow-motion shot of sauce drizzling over a plated dish.

Short-form video content is one of the most effective ways to showcase food online. A well-produced Instagram Reel or TikTok video can highlight the textures and energy of a dish in a way that a still image can’t.

For Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, we shot a short-form video sequence that combined behind-the-scenes prep with plated beauty shots. The result was a high-engagement piece that felt immersive and authentic, helping them stand out in Phoenix’s competitive restaurant scene.

4. Why Consistency in Visual Branding Matters

A common mistake food and beverage brands make is using inconsistent photography across different platforms. If your menu photos look completely different from your website images, and your social media content is a mix of professional shots and low-quality phone pics, it weakens your brand identity.

A cohesive visual strategy ensures that whether customers see your food in an ad, on Instagram, or in a third-party delivery app, it always looks high quality and on-brand.

This is where recurring content creation comes in. A single photoshoot might get you great images, but brands that invest in monthly or quarterly content updates benefit from:

• Seasonal menu updates that stay relevant

• Fresh content for social media without scrambling for last-minute posts

• Higher engagement rates with visually appealing, consistent storytelling

A monthly or quarterly retainer with KPL Studios ensures your visuals evolve with your menu and marketing needs while maintaining a strong brand identity.

5. Emerging Trends in Food Photography & Video for 2025

The way people consume food content is shifting. A few trends that are gaining traction:

• Cinematic slow-motion shots for high-end, moody storytelling

• ASMR-style videos that emphasize texture and sound (crunch, sizzle, pour)

• Vertical video dominance—Instagram Reels and TikTok are outperforming traditional horizontal formats

• Darker, moodier aesthetics moving away from bright, over-lit imagery

• Hyper-realistic close-ups focusing on textures and details

Brands that keep up with these trends see higher engagement and a stronger online presence.

6. What’s the Best Way to Photograph Food for Social Media?

One of the most common questions we hear is "How can I take better food photos for Instagram and TikTok?"

Here are a few quick tips:

• Use natural light whenever possible. Avoid direct overhead lighting, which creates harsh shadows when not used properly.

• Focus on textures and movement. Capture drizzles, steam, and fresh ingredients in action.

• Frame your shots intentionally. A well-composed shot with clean backgrounds makes a huge difference.

• Edit professionally. Even subtle color corrections make food look more appealing.

Of course, the best way to ensure high-quality, on-brand visuals is to work with a professional food photographer who understands how to balance all these elements.

7. Custom Photo & Video Packages for Food & Beverage Brands

Whether you need a steady flow of content for social media or a full brand refresh, KPL Studios LLC offers customized food and beverage photography and videography packages tailored to your marketing needs.

Our services include:

• High-resolution food and drink photography

• Short-form video content for social media

• Professional food styling and lighting

• Full-scale video production for ads and digital marketing

Let’s make your food look as incredible as it tastes. Whether you need a one-time shoot or an ongoing content strategy, we can create visuals that drive results. Get in touch today.