Taking pictures in restaurants

[viaChgo]

For all those who take pictures in restaurants, what is your method? Do you ask if it's ok or do you just do it inconspicuously? I assume no flash though.

I have a really small Pentax Optio S, so I was thinking of bringing it along to places in case I'd like to post a review.

What do you all think?

[Carolyn Tillie]

I usually don't ask -- I just pull my camera out and start shooting, with flash if needed.

More often than not, it invokes a positive response.

I've never been asked NOT to take pictures!

[docsconz]

I enjoy photographing artfully presented dishes or particularly memorable situations when I can. i do so without flash, however, so as to be as unobtrusive as possible. depending on the available lighting that isn't always possible. In those situations I forego the photography and rely on my (very) faulty memory for detail.

[beans]

In fact, I've been asked if I would share a duplicate with the restaurant. It has always been very positive, in my experience as well.

[phaelon56]

In "nicer" establishments it would seem appropriate to do this discreetly with no flash simpely as a measure of courtesy for maintaining the ambiance that people are enjoying and paying for. If a particular situation calls for use of a flash, I'd do as others have suggested and check with the server or manager. It seems that nearly all places love free publicity - if you're taking pics of the food it generally means you're impressed with and enjoying it - the fact that the pics might eb posted in a public forum along with favorable comments should make any restarauteur even mor favorably disposed.

[tommy]

i could probably deal with a few flash bulbs at March or Jean Georges in NYC for example (both are upscale restaurants). i would think that a flash for every course might get a little old after a while.

conversely, i wouldn't think flashes in Dallas BBQ or Carmines would be a bother at all, regardless of their frequency.

aside from that, i'm looking forward to watching this thread quickly degenerate into a big pile of shit.

Edited February 3, 2004 by tommy (log)

[Mayhaw Man]

After a couple of days of watching Jason P. photograph my food (which isn't too bad after the first course, but it can be kind of rough when you sit down and are starving ) I would say that the light ring rig he uses is the least obtrusive way that I have seen to take photos in crowded restaurants. It focuses the light just where it is needed and allows you to (more or less I think) take one good shot instead of three or four just in case you screwed up the first or the second.

Fabulous Food Fotos

[Holly Moore]

I used to use a Fuji MX-2700 which was fairly inconspicuous. I've traded up to a Canon G5 (a wonderful camera) and am now much more obvious.

For the pics I take for HollyEats.Com I rarely ask unless I'm hoping to shoot pictures of the place's bbq pit or grill from behind the counter or in the kitchen. The reason I don't ask is I don't want special treatment nor do I want them to feel obligated to comp me or to think I am expecting free food. This does cause problems as sometimes people think I am trying to rip off their menu or copy their decor. Often they are curious and if they ask I tell them. On a few occasions I have been challenged and asked to not take any more pictures. When that happens I comply with interior pictures, but shoot away outside.

In finer dining venues, it depends on the lighting. If I don't need a flash, or if a flash wouldn't spoil the mood, I don't ask. When it will I ask. As I have posted elsewhere, best handling of such a request was by Trio. They offered to bring my camera into the kitchen where Chef Grant or other staff would snap photos. A mixed blessing. I got some great pics and some pics I wouldn't have otherwise been able to take. But, probably because they weren't used to my camera or to food photography, some of the pictures were not as good as I would have liked.

[MichaelB]

I can honestly say that I have never taken a camera into an open restaurant -- and hope I can always say that. I have found any photography by diners around me to be between mildly annoying and my feeling an almost uncontrollable desire to crush the camera under my heel.

I recall a particular night at the Inn at Little Washington where the guests one tableover photgraphed the food, the food arriving, the staff removing plates, everything. I really wanted that camera! I also asked members of the staff (later) about it. They felt thisparticular guest affected service in that part of the dining room.

Come on, people. This is only food after all. You eat it -- that's what the people in the back prepared it for. It is not some sort of talisman whose soul I can capture with a photo.

[viaChgo]

I recall a particular night at the Inn at Little Washington where the guests one tableover photgraphed the food, the food arriving, the staff removing plates, everything.  I really wanted that camera!  I also asked members of the staff (later) about it.  They felt thisparticular guest affected service in that part of the dining room.

I think that's a little over-the-top. I think discreetly photographing the course at your table is a good way to remember what you had...especially in multi-course tasting menus with complex dishes. There was a great review of Trio in this thread where the use of photos greatly enhanced the review. Also, I wish I had my camera for my recap of my recent dinner at Moto.

[tanabutler]

I've never been asked not to photograph, either. I do it all the time, discreetly, and I would not likely use a flash if I were somewhere fancy. I've got a Canon G3 Powershot, and one of the modes allows for little ambient lighting, and it gives everything a lovely golden glow. It also has a great macro mode on it, which allows for super-close focus. I can't stand out of focus up-close food shots, and won't post them unless they're clear. And I enjoy those people here who have shared good photographs of their food.

I try to be very discreet, and the Canon assists in that regard with its swivel-around viewfinder on the back. I can position the camera down or to my side, so that I am not facing anyone who might be in the picture. People react in a variety of ways if they've got a camera pointed in their direction. (I'm not talking about photographing food here, but the general ambience of the place.)

I photograph for multiple reasons: to get better, to share with foodie friends, and to enhance my portfolio. It's a great boon to have a "Will Work for Viddles" sign around my neck.

That Trio write-up you linked to is just awesome and inspirational, viaChgo. Thank you: I would have missed it otherwise.

[viaChgo]

Serious kudos to jeffj for that Trio write up. It's what inspired me to consider bringing the camera along.

[budrichard]

Just tell me where you are going to be in the Chicago-Milwaukee area when you start photographing your food because you seriously don't want to do it when I am around. It appears to me that a number of individuals have lost sight of what fine dining is or was and elevated the food and the chef to 'cult' status rather than having a good time with people having good conversation. -Dick

[docsconz]

It appears to me that a number of individuals have lost sight of what fine dining is or was and elevated the food and the chef to 'cult' status rather than having a good time with people having good conversation. -Dick

They are not mutually exclusive. Having an interest in the food beyond simply putting it in one's mouth is part of what makes dining fun. The ability to share the experience better with like-minded individuals also helps enhance the experience, which is one reason many of us enjoy eGullet.

[tanabutler]

Thanks, Doc.

[Random Alias]

I wonder if something like this might help in low light situations where you didn't want to use a flash:

REI Ultrapod II

It's just small tripod that stands about 8 inches tall, folds up pretty small.

[Schneier]

Just take the pictures. Don't worry about it.

I've never seen anyone complain. I've seen people look amused, but never complain.

Bruce

[robyn]

Just take the pictures.  Don't worry about it.

I've never seen anyone complain.  I've seen people look amused, but never complain.

Bruce

Perhaps they thought you were a member of the press. Or they were shy about complaining in a supposedly high class place.

If this is a poll - I vote no. I will accept the occasional shot of everyone at the table to celebrate the wedding/anniversary/birthday/family get-togther/whatever. But if someone wants to shoot a meal from start to finish - they should start a career as a professional photographer and do their food shoots in a studio.

By the way - if I had been seating near you - I would have asked the restaurant to move me to an equally good or better table far away from you - or - if that was impossible - to shut you down. Robyn

[Holly Moore]

Just tell me where you are going to be in the Chicago-Milwaukee area when you start photographing your food because you seriously don't want to do it when I am around.

OK - I'll probably be in Chicago in May for the NRA show and in August for another convention. Should we coordinate schedules or simply risk an accidental encounter and hope it doesn't come to words or blows?

It appears to me that a number of individuals have lost sight of what fine dining is or was and elevated the food and the chef to 'cult' status rather than having a good time with people having good conversation

Most of the time I take pictures for my web site. Some have then been purchased for publication. So I claim at least a quasi-professional/journalistic entitlement. But those are not fine dining restaurants. Well a place like Superdawg is indeed fine dining, but probably not what most consider to be fine dining. And I do believe that some of the grill men, beef dippers, hot dog steamers and chicken fryers and their gastronomic artistry do indeed merit cult status.

I also often photograph my occasional foray into the world of high cuisine. I do it for a few reasons. Mostly for the memory, the opportunity to re-savor a meal at some point down the road. Also for reference in case I am later stirred to take pen in hand and share my meal with others. And of course to gloatingly show off the meal to hopefully envious friends.

And fortunately, having mastered the simulataneous skills of gum chewing and walking many years ago, I am able to take pictures, offer sparkling conversation, have a good time, chew food and sip liquids all in the course of a meal.

[tommy]

aside from that, i'm looking forward to watching this thread quickly degenerate into a big pile of shit.

i'll give it 10 more posts.

[beans]

But if someone wants to shoot a meal from start to finish - they should start a career as a professional photographer and do their food shoots in a studio.

I do not agree.

Because I want to photograph beautifully plated food from a memorable meal from the likes of Trotter's from beginning to end I should launch a career as a professional photographer? Really?

[Mayhaw Man]

As someone who spent twenty four hours watching someone else (and actively aiding and abetting) take pictures I can't say that I found the technique used particularly annoying. Thinking back on it, the few people who did ask why these photos were being taken usually were more interested in egullet (after they were offered an explanation) than anything else. Jason is good at it and fairly unobtrusive (not that he is particularly worried about it , he just happens to be that way).

I have been in Galitoire's many times when there were people taking pictures of their food. There is nowhere in New Orleans where you are likely to find a more staid traditional bunch whooping it up over milk punch and old fashions than at this old warhorse of a traditional N.O. dining spot. I have never seen anyone complain about it. Most of the old hands (and in some cases the hands are very old indeed) seem to be, if anything, mildly amused by the folks (tourists) doing it and often it just opens up the chance for intertable communications ( major sport at Galitoire's).

There have been some things that I wish I had a photo of, particularly spectacularly plated deserts. Sometimes they are a little hard to put into words and visual aids are always helpful.

[tanabutler]

I wonder if something like this might help in low light situations where you didn't want to use a flash:

REI Ultrapod II

It's just small tripod that stands about 8 inches tall, folds up pretty small.

That's a great link, Random Alias.

I have used all kinds of things as "tripods" (anything to steady the camera), including wine glasses, plates, the back of a fork, and so on. Those odd angles have given me some good shots, though.

I emphasize that I am unobtrusive with my camera. It doesn't make any noise at all, and I don't stand up and move around to photograph things. But I do take my Director's chair and a megaphone everywhere I go.

Is that a problem, Robyn?

[edsel]

After a couple of days of watching Jason P. photograph my food (which isn't too bad after the first course, but it can be kind of rough when you sit down and are starving ) I would say that the light ring rig he uses is the least obtrusive way that I have seen to take photos in crowded restaurants. It focuses the light just where it is needed and allows you to (more or less I think) take one good shot instead of three or four just in case you screwed up the first or the second.

Fabulous Food Fotos

ha! must be far less obnoxious than the ringlight I used to use. 400 watt-seconds could stun a moose at forty paces!.

Regarding the discrete vs intrusive theme, I'd say that much depends on your relations with the wait-staff and surrounding diners. Try gathering everyone 'round for a group picture. Then snap a pic of the food. No-one will be the wiser.

[budrichard]

It appears I am the only one of the posters that has any bona fide professional credentials in Photography. I worked as a photojournalist at one time for the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison Wisconsin. As such, one has to photograph individuals in all sorts of conditions from happy(first child born in the New Year is a standard pic) to sad(death from accident or possesions lost due to fire are examples). One learns that are simply some times when one is in a group setting where photographing will affect others around you. It is very crass to think that this will not bother someone and I can do as I want. Asking permission is your best choice and gennerally works quite well. Amatuer photogrpahers are generally loath to approach someone they would like to photograpah, whereas professionals learn to do it. Professionals also know when and where they can and cannot legally photograph.

If you assume that you can do what ever you want, where ever you want, then you are arragant. If you respect others around you, then you will ask first and if the response is negative, you will not intrude. -Dick