Fitchn - Bright & Bold Photography Ideas
As a Twin Cities restaurant photographer, I’m constantly on the lookout for fresh and exciting ways to capture the essence of eateries in our bustling metro area. Today, I want to share a behind-the-scenes look at one of my latest projects. I had an absolute blast working on a shoot for Fitchn—a new health and wellness restaurant that just opened in downtown Minneapolis.
When Fitchn’s team reached out for their core imagery to launch their website, I knew this was the perfect playground to unleash some bright and bold photography compositions. Let’s dive into the creative process that made this project a success!
A Vibrant Journey Behind the Lens
First, what's Fitchn all about? Imagine a "fit kitchen" serving up a flavor-packed array of juices, elixirs, grain bowls, salads, and pita wraps. Their website was like a blank canvas just waiting for a splash of color, and I was eager to dive in with some fresh photography ideas.
Embracing Bright and Bold Photography
One of the key elements of this shoot was the use of bright, bold photography. This style is all about using solid colors, vibrant editing, a mix of lifestyle and studio shots, and hard shadows that mimic natural sunlight. Here’s a glimpse into how we brought this vision to life for Fitchn.
Solid Colors and Vibrant Editing
Solid colors are the backbone of bright and bold photography. They help create a clean, modern look that makes each dish pop. For Fitchn, we chose a palette that complemented their brand’s fresh, healthy vibe. Bold greens, vibrant yellows, and deep reds were some of our go-to brand colors.
When it came to editing, the goal was to enhance these colors without overdoing it. We aimed for a balance that kept the images looking natural yet undeniably striking. The result? Photos that practically jump off the screen!
Mixing Lifestyle and Studio Shots
To capture the essence of Fitchn, we decided on a blend of lifestyle imagery and studio product shots. Lifestyle shots help tell the story of the brand. We wanted to show people enjoying Fitchn’s offerings in a natural, relatable way. Although the lifestyle images aren't truly candid, they do involve realistic elements, like someone drizzling dressing over a salad and another folding up a taco to take a bite. It's not hard to imagine yourself doing the same. The key to incorporating models in bright compositions is to keep them minimal so as not to detract from the bold statement. You don't want too much going on in the frame. The simpler, the better.
On the flip side, we also set up some studio shots where we could control every element to highlight the intricate details of the dishes. The studio allows for close-ups of textures and colors, making the food appear tangible, as if you could reach out and take a bite.
This mix provided a well-rounded view that’s both aspirational and accessible.
Hard Shadows for a Fresh Sunlit Look
Now, let's talk about one of my favorite elements from this shoot: hard shadows. By mimicking natural sunlight, we created depth and dimension that made the images feel vibrant and full of life. I strategically positioned our light sources to create shadows that added a dynamic element to each shot. Hard shadows can add a touch of drama and sophistication, perfect for Fitchn’s modern and health-driven aesthetic. Picture a juicy, colorful grain bowl with a sharp shadow cast by the sunlight streaming in through a window—pure magic! It’s a technique that, when done right, can transform ordinary photos into extraordinary ones.
Collaborating with the Dream Team
This project was also a fantastic collaboration with some incredible local talent. Brooke Faudree, the food stylist, brought her expertise to the table, ensuring every dish looked camera-ready and mouth-wateringly delicious. We also had high-level oversight from KNOCK, a full-service agency that helped guide the creative vision and maintain the brand’s core identity.
Final Thoughts
In the end, our primary goal was to create core imagery that showcases Fitchn’s delicious and healthy creations that tempt you with vibrant wellness. With the website launch on the horizon, I can’t wait to see these images in action, drawing people into the colorful, health-focused world of Fitchn.
If you’re in the Twin Cities and looking for a burst of health and flavor, check out Fitchn in downtown Minneapolis. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes peeks as we continue to fill Fitchn’s content library with even more mouth-watering shots, including menu and interior photography. Until next time, keep your lenses focused and your colors bold!
Add Some Color to Your Marketing Strategy
If you’re a marketing agency, restaurant, or consumer packaged goods company, I’d love to lend a fresh take on visual marketing with bright and bold compositions! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or need more info.
Be sure to check out my other post, 2024 Food Photography Trends, for more inspiration and design ideas.