The Ultimate Photo Checklist Before Any Hospitality Shoot

When it comes to NYC hospitality marketing, professional photo shoots aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity. Whether you’re a cozy cocktail bar, a buzzy new restaurant, or a boutique hotel with skyline views, your visuals are your first (and sometimes only) shot at making a lasting impression.

At Billy Boy Studio, we’ve executed dozens of photo shoots across NYC’s most competitive hospitality spaces. This checklist breaks down exactly what you need before, during, and after a shoot to maximize your time, budget, and creative output.

Phase 1: Before the Shoot – Set the Foundation

1. Define Your Shot List

Start by deciding what you need content for:

• Food & drink hero shots

• Interiors (wide + detail shots)

• Staff action photos

• Guests / lifestyle scenes

• Product or retail displays

• Exterior & signage

• Seasonal or promo-specific assets

We recommend organizing these into content buckets so each one gets covered.

2. Align on Brand Direction

Pull references for tone, lighting, color, and vibe. Are you going for moody candlelight or airy brunch? Neon nightlife or natural rustic? Make sure everyone involved (owner, chef, marketing team) is aligned before shoot day.

3. Prep the Space

Clean and declutter every area being photographed. That means:

• Removing sanitizer bottles, wires, clutter

• Polishing surfaces

• Fixing lighting where needed

• Swapping out chipped or overused tableware

We can’t Photoshop vibe—prep is everything.

4. Style the Menu

Work with the kitchen team to select photogenic dishes. Choose colorful plates, layered textures, and elements with height or movement. Garnishes matter.

Pro tip: Avoid white plates on white tables.

5. Confirm Staff Schedule

If you want bartender action shots or servers interacting with guests, make sure staff know they’ll be on camera. Dress code and grooming should match your brand’s visual tone.

Phase 2: Day Of – Get the Shot

6. Stick to the Schedule

We always recommend time-blocking:

• 60–90 min for interiors

• 60 min for food & drink

• 30–60 min for lifestyle/people shots

• 30 min buffer

Working around service hours? We’ll help plan around slow times or closed windows.

7. Have Props & Extras on Hand

What to prep:

• Extra garnishes

• Clean linens

• Glassware sets

• Candles / florals / menus

• Light stands / reflectors (if indoors)

Even a few small props elevate the shoot.

8. Capture Vertical & Horizontal Formats

You’ll want:

• Horizontal for website, PR, and OpenTable

• Vertical for Reels, TikTok, and Stories

• Square for feed posts

We shoot multiple formats to ensure content is platform-ready.

9. Review as You Go

Take 30 seconds every few setups to review photos with the team. Make adjustments early—not after the shoot is over.

Phase 3: After the Shoot – Deliver & Use

10. Organize and Label Your Files

We deliver files by:

• Format (vertical, horizontal, square)

• Content type (menu, interiors, team, etc.)

• Platform optimization (web vs. social)

We also provide both high-res and web-ready versions.

11. Plug Into Your Content Calendar

Once delivered, slot each image into your monthly content plan. A single shoot can power:

• 4–6 weeks of Instagram posts

• Reels or Stories with B-roll

• Newsletter hero images

• Paid ads

• Website refresh

12. Track Performance

Monitor which content performs best. Use engagement, saves, shares, and booking conversions to inform your next shoot.

Final Tip: Work With the Right Team

At Billy Boy Studio, we don’t just show up and shoot. We plan with purpose, light with intention, and deliver with your entire brand strategy in mind.

📩 Need visuals that stop the scroll and drive real results?

Let’s shoot: www.billyboy.studio | @BillyBoyStudio