Behind the Scenes Archives - Dash and Splash

November 23, 2023 — Comments are off for this post.

Magical Spirits and Spooky Colours: Shooting Fall and Halloween Cocktail Specials at Bōkan Bar, Canary Wharf

Cocktail Specials Bokan 37 and Bokan Bar in Novotel Canary Wharf — *A festive photoshoot at Bōkan Bar*

At the top of the Novotel hotel, Bōkan Bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of making cocktails. During my latest photoshoot, I had the chance to explore the captivating mixology of Bōkan, where I focused on their seasonal and Halloween cocktail specials for Halloween and London Cocktail Week, as well as the brand new drinks menu crafted by Bar Manager Generoso D'Avino.

A bar with a view: Bōkan Bar in Canary Wharf

Perched on the 38th floor, Bōkan Bar in Canary Wharf undeniably offers some of the best views in the city. But don't be fooled; the real reason to visit is the innovative cocktail list. While the talented staff can make you any drink you fancy, their cocktail list changes twice per year, and they create cocktail specials for most occasions. As such, every visit is an invitation to find your new favourite cocktail!

Commercial Photographer London Cocktail Specials — *Creative mixology meets breathtaking views*

A creative mixologist's vision

One of the highlights of this photoshoot was delving into the creative process of Bar Manager Generoso D'Avino. His new cocktail menu reflects his passion for making drinks and his commitment to pushing the limits of flavour combinations and presentation. Shooting behind the scenes, I captured him and his team put finishing touches to the beautiful drinks.

Cocktails Specials in London — *Capturing the magic happen: Shooting behind the scenes at the bar*

Commercial Photographer London Cocktails — *Capturing the magic happen: Shooting behind the scenes at the bar*

The new cocktail specials

Bōkan Bar always delivers on its drinks specials. In this photoshoot, I captured the Halloween Special as well as the Gimlet which was on the menu for London Cocktail Week.

Witching hour: The Bōkan Halloween Cocktail special

Bōkan Bar's Halloween special, the Canela Rai, is a balanced mix of calvados, Mozart pumpkin, pumpkin purée, and cinnamon syrup. It is served in a flute covered with cinnamon and topped with a cinnamon stick and an edible flower.

Raising a glass to London Cocktail Week

During London Cocktail Week, Bōkan Bar added a special to their menu. A smokey twist on a Gimlet, it's a mix of Don Ramon Salmiana mezcal, lime juice and HM lime, grapefruit & rosemary cordial.

London Cocktail Week Bokan Bar Cocktail Special — *A smokey gimlet for London Cocktail Week*

Cocktails that look like works of art

Other than the cocktail specials, I photographed the brand new cocktail list. Bōkan Bar shines as a hub of creativity and sophistication for mixology lovers - and that's what makes it one of my favourite bars. It's a place where every drink is a work of art, and every moment is an experience. As a result, Generoso D'Avino's new cocktail list pushes the boundaries of taste and appearance.

I aimed to capture the craftsmanship of his cocktails, highlighting their vibrant colours and intricate details.

Bokan 37 and Bokan Bar in Novotel Canary Wharf — *The stunning cocktails at Bōkan Bar*

Bar snacks in Canary Wharf

Lastly, I ended the shoot with their food menu. Specifically, the Bōkan tiles: a selection of Paxton & Whitfield cheese and Cobble Lane cured butcher’s charcuterie.

Restaurant Videography — *The Bōkan tiles: A selection of British cheese and charcuterie*

Cheese and Charcuterie Board London — *The Bōkan tiles: A selection of British cheese and charcuterie*

The technical details

This was a half day shoot at Bōkan Bar. I shot on a mirrorless Sony a7iii, with a 24-70mm and a 50-mm lens and a Godox softbox strobe light.

Bōkan is located at 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP. The shoot was organised by Roche Communications.

Interested in seeing more?

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok to see more of my work.

Fancy seeing more cocktail photography? You can check out my previous shoots for Lanique Spirit of Rose and Sabine Rooftop Bar. If you're interested in food and restaurant photography, have a look at previous shoots at TOKii, Taste of London, Benares Mayfair, Bonfire, SlowBurn, Chuku's and The Haberdashery.

If you liked this photos or if you'd like to discuss a shoot, get in touch! I'd love to hear from you.

Published by Naf Castanas in Behind the Scenes, Food and Drinks, London Bar Photography, Restaurant & Brand Photography

Tags: Bar Photography, Behind the Scenes, Cocktail Photography, Drinks Photography, East London, London Bar Photography, London Hotel

October 26, 2023 — Comments are off for this post.

Capturing the Art of Sushi Photography – TOKii at The Prince Akatoki

Sushi Photography Marylebone — *Capturing the art of sushi*

Nestled in the heart of London, where tradition meets innovation, TOKii at The Prince Akatoki beckons all food lovers. Join me on a captivating visual journey through their world of Japanese gastronomy, as I unveil the artistry behind their sushi making, their exquisite Wagyu beef, the vibrant bento boxes, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes this restaurant a true gem.

TOKii at The Prince Akatoki

In the heart of London, tucked away within the luxurious confines of The Prince Akatoki, lies a restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Located in Marylebone, TOKii is a haven for those who appreciate the art of Japanese cuisine.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining their team to shoot different elements of their menu: behind the scenes at their sushi bar, their sashimi and nigiri selection alongside other cold starters, their new bento boxes and their wagyu beef. And if you know me, you know I love sushi photography!

Sushi perfection: Shooting behind the scenes at the sushi bar and sushi menu

Firstly, the photoshoot began with the star of the show: sushi. I was granted access to the heart of the kitchen, where the sushi chefs showcased their craft and the precision required to create the beautiful sushi platters.

Each piece of sushi was a work of art in itself, the epitome of precision and presentation. As a result, TOKii's sushi menu is a testament to the skill and dedication of their chefs. From the beautifully cut sashimi, the expertly created nigiri, and the crunchy rolls, all the way to the yellowtail carpaccio, and tuna tartare - this was a true joy to photograph.

Kitchen Behind the Scenes Photographer — *A true masterpiece: sushi photography at TOKii*

Wagyu beef: A culinary jewel

The Japanese Wagyu grade A5 served at TOKii is nothing short of a foodie's dream come true. The beautiful marbling is a joy to shoot, while the preparation and final dishes are simply stunning.

The shot list included two dishes:

The Hot Stone Wagyu Beef
The Shabu Shabu Wagyu Beef

The photos showcase the intricate details of each dish. From the sizzle to the first bite, the visual journey captured the anticipation and satisfaction of indulging in this culinary jewel.

Japanese Food Wagyu Beef Photography — *Hot stone and shabu shabu wagyu beef*

Bento boxes: A new addition to the menu

Lastly, I moved on to the bento boxes, which were only added to the menu last month. Available for lunch, each bite will transport you to Japan. I shot the tonkatsu, tempura and karaage bento - with a side of matcha and Genmaicha tea.

Best Food Photographer near me — *New lunch menu: Bento boxes at TOKii*

Commercial Photography in West London — *New lunch menu: Bento boxes at TOKii*

The technical details

This was a full day shoot at The Prince Akatoki. I shot on a mirrorless Sony a7iii, with a 24-70mm and a 50-mm lens and a Godox softbox strobe light. I also shot short videos to create Instagram Reels, which you can see on TOKii's Instagram account.

The Prince Akatoki is located at 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, W1H 7FD. The shoot was organised by Feed Social.

Interested in additional content and a look behind the scenes?

You can explore more of my portfolio on Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok.

If you'd like to see more of my food photography, have a look at previous shoots at Taste of London, Benares Mayfair, Bonfire, SlowBurn, Chuku's and The Haberdashery. For drinks and bar photography, you can see the photoshoot of Lanique Spirit of Rose and Sabine Rooftop Bar

If you enjoyed this post, don't hesitate to reach out; I'd be thrilled to hear from you!

Published by Naf Castanas in Behind the Scenes, Food and Drinks, Food Photography, London Restaurant Photography, Restaurant & Brand Photography

Tags: Behind the Scenes, Fine Dining Food Photography, Food Photography, London Food Photography, London Hotel, London Restaurant Photography, Michelin-starred Food Photography

July 29, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

Steak and Fries Food Styling – The HelloFresh Australia and New Zealand TV ad

HelloFresh Recipes — *Behind the scenes: Food Styling for the latest HelloFresh ad*

Whether you've tried it or not, you've certainly heard of HelloFresh. This meal-kit company has taken the world by storm. Founded in Germany ten years ago, HelloFresh now boasts operations across the world - from the United Stated to Australia. I was recently hired by Pink Banana Studios as a food stylist for the latest TV ad. If you've ever wanted to look behind the scenes at a commercial, this is your chance!

Food styling for the latest HelloFresh ad: The creative brief

The brief was to shoot a 30 second spot, highlighting the ease of using HelloFresh. In particular, the spot shows the entire process: from placing your order to serving the meal.

As a result, there were four set ups:

The living room
The pack shot area
The kitchen
The dining table

Food Styling HelloFresh — *From left to right: The living room, the pack shot area, and the kitchen*

The food styling brief

Since HelloFresh targets people with no professional cooking experience, the styling on their recipe cards is minimal. It should look like what anyone can achieve in their kitchen!

In the same way, the styling brief was to match the recipe card as closely as possible. The recipe I was recreating was the Fillet Steak & Fries with Lemony Greens & Béarnaise Sauce.

On the recipe card, the dish was clearly split between three equal parts:

The sliced fillet steak with the béarnaise sauce
The fries
The lemony greens

I therefore kept the styling minimal and maintained the same structure to the plate.

Little touches everywhere

Equally important was to convey the idea of freshness with the styling for this shoot. We therefore added fresh fruit and veggies that matched the brand colours, as well as drinks and a salad on the table.

In order to make sure they looked fresh, I sprayed them with a mixture of water and glycerine.

Food Stylist HelloFresh — *So fresh and inviting. Can you spot the use of the brand colours?*

Shooting a food commercial

Have you ever wondered if there's a kitchen in studios? The answer is often no! For this reason, I created a makeshift kitchen area on set in order to cook the food. I brought an air fryer and a portable induction plate, as well as all my kitchen essentials. And then I cooked the same dish again and again for different takes!

The HelloFresh Explainer ad

You've read about it, you've peeked behind the scenes. You can now watch the ad below!

The nitty gritty

The shoot took place in a London studio over a day. The ad has been released in Australia and New Zealand.

Director: Ben Spilling

Production Manger: Cait Lyn Adamson

Account Director: Emma Masding

Food Stylist: Naf Castanas

Production Assistant/ Art Director: Verity Kett

DOP: Anthony Lucas

Gaffer: Jasper Clarkson

Spark: Jon Prentice

Camera Assistant: Nicolas Stylianou

Sound Recordist: Andrei Leskovski

Cast : Jeffin Kunjumon

Production Agency: Pink Banana Studios

Stay in touch

I hope you've enjoyed this behind the scenes look. I'd love to know whatell me what you think below!

If you want to see more of my recent food styling work, check out my shoot with Kimberly Espinel of The Little Plantation. You can also read at my post about sourcing food styling props on a budget - it's really useful if you're just starting out.

For more of my work, have a look at my portfolio or my previous shoots at Chuku's in Tottenham, SlowBurn London, or at The Haberdashery in Stoke Newington.

Lastly, don’t forget! You can always connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Published by Naf Castanas in Behind the Scenes, Food Photography, Food Styling, London Brand Photography

Tags: Behind the Scenes, Food Photography, Food Styling, London Food Photography, London Meal Kit

July 15, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

Tips When Hiring a Restaurant Photographer

Restaurant Photography SlowBurn Walthamstow

Should you hire a restaurant photographer?

Deciding to hire a restaurant photographer can be daunting - especially for a small team or a local restaurant. It's an added cost and are professional photos really that much better than what you can shoot on your phone? The short answer is: yes! A professional food photographer can capture food in a way that is unique to your restaurant - and that appeals to your ideal customer. We live in a highly visual world, so having powerful imagery can help you stand out in a saturated market.

A good photographer can also help you figure out exactly what you need, even if you don't know yourself.

So now that you've decided to take the plunge, here are some tips to help you hire the right photographer for your business. Let's make sure you have a great experience!

Look at portfolios

This one is simple: before you hire someone, make sure you like their previous work. Nowadays, you can find much of a photographer's work online. When thinking about who to hire, look for their websites and social media. If they have a blog, it's also helpful to see previous restaurant shoots and case studies, to give you an idea of what you'll be getting. For example, you can see some of my previous restaurant shoots here, here and here.

Hire Restaurant Photographer — *Both are photos of eggs; but the feel is very different*

Have a discovery call with potential photographers

In my opinion, this step is essential! A discovery call allows you to see if you have a connection with the person on the other side of the line. Pick someone with whom you see eye to eye, and who understands your vision. During the call, you can discuss the mood you are looking for, ask what gear they use, discuss timeframes, and ask any questions you might have.

Remember that you are hiring a person; it is important that you get along and feel comfortable with whomever you pick.

Decide on a mood or aesthetic

From a branding perspective, you want your photos to match your restaurant's overall aesthetic. For example, the shots for a dark, candle-lit, romantic French bistro will have a very different aesthetic than a pop-y, poké bowl lunch spot. Do you want your shots to be dark or bright? Saturated or toned down? Busy or clean? Warm or cold? Do you want the dishes to be intact, or do you want human elements and people interacting with them? Once you roughly know what you're going for, explain the mood to the photographer you want to hire. And make sure they are happy to meet your vision.

Food Photographer and Stylist — *Different shoots, different moods: Examples of different restaurant photography aesthetics*

Stunning Brunch Photography London — *Different shoots, different moods: Examples of different restaurant photography aesthetics*

Understand time frames

It's very important to have realistic expectations when you hire a restaurant photographer. Shooting single dishes from the same angle is a lot quicker than shooting elaborate scenes with many different dishes. Similarly, shooting an action shot will take longer than shooting a static photo of the dish. This is why (good) photographers will usually not quote their price based on the number of shots they will deliver.

Trust the estimate on time frames that the photographer gives you. It's often not about quantity, but about quality.

Food Photography Prices — *From simple to elaborate: The shot on the left takes less time to set up than the shot on the right*

London Food Photography Portfolio — *From simple to elaborate: The shot on the left takes less time to set up than the shot on the right*

Set up a mood board and shot list with your photographer

Once you have the aesthetic and types of shots nailed down, it's time for your photographer to get into the nitty gritty. It's time to create a mood board and/or shot list for the day.

A mood board is basically a collection of images. Think of a Pinterest board, or a collage! Ideally, you can collaborate with the photographer to create the mood board. As a client, you get to approve of the mood board before setting up the shoot. It's important to be on the same page, to make sure that you are happy with the photos you get.

A shot list, on the other hand, is a checklist of all the photos that they will take on the day. The photographer will use the shot list to make sure they meet the brief.

Restaurant Photography Mood Board — *Example of a mood board for a shoot: Can you guess what I was shooting?*

Discuss the use of the photos

There are two main issues when considering how you will use of the photos: one is pricing and one is orientation.

When it comes to pricing, the more uses you are allowed, the more you will need to pay. For example, photos used solely on your website and social media should be cheaper than photos used on a national ad campaign.

The uses of the photos will also predetermine how the images will be shot. The sizing and orientation for Instagram is different from a banner on your website. You need to discuss where you plan to use the photos ahead of time so the photographer can shoot accordingly. If your website has specific size requirements, it's a good share those too.

Ask to see some photos

It's good practice for your photographer to shoot tethered - meaning with their camera connected to a laptop. That way, you can also see the shots as they are being taken. While editing and post-production will alter the final look, you can get a feel and see if you like what is being captured. If you have concerns, this is the time to talk to your photographer and tweak things as you go along.

Understand you won't be getting all the shots

This is often a bone of contention between restaurant owners/managers and photographers. An amateur photographer might be happy to give you all the (unedited) shots taken on the day. Most professional photographers will not. Instead, they will make a selection of the best shots, edit them, and deliver those to you.

Hire London Restaurant Photographer — Before

That's all folks!

I hope this has made your decision to hire a restaurant photographer easier. If have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch! And if you'd like to work together, I'd love to hear from you.

Let's be social! You can always connect with me on Instagram or Pinterest.

Published by Naf Castanas in Behind the Scenes, Food Photography, London Restaurant Photography, Restaurant & Brand Photography

Tags: Food Photography, London Food Photography, London Restaurant Photography

June 11, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

Food Styling with The Little Plantation – A Whole Lot of Tofu

Styling with The Little Plantation April London Blog-8 — *Food styling with Kimberly of The Little Plantation & Leili of The Secret Flavours*

Kimberly Espinel of The Little Plantation needs no introduction. She's an incredible food photographer, food stylist and educator who has elevated plant based food through her singular, moody aesthetic. I joined her and Leiliane Valadares of The Secret Flavours on a recent shoot for Tofuture to assist with food styling.

The Food Photography & Styling Brief

As a brand, Tofuture is best known for its unique tofu press. On the website, you'll also find a wide array of tofu-based recipes. Kimberly's brief included styling and photography for seven recipes in her signature style. Moreover, all images had to be shot in both landscape and portrait orientation. As an assistant stylist, I helped Leili prepare different recipes, prepare garnishes and also assist Kimberly in getting the shots she needed.

Marinated Tofu cooked in London — *Behind the scenes: A tofu-based mess*

Food Styling with The Little Plantation and The Secret Flavours

Leili and I studied the recipes then discussed with Kimberly to decide on the order in which we would tackle the recipes. We then split the recipes to make sure Kimberly had a steady flow of dishes to shoot before we lost the light at 4pm. The recipes we had to tackle were:

Tofu Chocolate Mousse
Caramelised Onion Quiche
Tofu Mushroom Paté
Vegan Cornish Pasties
Smoky Sweet Marinade, which we used on tofu BBQ "kebabs"
Crispy Tofu Nuggets, which we used on a tofu burrito
Teriyaki Marinade, which we used in a tofu noodle bowl

Kimberly shared her mood board and vision, and also answered any questions we had about the styling of specific dishes. The three of us worked together to meet the brief.

Styling Vegan Food with The Little Plantation — *In the studio: Styled tofu recipes*

As the day progressed, I also assisted in the studio placing garnishes where Kimberly needed them, as well as lending my hands for some of the shots. You might know my love of photos with hands in them; that's a love that Kimberly shares!

*Gorgeous photography by Kimberly Espinel of The Little Plantation for Tofuture: My hands in action!*

You can find the recipes and Kimberly's stunning shots here: mousse, tofu nuggets, Cornish pasties, paté, quiche, smoky marinade.

The nitty gritty

This shoot lasted seven hours, with a lunch break. We styled seven dishes, including one dessert. The shoot took place at Kimberly's studio in South London.

If you want to get into food styling but are not sure how to start your prop collection, have a look at my previous post about sourcing food styling props on a budget.

If you want to see more of my work, have a look at my portfolio or my previous shoots at SlowBurn London, The Haberdashery in Stoke Newington and for London Honey Company.

Lastly, don't forget! You can always connect with me on Instagram.

Published by Naf Castanas in Behind the Scenes, Food and Drinks, Food Photography, Food Styling

Tags: Behind the Scenes, Food Photography, Food Styling, London Food Photography