Frequently Asked Questions

I've sought plenty of quotes. Why are yours so low in comparison?
We use a common sense approach to photography. We do not over inflate our team with directors or multiple assistants, nor do we insist in only shooting in studios. We only charge for what is needed.

We also realise that in the photographic industry prices and costs are highly guarded and often customers are forced to request quotes from several companies before deciding. We have a flat rate of charge that is not based on the size or status of the customers business.

Our competitive prices still represent the highest of quality and service for our customers. We provide our customers with a fast, fuss free service that we would be happy to receive ourselves. We pride ourselves on our high rate of customer retention.

Are you specialised in food photography?
Yes. We understand that often photographers will turn their hand to most photographic subjects. Of course many of our team are skilled in many areas but we are a specialised team that have studied the art of food and food photography. Our equipment is fully geared towards photographing food and we study each of our subjects before commencing any work.

Which types of photography do you offer?
We offer two main types of food photography, in-situ and on a white background.

White Background
These images are taken using our specialised photographic equipment, enabling your dishes to stand out against a crisp white background for a timeless look that works well on menus and advertisements.

Please note the following are NOT suitable for this style of photography.

• White objects - Expect that white edges may become merged with its background.
• Clear glass - Indistinguishable from its background
• Particularly reflective, spherical materials - These can be shot in our professional studio setting.

In-situ Food Photography
An increasingly popular style of photography, in-situ images offer striking results again and again.

In-situ images help create the appearance of atmosphere, relaying a sense of comforting warmth in a classic Sunday Lunch, or a taste of a refreshing iced beverages on a park bench on a summers eve, all can be captured by photographs amid their native environment.

This style of food photography can be personalised and branded to your business, enabling your businesses persona to be emitted via an image, be it stylised food among luxurious surroundings or whole, hearty lunches in front of open country fires.

Where will my photos be taken?
Image Hungry offer several different shooting environment options, tailored so that we may achieve predictable, high quality results for each and every budget.

On-site Photography
Via use of our specialist mobile studio equipment we are able to host your food photography shoot at your premises. On-site photography is ideal for restaurants/locations where a chef need be at hand, in the comfort of their own kitchen, to prepare dishes.

Requirements
Your premises must be suitable for our photographic equipment, with adequate space and electrical points. Please allocate a private area away from the public and busy walkways. We may require you to turn off lights and cover light sources such as windows. An initial set-up time of around 20 minutes is required.

Limitations

• We cannot operate in environments where cooking fats are abundant in the air as it irreparably damages our equipment.
• Travelling expenses, included in our displayed prices, are limited to the Birmingham area only. For those who wish us to travel beyond these boundaries, please contact us for a quote to cover our travelling expenses.
• This service does not extend to large or particularly wide or very tall dishes (please ask if in doubt)

Public Studio - (extra charge applicable)
This setting is useful for clients who wish to be present at their shoot to have an input in the design of their images and is ideal for subjects such as desserts that hold their form well. Please note that refrigeration and cooking facilities are not available.

Closed Studio
Our private, closed studio is fully equipped to capture your food or product photography and is perfect for subjects that require little input and preparation. For insurance reasons this area is not open to the public.

Can I have my products shot in a studio?
Yes. We use an extensively fitted studio. However this studio does not have kitchen or cooking facilities. We advise requesting studio images for products that do not need heating and those that hold their state and freshness (for example cupcakes and some desserts) Using a professional studio also allows for more artistic shots and lighting. We also utilise our own closed studio with cooking facilities for low preparation products that require little input.

How should I prepare?
We like to come well prepared so inform us to your best ability of what we are likely to be photographing. This gives us time to do our research and, if needed, advise you on how best to cook or display your product. We also advise that clients execute their own tests using the subject. Preparing food for photography is different to preparing food for consumption

Will you work from my venue? Will the quality of my images be compromised?
Yes. We commonly work from the customers' venue. The quality of our images is never compromised. We bring all the equipment required. The low heat lights we use ensure predicable results regardless of the venue. All we require is plenty of space to work within (where we may safely set up our equipment) and a source of electricity and the ability to restrict light sources.

Do you bring your own props?
To an extent, yes. If the client has given us enough information about how they wish the finished product to look we will bring basic props to enhance an image. If you can provide props then they can be of use too.

For a small extra fee we can bring along a range of fabrics, textures, mounted wallpapers, woods, cutlery and accessories; such elements are essential for in-situ photography.

How many hours will I need?
For guidance, a half day photography session typically allows for the capture of around 10 - 12 dishes (this is dependent upon planning and speed of preparation and can allow for more dishes) with the option of additional desserts and drinks should you so wish.

Are you involved in preparing or cooking?
When conducting photography in-house (your business) we do not deal with the preparation of food. We do prepare food minimally when working in our own studio; this applies to products that require minimum technical input. If your product requires more technical knowledge we advise that you enquire about our food stylist service.

How soon will I receive my images?
Our images usually require very little editing and our turnaround time is usually as little as 7 - 14 days. We will then send you the finalised collection on a DVD. You may also request any further digital manipulation if required.

Will you travel to my location?
Depending upon the size of the project, we do travel nationwide across mainland UK and also internationally on occasions. There will be instances when the project resides outside of the Birmingham area, where a fee for travel, and sometimes accommodation, is required.