Professional Food Photographer jobs in London

PHOTOGRAPHER

Location: London / Various Client Locations
Contract Type: Freelance / Project-Based initially, with potential progression to Part-Time and Full-Time
Website: Provided Upon Application

ABOUT COMPANY

The company is a London-based business consultancy combining creative thinking with commercial expertise to help businesses grow.

Working across hospitality, lifestyle, property, events and experience-led businesses, our projects can range from restaurants, food and hotels to interiors, residential spaces, events, branding, fashion, products and creative campaigns.

We are committed to nurturing talent, encouraging creativity and giving people opportunities to develop through varied, real-world projects.

As the company continues to grow, we are looking for a creative, adaptable and detail-focused Photographer to work closely with our Creative Director and wider project team to bring concepts, brands and experiences to life through photography.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This position will initially operate on a freelance / project-based basis, with assignments offered according to client projects, content requirements and business needs.

As our working relationship develops and the volume and consistency of work increase, there may be opportunities to progress into a regular part-time and potentially full-time position.

We welcome applications from established freelancers, emerging photographers and recent graduates with strong portfolios.

Approximately 1 year of practical photography experience is preferred, whether gained professionally, through freelance work, internships, academic projects, commercial assignments or substantial independent work. Candidates with less formal experience may also be considered where their portfolio demonstrates strong technical ability, creativity and potential.

We place significant value on potential, integrity, attitude and willingness to develop. The quality of your work, creative thinking and ability to adapt are just as important to us as the number of years you have worked professionally.

THE TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHER WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are particularly interested in photographers with experience or a genuine interest in developing across several of the following areas:

• Food & Beverage
• Restaurant & Hospitality
• Interior
• Architecture & Property
• Minimalist
• Creative / Conceptual
• Portrait
• Animal Photography
• Fashion & Lifestyle
• Product & Detail
• Styling
• Floral
• Events
• Branding
• Hotels & Residential
• Spa & Wellness
• Retail
• Promotional & Campaign Photography
• Vintage / Retro
• Themed & Styled Photography

You do not need to specialise in every area.

What is important is a genuine interest in variety and a willingness to work across different photographic styles, environments and creative interpretations.

EVERY BRAND IS DIFFERENT

A fundamental part of this role is the ability to adapt your photography to the individual identity of each client.

We welcome photographers with their own creative style and artistic perspective. However, you must also be comfortable stepping outside your usual aesthetic when a project requires it.

We are not looking for someone who applies the same photographic treatment to every client.

One brand may require photography that is bright, minimal and contemporary, while another may need something dark, atmospheric and luxurious. Other projects might call for warm and natural lifestyle photography, editorial imagery, vintage or retro styling, or something playful, conceptual and highly stylised.

You should therefore be comfortable interpreting and adapting to:

• Client brand guidelines and positioning
• Target audiences
• Creative briefs
• Mood boards and visual references
• Colour palettes and tones
• Lighting and composition
• Styling and set direction
• Existing brand photography
• Social media aesthetics
• Website requirements
• PR and campaign requirements
• The Company's agreed creative direction

Where a client already has an established visual language, you may also be required to interpret and reproduce agreed visual treatments or established client photography styles while maintaining the quality and consistency of the brand.

We are looking for someone who asks:

“What should this particular brand look and feel like, and what is the brief trying to evoke?”

rather than simply:

“What is my usual photography style?”

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT, MOOD BOARDS & WORKSHOPS

For selected clients and projects, the Photographer may be involved from the early creative-development stage, rather than only being brought in on the day of the shoot.

You should be comfortable independently researching visual ideas based on the client's brand, objectives, audience, environment and project brief.

This may involve developing:

• Photography mood boards and inspiration boards
• Visual and photographic references
• Lighting ideas
• Composition, framing and camera-angle references
• Colour and tonal direction
• Editing and colour-grading references
• Styling inspiration
• Set, backdrop and surface ideas
• Prop inspiration
• Food, interior, fashion or product styling references
• Relevant campaign and social media inspiration
• Alternative creative interpretations

Where appropriate, you may be asked to present more than one possible creative direction and explain the thinking behind your recommendations.

References should be used for inspiration and interpretation rather than imitation, helping us develop an original visual direction appropriate to the client.

The Photographer should also be comfortable participating in creative workshops with the Creative Director, wider team and, where appropriate, the client.

A typical creative-development process may include:

Client Brief & Brand Review → Research & Inspiration → Mood Board → Creative Workshop → Agreed Photography Direction → Visual Photography Specification → Shoot → Post-Production → Review & Refinement

During this process, you may contribute professional recommendations relating to photography style, lighting, composition, framing, colour, styling, camera angles, backgrounds, props, editing and overall visual treatment.

We want someone who is confident contributing their own professional opinion while remaining open to collaboration, interpretation, feedback and changes in creative direction.

VISUAL PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIFICATION / STYLE GUIDE

An important part of the company's approach is creating consistency and continuity for our clients.

For relevant clients, the Photographer may work alongside the Creative Director to help develop a Visual Photography Specification / Photography Style Guide.

This provides a practical reference for future content and may establish client-specific standards relating to:

• Overall photography style, mood and tone
• Approved visual references
• Colour palette
• Composition and framing
• Camera angles
• Lens and focal-length guidance
• Depth of field and exposure approach
• Lighting style and setup
• Backgrounds, surfaces, props and styling
• Image orientation and ratios
• Colour correction and grading
• Retouching and Photoshop treatment
• Cropping and export requirements
• Social media, website, PR, campaign and print requirements
• Approved and non-approved visual approaches

The Photographer should be comfortable helping to document agreed client-specific visual and technical standards so the client's established photography style can remain consistent across future content production.

This is not intended to restrict creativity or require the disclosure of unrelated proprietary working methods. Its purpose is to create a consistent visual framework for the client while still allowing creative interpretation within it.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the assignment, responsibilities may include:

• Capture high-quality professional photography for us and our clients.
• Translate creative briefs, brand identities and mood boards into compelling visual content.
• Research clients and appropriate visual references ahead of projects.
• Develop or contribute to mood boards and creative concepts.
• Participate in creative workshops where required.
• Contribute professional photography and technical recommendations.
• Help develop and follow client Visual Photography Specifications / Style Guides.
• Plan and prepare shoots, shot lists and schedules.
• Identify appropriate cameras, lenses, lighting and technical requirements in advance.
• Photograph food, interiors, architecture, people, products, events and lifestyle environments depending on the assignment.
• Establish appropriate lighting, composition, colour tones and atmosphere.
• Experiment with angles, compositions and creative approaches where appropriate.
• Assist with set preparation, props and styling where required.
• Maintain visual consistency throughout campaigns and ongoing client accounts.
• Complete professional post-production and prepare final imagery for its intended use.
• Represent us professionally when working with clients and external partners.

POST-PRODUCTION & DELIVERABLES

The Photographer should ideally be capable of taking an assignment from photography through to professional final delivery.

Post-production may include:

• Image review and selection
• Professional retouching
• Colour correction and grading
• Exposure and lighting adjustments
• Cropping and composition adjustments
• Photoshop editing and image enhancement
• Correcting or removing unwanted visual elements where appropriate
• Maintaining consistent tones across an image collection
• Preparing different dimensions and formats
• Professional file naming and organisation
• Appropriate export and delivery

Photography may be created for:

• Social media
• Websites
• Digital advertising
• Email marketing
• PR and press
• Editorial
• Brochures and print
• Promotional campaigns
• Brand campaigns
• Premium marketing materials

The Photographer should understand the difference between producing fast-moving social content and creating high-grade professional imagery for websites, PR, campaigns, press and premium client materials.

Post-production forms part of a client's visual identity, and editing should therefore be adapted appropriately rather than applying the same grading, filters or treatment to every project.

EQUIPMENT & PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have and be able to confidently operate their own professional photography equipment suitable for commercial assignments.

You should have your own professional camera body, appropriate lenses and core photography equipment, together with reliable access to the lighting and supporting equipment reasonably required for your normal work.

You should also have:

• Appropriate data storage and back-up solutions
• A computer capable of professional post-production
• Professional editing software
• Reliable access to additional standard photography equipment when required

You are responsible for ensuring your normal equipment is maintained, operational and suitable for each agreed assignment.

We recognise that certain projects may require specialist or client-specific equipment and production elements that would not reasonably form part of a Photographer's standard kit.

These could include specialist lenses or lighting, bespoke backdrops, set builds, furniture, decorative pieces, food and beverage products, florals, fashion pieces, wardrobe, product samples, props, vintage or period items, models, animals or other specialist production requirements.

The Photographer should be resourceful and proactive in identifying what is required, including suitable equipment, hire solutions, suppliers or practical alternatives where appropriate.

Responsibility for sourcing, hiring, purchasing, supplying or transporting project-specific items, together with associated costs, will be discussed and agreed in advance.

Photographers will not ordinarily be expected to personally purchase unusual client-specific equipment, props or production materials at their own expense unless expressly agreed beforehand.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for someone who combines technical ability with creativity, curiosity and a professional attitude.

Approximately 1 year of practical photography experience is preferred, although portfolio quality, potential and practical ability will be strongly considered.

You should demonstrate experience or developing competence in:

• Professional photography
• Composition and framing
• Natural and artificial lighting
• Studio and set lighting
• Visual storytelling
• Styling awareness
• Adobe Lightroom and/or equivalent professional software
• Adobe Photoshop
• Photo retouching
• Colour correction and grading
• Image enhancement
• File preparation and export
• Photography for digital and social media
• Professional website imagery
• High-resolution photography for PR, press and print

A relevant photography qualification is advantageous but not essential where your portfolio and practical experience demonstrate the required ability.

As an individual, we are looking for someone who is:

• Creative and visually curious
• Versatile and adaptable
• Open to different photographic styles
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Resourceful and solutions-focused
• Detail-oriented and organised
• Reliable and punctual
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Confident contributing ideas and professional recommendations
• Open to receiving and implementing feedback
• Comfortable adapting an initial idea when a better direction develops
• Professional when interacting with clients
• Able to manage deadlines and changing project requirements
• Interested in continually learning and experimenting
• Able to understand both the creative and commercial purpose behind an image

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who enjoys creating, interpreting, experimenting and adapting, rather than reproducing the same personal visual style for every assignment.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Experience or an interest in any of the following would be advantageous but is not essential:

• Videography
• Content creation
• Art direction
• Social media
• Food styling
• Interior styling
• Fashion styling
• Prop sourcing
• Graphic design
• Storyboarding
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Hospitality
• Hotels & restaurants
• Events
• Fashion & lifestyle brands
• Property & interiors

Videography experience would be considered a plus; however, it is not a requirement for this position, as videography operates as a separate creative discipline within our company.

TRAVEL & AVAILABILITY

Candidates must be comfortable travelling throughout London and surrounding areas, including SW, WC, EC and E14, for photography assignments, creative workshops, events and client projects.

As some of our work is within hospitality and events, assignments may occasionally take place during:

• Evenings
• Weekends
• Early mornings
• Specific client or event schedules

Flexibility is therefore important.

Occasional opportunities to travel elsewhere within the UK or internationally may arise as our client portfolio develop.

PORTFOLIO & APPLICATION

All applicants must submit a photography portfolio or portfolio link with their application.

Your portfolio does not need to demonstrate every photographic style listed within this job description.

We would particularly like to see work demonstrating:

• Composition
• Lighting
• Colour
• Editing
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Visual storytelling
• Different subjects and environments
• Styling, where applicable
• Different visual aesthetics and photographic approaches

Where possible, we encourage applicants to present a varied selection of work rather than only one photographic style.

We are interested not only in what you have already photographed, but also in your creative potential, versatility, interpretation and willingness to develop.

TO APPLY

Please provide:

1. Your CV
2. Your photography portfolio or portfolio link
3. A short cover letter introducing your previous experience, current creative interests and future work aspirations

Send applications directly

Due to the number of applications we may receive, only candidates whose portfolio, experience and potential currently align with our requirements may be contacted.

Thank you for considering Us.

PROGRESSION & DEVELOPMENT

Our intention is to build long-term creative relationships, rather than simply commission individual photography shoots.

The initial flexible arrangement gives both the Photographer and us an opportunity to establish how we work together creatively and professionally.

Photographers who demonstrate consistent quality, reliability, professionalism, versatility, initiative, adaptability and strong client representation may be offered increasing responsibility and more regular work.

Potential progression:

Freelance / Project-Based → Regular Part-Time → Full-Time

For the right individual, this is an opportunity to grow alongside, build a diverse commercial portfolio, work across varied creative projects and contribute to the visual direction of both us and the businesses we work with.

Pay: £12.71-£18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 2.0 – 20.0 per week

Application question(s):

• 1. Portfolio — Required

Please provide a link to your photography portfolio or professional examples of your work (URL or Attachment)

• 2. Relevant photography experience — Skills

Which of the following do you have experience in or a strong interest in developing? Please list all that apply.
- Food & Beverage
- Hospitality / Restaurants
- Interiors / Architecture / Property
- Fashion / Lifestyle
- Portrait
- Product
- Events
- Creative / Conceptual
- Vintage / Retro / Themed
- Styling / Set Styling
- Other

• 3. Editing — Required skill

Are you confident professionally editing and retouching your own photography, including colour correction/grading and Photoshop or equivalent image editing?

• 4. Creative adaptability — probably your most important attitude question

3Koncept works with clients with very different visual identities. How would you feel about being asked to photograph in a style that is significantly different from your usual or preferred aesthetic?

• 5. Creative development — Attitude/skill

Would you be comfortable researching a client's brand and contributing mood boards, visual references and photography ideas before a shoot, and participating in creative workshops where required?

• 6. Tell us briefly how you approach a situation where your preferred creative direction differs from the client's brief or the Creative Director's direction.
• 7. Equipment — Required practical question

Do you currently own or have reliable access to professional photography equipment suitable for commercial assignments, including an appropriate camera body, lenses and supporting equipment?

• 8. Current flexibility & travel

What is your current availability for freelance/project-based photography work across London?

• 9. Are you currently able and willing to travel to different client locations across London, including SW, WC, EC and E14?
• 10. What type of working relationship are you currently looking for?
• 11. What would you most like to develop creatively or technically over the next 1–2 years as a photographer?
• Do you currently or will be needing Sponsorship in order to work?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (preferred)

Work Location: On the road