A restaurant or hospitality content shoot in NYC typically costs $1,200–$2,800 for a half day and $2,500–$5,000 for a full day, producing 20–40 edited photos and 4–8 short vertical videos. Shoot before service when the space is empty and light is controlled, and plan dishes, drinks, staff and atmosphere shots in that order.
Restaurants, bars and hotels in New York live and die by their social feed. A well-planned content day gives you menu photos, short videos and atmosphere shots for weeks — without disrupting service.
- Half day: $1,200–$2,800; full day: $2,500–$5,000.
- Typical output: 20–40 photos and 4–8 vertical videos.
- Shoot before service — usually 10am to 3pm.
- Order: hero dishes, drinks, staff, space, then guests.
- A monthly retainer keeps the feed fresh with new menu items.
What to shoot in one day
- Hero dishes and signature cocktails — top-down and 45-degree angles.
- Process videos: plating, pouring, flaming, slicing.
- Chef and bartender portraits for press and 'meet the team' posts.
- Empty-room interiors for Google Business Profile and booking sites.
- Staged guest moments with friends or staff as models.
Prices
| Shoot | Typical price | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Half day (4 hours) | $1,200 – $2,800 | 20–30 photos, 3–5 short videos |
| Full day (8 hours) | $2,500 – $5,000 | 40–60 photos, 6–10 short videos |
| Monthly retainer | $2,500 – $6,000 / month | Shoot day + weekly deliveries |
How to prepare
- Pick 8–12 dishes and drinks — the ones you most want to sell.
- Have the kitchen prepare each dish fresh at the scheduled time.
- Clean glassware, polish cutlery, check the table surfaces.
- Book two or three friends or staff as 'guests' for atmosphere shots.
- Get written permission from anyone recognizable in the content.
Shoot the menu you want to sell, not the whole menu.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant photoshoot cost in NYC?
About $1,200–$2,800 for a half day and $2,500–$5,000 for a full day of photo and video.
When is the best time to shoot a restaurant?
Before service, usually between 10am and 3pm, when the space is empty and the kitchen can prepare dishes on schedule.
How many dishes can be shot in a half day?
About 8–12 dishes and drinks with photos and short videos.
Can you deliver vertical videos for Reels and TikTok?
Yes. Vertical 9:16 videos with captions are the main format for restaurant social media.
Running a restaurant, bar or hotel in NYC or NJ? Tell us what is on the menu and we will plan a content day around it.
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