Planning Your 2025 Food Photography Calendar

Welcome to the January edition of The Monthly Bite! As we step into a new year, now is the perfect time to set yourself up for success with your food photography. Whether you’re a DIY photographer or planning to work with a professional, one thing is certain: planning ahead is the key to creating impactful imagery that stands out.

Here are some practical tips to help you plan your photography for the year:

1. Mark Your Calendar with Key Food Dates

Start by identifying all the important food-related holidays and events that align with your business. These could include:

• Valentine’s Day – Friday, 14th February

• Mother’s Day (UK) – Sunday, 30th March

• Easter – Good Friday (18th April) & Easter Sunday (20th April)

• Father’s Day (UK) – Sunday, 15th June

• Summer BBQ Season – June to August

• Halloween – Friday, 31st October

• Christmas – Thursday, 25th December

By planning your photography around these dates, you’ll have high-quality images ready for your marketing campaigns, whether it’s for social posts, email newsletters, or promotional materials.

 2. Think About Your Audience's Needs

For each key date, consider what your audience might be looking for. Are they searching for romantic meals for Valentine’s? Sweet treats for Easter? Festive dishes for Christmas? Create imagery that aligns with these themes and highlights your best offerings.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Scrambles

When you’re rushing to find an image for a promotion or social post, it’s easy to end up with something subpar. Taking the time to plan and shoot ahead ensures you’ll have polished, professional images ready to go, giving your business a more cohesive and professional appearance.

4. Prepare a Seasonal Mood Board

Having a clear vision for your imagery can save time and ensure consistency. Create a mood board for each season or campaign with ideas for:

• Colours and tones (e.g., pastel for Easter, warm and cosy for Christmas)

• Props and backgrounds

• Lighting styles (natural, moody, bright, etc.)

  
  

5. Work Smarter with Batch Shoots

If you’re hiring a photographer, consider scheduling a few batch shoots throughout the year. This approach allows you to capture multiple campaigns in one go, saving time and money while ensuring you have a library of stunning images for every occasion.

6. DIY Photography? Focus on Quality Over Quantity

If you’re taking your own photos, invest in:

• A good smartphone or camera

• Basic props (neutral plates, cutlery, textured backdrops)

• Consistent lighting (natural light or a softbox can work wonders)

  
  

Experiment with angles and compositions, and don’t be afraid to take your time to perfect each shot.

7. Book Early for Professional Shoots

If you’re considering working with a professional food photographer, start the conversation early. Photographers often get booked up months in advance, especially around busy periods like Christmas. Booking ahead ensures you get the dates you need and gives your photographer time to plan the perfect shoot for your business.

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Start the Year Right

Great imagery doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of careful planning and preparation. By thinking ahead, you’ll have everything you need to showcase your dishes and products at their very best, no matter the occasion.

If you’re ready to take your photography to the next level this year, get in touch to discuss your 2025 shoots or learn more about my annual plans. Let’s make 2025 your most visually delicious year yet!

See you next month,

Matt

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What is the one thing you find most difficult about capturing your food?

I want to make these blog posts as useful as possible for you so please let me know your answer to this question and I will make sure to include it in future editions.