If
you run a bar and have any intention of making a little money while you
do, you’ll probably want to advertise your promotions locally in
magazines/newspapers, online on social media channels as well as on
your own website.

One
of
the most important things to consider with print/online advertising
is the photography. In an age where we have become immune to
advertising and scan pages quicker and quicker, it is even more
important for your photos to pop and grab the attention of the reader.
It’s one thing grabbing their attention and another thing to get them
to visit your bar because of your photos.

I
met with a bar photographer yesterday who gave me her top ten tips for
making the photography of your bar convince readers to actually visit
whether you take the pictures yourself or hire a professional
(recommended). Here they are:

1. Keep the Colours Vibrant
   – If you want to showcase your food, don’t have all the colours on
   the
   plate blend. In addition, make sure the background doesn’t blend
   with
   the food so that it’s difficult to make out the image. A pint of
   Guinness might also be difficult to see against a dark background so
   keep the colours vibrant and contrasting.
2. Hawk Your Specialty Drinks
   – If you have a signature drink in your bar, use that in your
   photographs. If there’s a story behind it, include that in the
   description. Anything that you offer that no-one else does, is worth
   advertising.
3. Don’t Use Flash
   – If you’re taking pictures of food, the use of flash will wash out
   the
   food and if it’s fried food, the grease or oil will reflect the
   flash
   and ruin the photo. With cold drinks, the flash will reflect in the
   condensation on the outside of the glass so avoid using it.
4. Use Natural Light
   - Natural light is what we all see with our eyes, so using it in
   your
   photographs will make them look more natural. It can also create
   nice
   shadows when used correctly.
5. People, People, People
   – Unless your bar is an architectural masterpiece inside and people
   travel from far and wide to admire the floor and the walls (most
   bars
   don’t have this luxury), fill the bar with customers for your wide
   angle bar shots. It shows that people actually show up to your bar
   and
   haven’t all been poisoned by the food.
6. Use Your Employees
   - Shots of your employees posing together and smiling (however
   forced…)
   always adds a nice touch to the picture and you’ll be surprised how
   many people the employees will show the photographs to once they’re
   published.
7. Jump In Yourself
   - If you are any way photogenic and some bar owners actually are…a
   nice
   posed picture of the owner at the door shows the personality behind
   the
   business and allows customers to recognise you when they visit. It’s
   no
   harm to be a mini-celebrity.
8. Seasonality Sells
   – Christmas shots in the summer and snow shots in the spring don’t
   encourage visitors to make the trip to your bar. Take advantage of
   seasonal food, drinks and weather when taking your photos to ensure
   your bar is as relevant as possible when the pictures are viewed.
9. What Year is That?
   – Clothing and TV/Audio Equipment ages easily in a photo so if you
   are
   still using photos with customers in flared jeans holding a brick
   sized
   cell phone, you’re going to be called out on it. Keep the photos of
   customers and equipment current or timeless.
10. Agree the Fee
    – If you hire a photographer and judging by some of the web photos I
    have seen recently of bars, I recommend you do, ensure you agree the
    fee and scope of work with a photographer in advance. Get in writing
    what you will be paying, what you expect to get for that fee and
    what
    additional editing work might cost. Take a look at their portfolio
    too
    to ensure you like the shots they take.