What restaurant photography means to me?
- Dominique deBlois
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Inside Hospitality - Part 1
A journal about restaurants, hospitality and visual storytelling.
As a commercial photographer specializing in restaurant photography in Niagara, people often ask me what type of photography I enjoy the most. Or what my "niche" is.
The truth is, I always find myself pivoting between restaurant photography and portrait photography. If I had to choose my ideal project, it would combine both.
Because behind every great restaurant is a team of people who bring it to life.
That’s actually how portrait photography started for me. A few years ago, I was photographing a restaurant when the owner asked if I could take a portrait of the chef. I secretly panicked... If you’ve ever photographed both food and people, you know how different both techniques are. At the time, I had no idea that one simple request would lead me to discover how much I enjoy photographing people. Today, I can’t imagine telling the story of a restaurant without also including the people behind it.
Before becoming a photographer, restaurants were already a big part of my life. My parents owned a restaurant when I was a child, I later worked in a restaurant in Japan, and throughout my career in the hotel industry, I worked closely with restaurant operations and teams. I understand what every plate represents, from food cost and preparation to consistency and presentation.
Decades ago I also graduated as an interior designer. That experience taught me to notice the details that shape an environment: the lighting, textures, colours, furniture, atmosphere. That's what define the uniqueness of a place, the signature of the restaurant.
As someone who loves discovering new restaurants, I also know what catches my attention when I’m deciding where to eat. It’s rarely just the food. It’s the vibe, the story behind the owners, the chef, the space. No “about” page? I’m a little disappointed. No gallery? Not even interested.
Cooking has given me an even greater appreciation for the creativity and skill behind every menu. The more time I spend in my own kitchen, the more I respect what chefs accomplish every single day.
Gardening has added another layer to that appreciation. Growing my own vegetables has made me even more aware of the time, patience and care that go into fresh produce. When you've waited months for garlic, tomatoes or squash to mature, you develop a different respect for every harvest and every plate.
Running my own business has also changed the way I see any other businesses. I understand that every investment matters, that every decision has a purpose, and that restaurants particularly work incredibly hard to earn every guest who walks through the door.
As a photographer, I spend countless hours alone behind my computer. Working alongside chefs, restaurant owners and marketing teams is always the exciting part. Great restaurant photography isn’t created by one person. It’s a collaboration, where everyone brings their expertise together to create images that truly reflect the restaurant and its brand.
At the heart of it all, I'm an artist. I pay attention to colour, light, composition, texture, and the small details that often go unnoticed.
Over the years, restaurant photography has become much more than photographing beautiful dishes. I want to create images that feel like the restaurant itself. Images that reflect its personality and invite people to experience it for themselves.
The people.
The hospitality.
The story.
The atmosphere.
The passion.
The countless hours nobody sees.
Because if I've learned one thing over the years, it's this: I get you.
Every restaurant has its own story, and great restaurant photography should tell that story. If you're looking for a restaurant photographer in Niagara who understands hospitality from every angle, I'd love to hear about your project. Contact me, I'd love to discuss with you.
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