Bar Promo Photos HELP

Niki.W

Niki.W

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Niki
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My family owns a bar and my brother has asked me to take some promo shots of the inside to use in a variety of posters, leaflets etc over the next year.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice that could help me.
Im going to do it at a time when the bar is empty to get some general shots of the bar... I just wondered if anyone had any advice or tips on things like angles (low or high), lighting etc so that i dont just end up with plain boring pictures from each corner of the room.
The basically a rectangle with the bar sticking out from the back and some large round pillars conventently breaking of the room, also the ceiling is dark and wavy not flat, the walls are a mixture of oranges, yellows and browns (nicer than it sounds).

Any tricks or advice would be much appreciated. He hasnt given me a time frame so i have plenty of time at the moment so will be able to keep going back.

:thinking:
 
TBH, an empty bar looks about as inviting as a shark's smile, so (IMO), you'd be better shooting it with enough people to give it a bit of atmosphere. It doesn't have to be jam packed, just enough people there to stop it looking like a morgue.
 
Niki,

I agree with Nod, a completely empty bar will look a little false and may give a similar impression as an Estate Agent photo. Why don't you use a slow shutter and capture people walking around (doesn't have to be customers, use friends/family). This will show that it's busy, vibrant and there'll be no static figures to spoil the views of the room. You may have to use a ND filter though to slow the shutter right down.

If you did want to shoot the room empty you could always try "painting with light" if you have a flash. This would be great fun as you could use different coloured gels (or even Quality Street wrappers) over the flash and create something quite spectacular. If you don't have a flash you may even get good results with a torch or two. It may take some time to get the right photo but you'll have a laugh and learn loads.

Good luck, and don't forget to post some examples in the thread when you are done.

Steven.
 
Just from experience, make sure that the place is absolutely spotless before you start shooting.

If possible take a friend along (preferably someone with a good eye) who hasn't been in the place before, and get them to look at the bar from where you are going to shoot. Ask them to point out anything that looks dirty or wrong (ice bucket left in the corner by the till etc). There's a very good chance that you wont spot things like this if you are over familiar with the place.

Empty shoots can work well, but the bar has to have the right look to pull it off. Shiny, modern and industrial all suit this - think All Bar One for example. Empty can show chique minimalism as well as just plain deserted.

If there's an open fire make sure that it's well built up and roaring away, that seating and table positioning are inviting and if it's a food house, not only are the tables laid well, but that something appetising is on view. Be careful with the food btw - it's a whole different area of photography that has it's own pitfalls.

Populating for a shoot can be awkward if you don't have access to models. The idea is to show the demographic that you are aiming for, but you do not want to use regulars for the shoot; that can create a whole host of problems, not the least being accusations of favouritism from those not asked or constant ribbing of those involved both of which can lose clientèle in the long run.

If you can source 10 to 15 people (depending on the size of the bar) from amongst your friends, that would be ideal. Break them up into small groups with different mixes; three girls, two sets of couples, four men etc etc. Again it all depends on who you want to appeal to, and you should bear that in mind when you sort out what they'll be drinking during the shoot; do you want to push real ale, lager, wine or a mix of all of them.

It's basically summed up by imaging who your ideal customer would be, and then creating an atmosphere that would make them want to be in that bar.

Hope some of that helps!
 
Thank for the advice everyone.

Steven - love the idea about the slow shutter creating the blur effect of people. I hadnt thought of that and I think that could look good (if i get it right).

Mark - Thats a very good idea about taking someone not so familiar with the bar in for the extra eye, all of my friends and family are very familiar so we probably wouldnt notice those things. There is no food (at the moment) so i dont need to worry about that yet.
I hadnt thought about getting people positioned in the shots, was thinking that i would just try and keep out of the way and cause minimum fuss but actually i have a good group i could call upon which would suit the look/style and it wouldn't be too much hassle.
Could probably do with speaking to my bro again to make sure i know EXACTLY what he wants/needs etc so that im not just guessing.

Thank you so much, you've all got the brain ticking.
I'll post after my first attempt and see what you think.
 
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