Commercial Photoshoot for the Randolph Hotel, Reydon

Combining my two great passions, food and photography, has always been a dream, so when Jenny and Gareth got in touch I knew I was in for a good day. Husband-and-wife team Jenny and Gareth run The Randolph Hotel in Reydon, just a stone’s throw from Southwold. It’s a lovely, welcoming place, and one I’ve actually photographed before under different owners. Guests are looked after superbly and made to feel like part of the family.

The brief

The brief was simple: arrive on a set day and photograph the food, rooms, bar and other facilities, ready for the website and social media. Gareth was already cooking up a storm when I arrived, and the food not only tasted great but, luckily for me, was very photogenic. I set up in the restaurant and worked through the dishes as they came out; my stomach was rumbling by then. Jenny was keen to have every bedroom photographed too, as many bookings come through sites like booking.com, where each room has its own profile. That matters, as it lets guests choose a room they like rather than being given one on arrival.

Time and rates

For this kind of commercial photography I usually allow a half day and charge my usual half day rate. That gives me time to do the job to a high standard and takes the pressure off the client. Jenny and Gareth were a great couple to work for and it was a real pleasure. Jenny kindly left me a lovely review, which meant a lot. I look forward to working together again soon.

  • Smoked salmon and poached egg on white bread, garnished with green sauce and lime, served on a white plate at breakfast.
  • A seared duck breast served on polenta with dark leafy greens and root vegetables, drizzled with sauce, on a white plate.
  • A plated dish featuring seared broccoli with mushrooms, charred meat, and a beetroot-filled pastry case on a white plate.
  • An elegant plated dessert on a white square plate featuring a pastry tower topped with meringue, a pink apple roll, crumble, and fruit coulis drizzle.
  • A chef in a white double-breasted jacket and glasses works at a counter in a professional kitchen.
  • A man in a cream chef's shirt cooks at a stovetop in a bright kitchen, stirring food in a pan with a spatula.
  • A man in a white shirt and glasses stands in a kitchen, working at a counter near a large metal pot.
  • A modern hotel room with a yellow sofa, white table, red floor lamp, and bed against sloped ceiling.
  • A knitted coral-coloured octopus toy with a smiling face lies on a white surface next to its instruction sheet titled Our Cast.
  • Staircase with white bannister descending to a hallway. Slate tiles line the walls. A red desk lamp is visible in the room ahead.
  • A hotel bedroom with a wooden headboard, white bedding, blue patterned cushions, bedside lamps, and a green toy octopus on the bed.
  • A hotel bedside with wooden headboard, brass sconce light, white pillow, phone, and patterned wallpaper with birds and chevrons.
  • A spacious bathroom with pale green subway tiled walls, cream ceiling, wooden floor, freestanding bathtub, toilet, and double sink vanity.
  • A modern hotel bedroom with a wooden headboard bed, blue accent chair, red desk lamp, and wallpaper featuring flying birds.
  • A bright yellow ornate metal chair sits on green artificial turf in a narrow brick passageway between white-trimmed walls.
  • A woman stands behind a bar counter, smiling while adjusting a beer tap. Multiple spirits bottles line the shelves behind her.
  • Personal branding photograph of a barmaid pulling a pint at The Randolph Hotel
  • A pint glass of amber beer with a thick cream head sits on a bar mat in a pub, with a blurred interior background.
  • A pub bar counter with multiple beer taps and glasses of ale. A bartender works in the background. Shelves of bottles line the walls.
  • Two Adnams Southwold beer pump clips on a bar. Left shows Ghost Ship pale ale at 4.5% ABV with a ship illustration. Right shows Southwold Bitter at 3.7% ABV with a figure holding a torch.
  • A hostel reception desk with a blue circular counter displaying a white R logo, wooden flooring, and nautical-themed decor throughout the space.

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