Pepperoni pizza with fresh basil and melted mozzarella on a rustic baking tray, Italian restaurant food photography at Made in Italy London

Golden waffles stacked with blueberry compote, fresh berries and ice cream quenelle, brunch food photography Southampton

Stacked Belgian waffles with blueberries, berry compote and pink macaron, brunch menu food photography Southampton

Server presenting poached eggs brunch dish at Mettricks cafe Southampton, commercial restaurant food photography

Pink raspberry lemonade cocktails with fresh mint and lemon garnish in geometric glasses, drink photography Southampton

Close-up of a loaded bacon cheeseburger with melted cheese and lettuce on a brioche bun, street food burger photography Southampton

Handmade chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder on a dark moody background, artisan dessert patisserie food photography

Bottle of white wine with glass on a bar counter with warm bokeh lighting, wine and drinks product photography Southampton

Hand placing a golden flaky French croissant onto a white plate in natural light, bakery cafe brunch food photography Southampton

Colourful cocktail flatlay with shots, beer, mixed drinks and citrus garnishes on a wooden board, bar drinks menu photography Southampton

British Sunday roast with sliced beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast parsnips, carrots and rich gravy, pub restaurant food photography Southampton

Indian thali sharing platter with curries, naan bread, samosas, rice, chutneys and pav buns, Indian restaurant food photography Southampton

Hand dipping sourdough toast into poached eggs with roasted cherry tomatoes in natural light, brunch breakfast food photography Southampton

Guests sharing Indian curry dishes at a restaurant table, candid dining experience food photography at an Indian restaurant Southampton

Jameson Irish whiskey bottle and glass on the rocks at a moody pub bar with warm lighting, whiskey drink photography Southampton

Close-up of chargrilled doner kebab meat on a rotating spit with crispy charred edges, Turkish street food photography Southampton

Japanese sushi platter with assorted nigiri and colorful presentation, Asian fusion restaurant food photography

Hand holding an iced coffee with a bamboo straw at Mettricks cafe Southampton, drink photography

Crispy chicken burger with melted cheese, red onion and lettuce on a brioche bun, dark background street food photography

Poached egg with avocado sauce and crispy bacon in a rustic bowl at Mettricks Portswood Southampton, brunch food photography

Strawberry and passion fruit cocktails with fresh fruit garnish on a bar counter, cocktail drink photography Southampton

Brunch spread with avocado sandwich, soft-boiled egg and toast soldiers with coffee, cafe food photography Southampton

Espresso martini cocktail in a coupe glass with neon sign at Grumpy Monkey bar Southampton, cocktail photography

Crispy prawns and fried dumplings with dipping sauces at Mango restaurant Southampton, Asian street food photography

Pancake stack with fried egg, bacon and baked beans with a milkshake at Stakks pancake house, brunch food photography

Overhead flat-lay of Indian curry, biryani, naan and sides at Padharo restaurant Southampton, Indian food photography

Champagne bottle and glass on a bar counter with warm bokeh lighting at Porters Southampton, drink photography

Rustic focaccia bread with rosemary on a metal tray with natural light at Ennios Italian restaurant, food photography

Japanese udon noodle soup with prawn tempura, spring rolls and pickled ginger at Sakura Portsmouth, Japanese food photography

Overhead shot of Thai green curry with jasmine rice and fresh herbs in a bowl, Asian restaurant food photography

Cookie dough freakshake with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and cookies at Sprinkles dessert shop, dessert photography

Gin bottle and cocktail glass with lemon garnish at Padharo Indian restaurant Southampton, drink photography

Orange cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden bar with moody lighting at Mango restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Vibrant plated dish with colourful garnishes in warm restaurant lighting, commercial food photography Southampton

Beautifully styled restaurant dish with rich sauce and fresh herbs on a dark background, moody food photography Southampton

Glazed teriyaki pork belly with wilted greens and sweet potato fries at Sakura Japanese restaurant, food photography

Sliced medium-rare steak with salad and peppercorn sauce at Porters steakhouse Southampton, restaurant food photography

Colourful gelato scoops in a waffle cone held against a white marble background at Sprinkles ice cream shop, dessert photography

Croissant and chocolate chip cookie on a woven tray with coffee at Room2 cafe Southampton, bakery food photography

Latte with latte art in a glass cup with natural light at Mettricks Portswood cafe Southampton, coffee photography

Colourful cocktails with ice and citrus garnishes on a wooden bar at Mango restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce on a wooden board at Porters pub Southampton, British pub food photography

Blue cocktail with rosemary garnish and lemon in natural sunlight at Mettricks cafe Southampton, drink photography

Bartender pouring white wine into a glass at Porters bar Southampton, restaurant and hospitality drink photography

Flaming cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden bar with warm bokeh lighting at Mango restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Close-up of chocolate-drizzled crepes with fresh strawberries at Sprinkles dessert shop, dessert food photography

Stacked smash burger with melted cheese and bacon on a wooden board with warm moody lighting, street food photography

Smoky cocktail in a rocks glass on a wooden bar with greenery at Kesarum restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Seafood platter with whole lobster, prawns, mussels and clams on ice at Ocean Grill restaurant, seafood food photography

Food & Drink Photography in Southampton

I'm Ryan Stanikk, a food and drink photographer based in Southampton, and my aim is always twofold: to make the viewer instantly hungry, and to capture the atmosphere that the restaurant or brand wants to project. My background in design means I pay close attention to colour accuracy, layout, and balance within the frame, ensuring every shot feels intentional and true to the dish. At the same time, I adapt to the style of each client - whether that's bright and fresh for a modern cafe, dark and moody for a cocktail bar, or refined and elegant for fine dining. It's not just about showing what's on the plate, but creating an image that reflects the experience of sitting down to enjoy it.

I work with independent restaurants, bars, cafes, hospitality groups and food brands across Southampton, Hampshire and the wider UK. Previous clients include Padharo, Kesarum, Porters, Room2, Mettricks, Ocean Grill, Sakura, Sprinkles and more. Work ranges from full menu relaunches and social media content days to new product shots for delivery platforms and hospitality brand campaigns. If you need ongoing content across a season or a one-off set of hero images, I can structure the day around your team and kitchen schedule to keep everything running efficiently.

Every shoot is delivered in colour-managed files ready for web, print or social. I can work alongside your stylist and kitchen team or handle the full setup from start to finish. If you also need product photography for packaging or brand materials, or wider commercial photography for your business, I cover those too. Get in touch to talk about your next shoot.

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