Young Photographer Commission – Hospitality Photography

Young Photographer Commission – Hospitality Photography

Commission Fee: £500

We are seeking an emerging photographer aged 18–25 to capture the energy, character and atmosphere of our local hospitality sector through a month-long photography commission.

The successful applicant will work across a selection of council-selected hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, bars and other food and drink businesses, to create a vibrant collection of professional images celebrating the people and places at the heart of our community.

The Brief

Over the course of one month, you will produce a minimum of 100 high-resolution, professionally edited photographs that showcase the authenticity and diversity of our local hospitality offer.

We are looking for images that capture:

• Atmospheric still-life photography of food, drink and venue interiors.
• Authentic moments of chefs, baristas and front-of-house teams at work.
• Staff interactions with customers and colleagues.
• Action shots that reflect the energy of busy hospitality environments.
• Warm, welcoming spaces that encourage people to visit and experience local venues.

The photography should feel natural, engaging and visually compelling, creating a strong visual story of the local hospitality sector.

Purpose of the Commission

The image library will be used to:

• Celebrate and promote local hospitality businesses.
• Increase community engagement and pride.
• Support future tourism marketing.
• Enhance high street regeneration and promotional campaigns.
• Build a lasting media library for council communications and marketing.

Deliverables

The successful photographer will provide:

• A minimum of 100 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images.
• Images suitable for print, digital and social media use.
• Full, unrestricted promotional usage rights for the council across all marketing and communications channels.

The photographer will retain copyright of all images, while granting the council an unrestricted, perpetual licence to use the photographs for promotional purposes.

Safeguarding & Permissions: The photographer is responsible for ensuring GDPR compliance and securing necessary model release/consent forms from members of the public prominently featured in close-up shots (the council can provide template release forms). 

Who Can Apply:

This opportunity is open to photographers aged 18–25 who can demonstrate creativity, technical ability and a passion for capturing authentic stories through photography. Emerging photographers and those building their professional portfolio are encouraged to apply.

The applicant should either be a resident of, or have strong connections to the Borough of Gravesham.

Submissions should be no longer than 300 words and should contain a link to an online portfolio or Instagram account showcasing food / lifestyle photography. Please also give an indication of availability.

Submission Deadline:  31^st July 2026

Submissions should be emailed to:  artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk