Capturing Mediterranean Elegance: A Branding Photoshoot for Mythos Restaurant


As a Cape Town-based photographer specialising in corporate and branding photography, I have had the privilege of collaborating with numerous distinguished businesses. This article details a recent branding photoshoot for Mythos, a newly established Greek restaurant that introduces authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the V&A Waterfront.


Setting the Scene: Mythos at the V&A Waterfront


In January 2023, I was commissioned to conduct a photoshoot at one of Cape Town's most prestigious locations, the V&A Waterfront. The objective was to capture the essence of Mythos, the latest addition to this vibrant precinct's culinary landscape. This assignment focused on creating a visual narrative that would not only showcase the restaurant's distinctive ambiance but also provide a comprehensive portfolio of images for their marketing initiatives.

Close-up of round bulb lighting fixtures in Mythos restaurant

The Technical Challenge: Balancing Natural and Artificial Light


One of the most significant aspects of this photoshoot was the lighting. While the restaurant's design incorporates natural light effectively, capturing the true essence of Mythos required a careful balance with artificial lighting. This challenge necessitated the application of advanced photographic techniques.


Equipment and Methodologies

For this assignment, a tripod was indispensable. It ensured consistency across multiple shots and facilitated longer exposures when required. Additionally, I employed battery-powered studio strobes with modifiers. This configuration provided the flexibility to augment lighting where necessary without being constrained by power outlet locations - a crucial factor in a restaurant environment.


The utilisation of strobes allowed for the accentuation of key features within the restaurant while maintaining a natural aesthetic. Achieving this balance is a delicate process, but when executed correctly, it significantly enhances the visual impact of the images.

Seating arrangement and ambiance at Mythos Greek restaurant in Cape Town

Capturing the Essence of Mythos


The following section provides a detailed overview of the key visual elements captured during the photoshoot:

  1. The Focal Point of Mythos: A standout image from this assignment is a comprehensive overview of the restaurant. The centrepiece of this composition is the striking blue and white mosaic wall, which immediately evokes the sun-drenched islands of Greece. The interplay between the natural light from the windows and the strategically placed strobe lighting serves to accentuate the mosaic's vibrancy.
  2. Illuminating Architectural Details: Another noteworthy image focuses on the lighting fixtures. These spherical bulbs contribute a warm, inviting ambiance to the space. By isolating these elements in a detailed shot, we highlight a crucial design feature that significantly enhances the overall atmosphere.
  3. Spatial Arrangement and Ambiance: To comprehensively capture the Mythos experience, it was imperative to showcase the seating arrangements. This image provides potential patrons with a clear representation of the space and the atmosphere they can anticipate. The careful balance of light in this composition was crucial - the objective was to maintain the warm, inviting ambiance while ensuring sufficient clarity to appreciate the design intricacies.
  4. Culinary Presentation: An essential component of any restaurant photoshoot is the food imagery. One of the principal images in this category features an artfully arranged plate of pita bread accompanied by an assortment of dips. This composition not only showcases the culinary offerings but also alludes to the communal, sharing-style dining that is integral to Greek cuisine.


late of pita bread with assorted Greek dips at Mythos restaurant

The Significance of Comprehensive Briefing


A key insight gained from this assignment - and indeed, all branding photoshoots - is the importance of a thorough brief. A comprehensive understanding of the brand's core values enables the capture of images that genuinely resonate with the client's vision and ethos.

In the case of Mythos, it was evident that their primary objective was to emphasise an authentic Greek experience - from the décor to the culinary offerings. This information guided the approach to the photoshoot, ensuring that each image captured contributed meaningfully to the Mythos narrative.


Elevating Brand Identity Through Professional Photography


Whether launching a new establishment, rebranding an existing business, or updating visual assets, professional photography plays a pivotal role. As demonstrated by this Mythos assignment, appropriate imagery can effectively convey your brand story in a manner that transcends verbal description.

For businesses seeking to enhance their brand with compelling visuals, professional photography offers a significant advantage. As an experienced Cape Town photographer specialising in corporate and branding photography, I possess the expertise to bring your vision to fruition. From hospitality to retail, corporate environments to outdoor spaces, I have the requisite skills and experience to capture your brand's unique essence.

Distinguish your brand through professional photography that authentically represents your identity and offerings. To discuss your next branding photoshoot, please contact us. Let us collaborate to create a visual narrative that elevates your brand.