Fall Menu for Shanghai MKE
There’s a specific kind of energy that hits when a speakeasy drops a fall menu. The lighting shifts earlier in the day, the food gets moodier, and everything feels a little more intentional. That’s exactly what we leaned into for ShanghaiMKE’s fall menu photo shoot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ShanghaiMKE already has a strong identity. Bold flavors, a modern feel, and cocktails that look as good as they taste. For this set, my goal was simple: make the photos feel sharp, craveable, and true to the in person experience. No over styling that turns the cocktail into something it is not. Just clean, appetizing visuals that make you want to order.
The vibe we aimed for
Fall cocktails should feel comforting, but still sharp. We focused on:
A slightly deeper, dramatic mood
Vertical shots to capture the whole shape of the glass and scene
Wider images for group shots
All photos can be cropped to get tight detail shots
That mix matters because restaurants do not just need one type of photo anymore. You need content that works on a website, on Google, on delivery apps, and on social media where people decide fast.
How I approached the shoot
For menu content, consistency is everything. I shot with an eye toward repeatable angles and lighting so the whole set feels like one collection, not random hits. We worked through hero shots of key dishes, then filled in supporting images that are perfect for:
Instagram posts and story frames
Menu updates and seasonal announcements
Email marketing and specials
Press mentions and event promos
