As an Ubud photographer, I worked with Chef Juan Gadi (the chef behind Kilig, the first and only FIlipino restaurant in Bali) to document a side of his work that had never really been photographed: private dining.
The Brief: Beyond the restaurant, Chef Juan also runs private dining experiences, intimate dinners for celebrations, birthdays, and small gatherings, but had no photography to show for it. We staged a full fine dining experience at a private villa in Ubud, Bali to fix that.
They saw this as an investment to their own portfolio, something they can carry and showcase everywhere they live around the world.
The Approach: Friends and colleagues joined as talents, keeping the energy warm and friendly rather than performed. Creative direction stayed minimalist but luxurious, letting the food and setting speak for themselves. The food photography focused on craftsmanship: the plating, the technique, the detail behind each dish.
The Shoot Day: This was the first half of a two-part day for this client (the second half was the Kilig Bali restaurant shoot). We covered more than the plated food: chefs and assistants prepping, the stylist at work, dishes cooking, table decor, the atmosphere among guests, the happy faces, and genuine interactions of the guests.
The Results: Chef Juan now has photography that captures the full dining experience, not just the food, but the preparation, the atmosphere, and the service around it. A visual set built to sell an experience, not just a menu.
Ubud photographer capturing client's fine dining menu.
Ubud Bali photographer capturing a duck confit menu.
Beautiful dessert with gold foil, captured by an Ubud photographer in Bali.
Vegan mushroom soup, captured by a Bali photographer.
Spring rolls with perilla leaves, shot by Ubud photographer.
Pan de sal with fillings, captured by Ubud photographer.
Vegan tofu and mushroom dish, photographed for a Bali private dining experience.
Bali food stylist finishing up his creation.
Behind-the-scenes of private dining experience.
Bali chef cooking up his dish.
Chef Juan Gadi setting up the table for the private dining experience.
Sprinkling chili powder on the dish, captured by Bali photographer.
Waitress at a Bali private dining experience opening up the bottle with a smile.
Creative optical illusion of glasses and water, shot by a Bali photographer.
Bali waitress serving up the food.
Ubud food photographer capturing an over-the-shoulder shot.
Guests doing cheers at a private dining experience, captured by Ubud Bali photographer.
Group photo of a private dining experience, photographed in Ubud, Bali.
Huge thank you to the team who made this production a smooth & successful one!
Food Preparation & Styling: Chef Juan Gadi and Kilig's team
Photographer: Jem Mantiri
Digitech & First Lighting Assistant: DJ Tanzil
Second Lighting Assistant: Safrisbastian Ndruru
Lighting & Gear Rental: Prop House Bali
Want visuals that showcase the side of your work that has never been documented before?
Book a free discovery call so I can learn more about your craft and discuss how we can communicate this with the world!
Book a free discovery call so I can learn more about your craft and discuss how we can communicate this with the world!
For any other questions, e-mail me at hello@jemantiri.com or submit them via the Contact Form!
