Behind the Scenes at Fiamma Ristorante

I had such a fun time photographing Fiamma Ristorante in Charlotte NC. The moment I walked through the door, the place felt alive with warmth and personality. My younger sister is a bartender there, so I already knew how creative their bar team can be, but seeing them work during a shoot was a whole new experience. They bring so much joy and imagination to every drink they make, from the playful names to the thoughtful flavor pairings.

The cocktail lineup changes often, but fan favorites like the Vodka Aunt, the Flat Earth, the Libra, and the Inheritance always bring a smile. Their bar program is known for cocktails with character, and that energy is a dream for a photographer. Every drink becomes a small story with color, texture, and attitude.

Then there is the food. The father and son who run Fiamma put their entire soul into this restaurant. Their chefs are insanely talented and every dish they send out feels intentional, generous, and full of passion. I tried several plates while shooting and every single one was unbelievable. Handmade pastas filled the room with comfort. Seafood dishes arrived layered with depth. Even the simple plates had an elegance that made them irresistible to photograph.

When I shoot restaurants, I love bringing a little fashion into the imagery. Fashion photography does not only apply to clothing. It is about atmosphere, energy, and presence. It is the way light falls on a table, the way a cocktail holds a mood, the way a dish feels styled before it ever hits the camera. Fiamma already lives in that creative space, so capturing it felt natural.

It was a night filled with creativity, flavor, and genuine connection. I left inspired and grateful to work with a team that puts so much care into what they do. Fiamma is more than a restaurant. It is an experience, and I loved getting to tell a piece of their story through my lens.