In an unassuming pocket of Indooroopilly, the western suburb of Brisbane that has transformed into a hub for shoppers alike, you will find Nantucket Kitchen and Bar. Hidden beneath the canopy of tropical trees, I escaped from the searing humidity and entered the restaurant through its pristine white doors.
I was breathless. I had known the restaurant was beautiful, but this was like walking through the pages of an interior décor magazine. The symmetry was perfect against the cool hues and the occasional splash of colour. I felt like I was standing on a yacht, enjoying the wind flow through my hair leaving behind the perfume of salt water. Unfortunately, I was not visiting for pleasure, or to devour meals from their menu. I was there to work. Collaborating with the marketing team, I was to take photographs of this tranquil space.
I attempted to hold my composure, to smile and to act confident, but I was anything but fearless. My stomach was churning, my mouth was dry, and I could feel my heart flutter against my rib-cage like a hummingbird’s wings. It was my second photoshoot for the chain of restaurants, and I was feeling apprehensive.
Had I remembered all of my equipment? What if the restaurant didn’t like my work? On occasion, my mind tricked me by asking theoretical questions and offering unlikely scenarios. But it’s okay. I have learned to welcome this feeling and embrace the fear. It is, after all, a gorgeous sensation to feel alive. To feel your heart thump inside your chest and to know you care about something that much, you are afraid of it.
I mumbled to myself a quote I had heard a long time ago “What could you achieve if you weren’t afraid?”
I took a deep breath and gingerly placed my equipment in the corner. I dusted my lens and attached it to my camera. Time had stopped completely, there was only my slow shallow breath. At first, I walked around the restaurant. I observed the light, the angles, the composition until finally I lifted the camera to my eyes and pushed the shutter button with a gentle ‘click’.
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Yan says
Oh the restaurant is truly breathtaking! It’is really like what you said, like a walk into an interior design magazine. I would love to visit this place one day!
Claire Algarme says
Wow! It definitely looks like a restaurant straight out of a magazine.
That thought entered my mind when I saw your featured image. When I read the line from your post, I almost laughed out loud. You captured the salient features of the space beautifully.
But, I like most the photo of the girl serving the most. It looks so natural and made the ambiance warm and friendly.
Kylie (Author) says
Hi Claire! Thank you so much for your comment! I actually didn’t intend to photograph the waitress, but when I saw her setting the table, I thought she looked beautiful and that it included a nice touch. 🙂
Stella the Travelerette says
Your photos are beautiful! I love all the white and the nautical theme. It really does remind me of Nantucket here in the United States. Have you ever been there? I would really like to try this restaurant myself.
Aica Batoon says
Wow, the restaurant is beautiful! Every detail seems to be in the perfect place. How can a place be so flawless? I really loved the photos you took, you captured everything perfectly. 🙂
Alaine says
You take photos like a pro! I love the restaurant’s interior – it looks beautiful.
I could probably stay in that restaurant for hours eating and admiring the decor.
Pia Villamor says
Gasp! It really is beautiful! It’s so pinterest-worthy! I love everything about it, from the mesh detail on the cabinets to the white walls and the dark floors.
Your pictures really did it justice too. 🙂 Awesome job!
KT Nielsen says
Wow just wow! Everything about this restaurant is exactly what I want for my future home. White and green, clean and fresh, functional and uncluttered. I am absolutely in love with the framed photos against the white walls. I’ll bookmark this for inspiration.
Your photos are amazing. I’m saving your blog in my reading list!
Russ says
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
You are so lucky to have had the chance to work with them. I usually get shy when I’m dining out and I’d like to take pics of the place – but you, you get to click all you want!
I love that the restaurant is bright because that means you get to have nice food pics. And their interiors, they’re super pretty!
Orana says
What a gorgeous place to have lunch, dinner or to just enjoy a few drinks! It is definitely breathtaking.
I also know that feeling of doubt, it’s a wonderful feeling when you overcome it!
You did an amazing job with the photos of course. Are these the “b sides” or the ones that the Restaurant chose for their marketing? Either way the images are beautiful, especially the details.
Bhushavali says
I totally love the pristine whites and the wooden details!
It looks so French in the styling!!! I feel like I’m most definitely flipping through the pages of a glossy interiors magazine!!! Awesome photography!
Teresa says
I love the interiors! I have a bias for all things white. I like splashes of green, too. Our condo unit has the same color scheme. I think it’s refreshing to the eyes.
Herbert says
This is such an elegant place, the interior is truly breathtaking. I have seen similar places like this, but this one is so stunning! Well, it is in Australia. 🙂
Adel says
Congratulations on your collaboration with Nantucket!
It is exactly as you initially said, the restaurant looks like it should be featured in a home design magazine. The restaurant’s interior is just perfect with all the clean lines, pristine walls, and floor. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a fine meal. How you captured these details is great as always.
You really have a keen eye and admirable skills for playing around with light with your equipment.
Alaine says
I am impressed with your skills but I am even more impressed that you still get nervous despite being so good at what you do. This behavior says a lot about your character. You are very professional. I am sure Nantucket loved your work!
Zwitsy says
Whoah, I couldn’t agree more about the place. It’s just like what you said, like walking through pages of an interior design magazine.
I also love your shots, they all look fabulous and stunning! I think it would be a great place for meet up. I wonder how their food tastes?