McDonald’s: How I Landed My Dream Client?

I photographed for one of the most famous brands in the world!

Do you want to hear the truth? When I first received an inquiry from McDonald’s saying they were looking for a photographer through a selection process – and that I was among the invited candidates – I honestly didn’t take it seriously. The application form was long, looked overly complicated, and I assumed I’d be competing with a million photographers specialized in the corporate style. On top of that, I was right in the middle of a fully booked wedding season. So I just put it aside for “when I have time” – which, as you probably know, usually means “never.”

That’s why I was all the more surprised when, just a few days later, McDonald’s actually called me. They asked if I had read their brief and told me they really liked my work. They even said they would love to include me in their selection process. That truly made my day – and of course, I quickly filled out the application. And guess what? It worked. The projects from McDonald’s came not long after.

Franchisees and the company magazine

My first assignment? Photographing franchise owners – in other words, the people who own and operate the individual McDonald’s locations we usually visit. I shot portraits and their working environments while they were being interviewed for the company’s internal magazine. It was an interesting mix – somewhere between lifestyle, reportage, and light business photography. I don’t have permission to publish the faces, so I won’t be showing these images – I always respect my client’s privacy.

Hradec opening? It was madness!

Then came the opportunity to photograph the opening of a new restaurant in Hradec Králové. And honestly – it was chaos. People poured in literally minutes after opening, easily over a hundred. In the kitchen, everything was running at full speed – all the machines, all the staff – and there I was, right in the middle of it, camera in hand.

I was sending photos just twenty minutes after opening – straight from behind the scenes. I felt really good about pulling it off… that is, until the producer commented, “Next time, you should have a faster computer.” Oops.

I’m also proud of the interior shots. While you see a calm, pristine McDonald’s, the reality during the shoot was very different: dozens of staff were rushing around finishing last-minute details – sticking labels, polishing surfaces. I definitely worked up a sweat, but in the end, I delivered the brand-new interior exactly as requested, completely empty of people.

Two more franchise owners… and then Italy.

A few more assignments followed – I photographed three additional franchise owners. Then came an offer for two more openings and one more franchisee. But… just before that, my family and I had planned a vacation to my beloved Italy. Family won. I told them I couldn’t.

After that, McDonald’s didn’t get back in touch. Well – they did, but only to say there wouldn’t be any further work for now. Apparently, the selection process included many photographers, and a key criterion was high availability. And that’s how it goes. One vacation – and the dream client is gone.

What did I gain from it?

I don’t take it tragically. It was an incredible experience. I also realized that even a company like McDonald’s carefully selects its suppliers, checking quality, trends, and market prices. No “let’s just quote a random price because it’s a corporation.” Everything runs by the rules here.

Maybe next time it will work out again. Or maybe not. But I’m grateful I had the chance to try it – to be a McDonald’s photographer, even if just for a moment. And most importantly: in that chaotic Hradec Králové, I was really there. Camera in hand, people everywhere, the kitchen in full swing, and me right in the middle of it all.

And that is something no one can take away from me.