Tampa Restaurant & Bar Photographer for Retro-Themed Venues – Arcade Bar Campaign in Park Circle

Retro Arcade Bar Photography with 80s Vibes, Big Energy & Real Personality

A tattooed man playing NBA Jam at an arcade

Nick and Tyler duking it out on their daily NBA Jam battle.

There’s a fine line between kitschy and cool — and this Park Circle arcade bar walks it like pros. I recently had the chance to photograph their space, drinks, and opening night in North Charleston, SC, and their request was clear: give us something that feels like it was snapped on a disposable camera in 1986. Think flash, fun, a little chaos, and a lot of character. As a brand and event photographer now based in Tampa, Florida, this kind of creative work is exactly what I love — bold brands, quirky storytelling, and visuals that don’t just look good, but feel alive.

two women having fun at an arcade bar

Jillian Meyerhoff with friend Melissa McConnell

a man laughing behind the bar

Owner Art Perry

The Fiercest Foursome Ever

The bar’s origin story could easily be the plot of an 80s teen movie. Four friends — Ryan, Erin, Art, and Sarah — came together over a shared love of arcade games, storytelling, and mischief. The way they describe it? One legendary Saturday detention, four strong personalities, and one collective dream: to open a space that celebrates fun, friendship, and unapologetic nostalgia.

That vision became reality with this bar — a place where you can sip a bright neon cocktail while smashing buttons on a vintage machine, all under the glow of pixelated screens and buzzing joysticks. The space is part arcade, part neighborhood hangout, and all personality. And that’s what we set out to capture in every frame.

Four people smiling behind the counter of an arcade bar

Owners Art, Erin, Sarah and Ryan at the soft opening

Disposable-Camera Energy — On Purpose

The creative direction for this shoot leaned hard into that throwback aesthetic. The drink menu photography wasn’t about perfection — it was about attitude. We used direct flash, off-kilter angles, blown highlights, and a little motion blur to channel the look of amateur 80s snapshots. It felt more like capturing memories than creating content — and that was exactly the goal.

I also documented their soft opening with candid shots of guests playing games, crowding the bar, and just enjoying themselves. These are the kinds of photos that help future customers see themselves in the space — which is exactly what strong visual branding should do.

a photo of a pink cocktail surrounds by nerd candies and pink starburst candies

The “El Pinky” Cocktail. Made with Pink Starburst Tequila, Grapefruit, Rosè, Lime, Candy

a man playing Donkey Kong at an arcade bar

Eric Rickert playing Donkey Kong

a photo of a blue cocktail in front of a mortal kombat 2 arcade machine

A “Sub-Zero Wins” Cocktail. Made of Rum, Hazelnut, Blue Stuff, Coconut, and Pineapple

The gang from “The Late Game” Movie

a man playing the Aerosmith pinball machine at a bar arcade

Rear Admiral playing Pinball at Pinky and Clyde’s

Showcasing the Space

Alongside the gritty energy shots, we also created polished visuals of the bar’s layout and atmosphere. Wide shots of the interior showed off the arcade lineup, colorful lighting, and signage. Aerial drone photos captured the building in context within Park Circle. These images are perfect for use on the bar’s website, press kits, and social media — giving a full picture of the experience, from the curb to the cabinet.

An image of the interior of an arcade bar

Having a seat at the bar and looking at all of the 80’s nostalgia on the shelves is almost as fun as playing the games!

A perfect mix of an ever rotating lineup of the newest pinball machines complete with Stern Inisider leaderboard as well as many of your favorite classic arcade cabinets from the 80’s and 90’s.

Check out that whole shelf of memories!

Why This Matters to Tampa Bay Bars & Restaurants

I’m now based in Tampa, Florida, and I work with local businesses that want to level up their branding through creative, personality-driven photography. Whether you’re opening a retro bar, launching a new restaurant, or just want content that breaks the mold, I bring a collaborative, story-first approach to every shoot.

This arcade bar wasn’t just about capturing products or interiors — it was about translating a feeling. If you’re building a brand with soul, I can help you show it — not just tell it.

Tyler Durham having some fun with the Area 51 guns

Matt Perry chasing that high score on the Mandalorian Pinball Machine by Stern

Jeremy Jernigan just vibing

Nicholas Brown being pointy.

A man playing Mortal Kombat II

Michael Ward playing Mortal Kombat II

Based in Tampa Bay and looking for a photographer for your bar, restaurant, or brand?
Let’s create something that doesn’t just look good — it makes people want to walk through the door.

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