If that's a 7 night cruise, that's a very reasonable price. 400 divided by 14 equals 28.50, and you said "nearly 400". Regular prices per dinner at specialty restaurants is in the $55 range.
I don't know which week you are booked on the Brilliance, but the UDP is remarkably well-priced on mine. Check that out. All dinners and sea day lunches (including embarkation day) are included.
You'll still be able to take pictures, even if the photographers are not set up at the top of the escalator and along the corridor to the boarding ramps.
You will just have to wait until you are on board, and wait for the evening. 🙂