Ten Tips for Food Photography
Quality food photos are the key to increasing engagement on social media and driving customers to your restaurant. Whether you're a restaurant owner or foodie looking to grow your Instagram, I am here to give you advice on how to make your photos stand out. Here are ten tips to help you elevate your food photography skills and make your dishes shine on camera.
Pictured: Alexa Roberts photographing a menu item at Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine in Jacksonville
Lighting is Key: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to food photography. If it is possible to take your photo near a window or outdoors, that is the best option. If you are taking photos at night or in a dimly-lit restaurant, invest in a lighting kit to brighten your photos. Here is a link to the portable lighting kit that I take to my photoshoots.
Choose the Right Background: The background sets the mood for your food photos and can make or break the shot. Opt for clean, neutral backgrounds that won't distract from the main subject. Wooden surfaces, marble countertops, or textured fabrics can add depth and interest to your composition without overpowering the dish. Whatever backdrop you choose, make sure it matches the restaurant brand. For example, you will not want to take photos of drinks at a dive bar on a marble slab.
Composition Matters: Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most visually appealing shot. Try shooting from different heights and perspectives to highlight the various elements of the dish. Consider the rule of thirds to create balanced and dynamic compositions that draw the viewer's eye to the focal point. The majority of my shots are either taken at eye level or directly overhead. I prefer to style my food on lower tables, to make those overhead shots easier.
Use Props Wisely: Props can enhance the story you're trying to tell with your food photos. At the same time, getting too creative with your props can take away from the purpose of the photo. Make sure that if you choose props, they compliment the dish, such as herbs, silverware, or another food or drink item that pairs well with the dish.
Focus on Texture and Details: If shooting with a camera, use an aperture of at least 9. You will want to have the entire dish in focus, rather than just a few components. If you are shooting with a phone, be careful with portrait mode, as it may blur key components of the dish.
Play with Color: Color can evoke emotions and set the mood for your food photos. Make the main colors pop when editing your image, while making the non-complementing colors less vibrant. Here is a great article that describes color theory. I highly recommend giving it a read, as color theory is an important tool for photographers.
Keep it Fresh: Freshness is crucial when photographing food. If you are going to be photographing multiple dishes, I recommend asking the kitchen to bring them out when you are ready, so they are not sitting around for awhile. Some foods stay fresher longer, like salads, pasta, and tacos. On the other hand, ice cream, cheese, and warm pastries change texture very quickly, so it is imperative you take your photos ASAP.
Interact with the Dishes: At least 1-2 menu items should have an interactive component. The goal is to tell a story and have the viewer picture themself eating that menu item. Whether you are capturing a noodle pull, pouring syrup on pancakes, or pulling apart cookies, interactive photos create dimension and character.
Edit with Care: Editing is the final step in the food photography process and can help enhance the visual impact of your images. Use editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance. Be mindful not to over-edit, as natural-looking photos tend to resonate more with viewers.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any skill, mastering food photography takes time and practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out as expected. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your techniques, and soon you'll be capturing culinary magic like a pro.
Happy shooting!
If you are in need of professional photos for your restaurant website, online menu, or social media, you can contact me here. I additionally offer social media management services for restaurants and other smell businesses in Jacksonville.