The Do’s and Don’ts of Food Photography for Restaurants
Great food photography isn’t just about snapping a photo of a plate—it’s about creating an experience that makes people crave your food. For restaurants, a single image can be the deciding factor for whether someone books a table or scrolls past. If you’re looking to level up your restaurant’s visuals, here are the essential do’s and don’ts of food photography to keep in mind.
Do: Focus on Natural Lighting
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to food photography. It makes colors pop, keeps dishes looking fresh, and avoids unflattering shadows.
Quick Tip:
Shoot near a window during the day or use diffused natural light to keep photos soft and bright. Avoid harsh, artificial lighting unless it’s professionally styled.
Don’t: Overcrowd the Shot
Too many props or plates can make an image feel chaotic and distract from the main star—the food. Keep your shots clean, simple, and focused.
Pro Tip:
Use neutral backgrounds and minimal props, like a sprinkle of fresh herbs or utensils, to frame the dish without overwhelming it.
Do: Highlight Your Best Features
Every dish has a standout feature—whether it’s a gooey cheese pull, a perfectly seared steak, or a colorful garnish. Focus on these details to make your food irresistible.
Example:
For burgers, emphasize the juicy patty and melting cheese. For pasta, highlight the twirl of noodles with sauce dripping just right.
Don’t: Use Distracting Angles
Not every dish looks good from every angle. Overhead shots might work for a flat-lay spread, but a layered burger or tall stack of pancakes will look best from the side.
Quick Tip:
Experiment with different angles—overhead, 45 degrees, or close-up—to see what works best for each dish.
Do: Keep It Fresh
Food can lose its appeal quickly on camera. Work fast to capture dishes while they’re hot, fresh, and full of life.
Pro Tip:
Have everything prepped before the shoot—plates, props, and lighting—so you’re ready to snap photos the moment the dish hits the table.
Don’t: Ignore Post-Production
Editing is where good food photography becomes great. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation can make your dishes look as mouthwatering as they do in real life.
Warning:
Avoid over-editing! Oversaturated colors or unrealistic enhancements can make your food look unappetizing and dishonest.
Do: Tell a Story
Food photography isn’t just about the dish—it’s about the experience. Showcase the atmosphere, staff, or diners enjoying their meals to create emotional connections with your audience.
Example:
Capture a steaming cup of coffee in your cozy corner booth or a family enjoying a shared platter during dinner.
Don’t: Use Generic Stock Photos
Stock photos lack personality and don’t represent your restaurant. Diners want to see your dishes and your dining experience, not generic content.
Pro Tip:
Hire a professional photographer to capture original, high-quality images that reflect your unique brand.
Ready to Capture Photos That Leave Customers Hungry for More?
Avoid the pitfalls of poor food photography and start showcasing your dishes in the best possible light. At Fresh Take, we specialize in professional food photography that highlights your restaurant’s unique flavors, atmosphere, and brand.
👉 Contact us today to create stunning food visuals that attract customers and fill tables: Get in Touch.
