In this relentless age of social media and digital marketing, a picture truly is worth a thousand words—especially when showcasing a restaurant's delicious dishes. Collaborating with a professional food photographer can highlight culinary creations, attract new customers, and engage with the audience.

Here are some top tips to help restaurant owners and managers collaborate effectively with a food photographer and capture the best images for their establishment.

This article includes: 

• Why natural lighting is essential
• How to focus on the details
• How to play with angles and composition
• Using props to tell a story
• Keeping it fresh and simple
• The importance of editing
• Highlighting seasonal specials
• How to involve the team
• The power of people
• Allowing time between dishes 
• Prioritising dishes that hold up well

Natural lighting is essential

Natural light is ideal for food photography as it enhances the colours and textures of any dish. Whenever possible, positioning near a window with soft, diffused daylight is recommended. Direct sunlight can create harsh shadows and highlights, so it’s best to avoid it unless aiming for a bright, outdoor venue vibe, which should be incorporated sparingly. For indoor shoots, it’s beneficial to use ‘bounce cards’ to reflect light back onto dishes and a specialised pav light with full-colour spectrum control.

Credit: Hello QT

Focus on the details

Details matter in food photography. Whether it’s the glistening sauce on a steak, the delicate texture of a pastry, or the vibrant colours of fresh vegetables, capturing these details can make photos more appealing. A range of close-up/detail shots that highlight the intricacies of the dishes can really put the flavour in the viewer's mouth and make a balanced addition to any curated social media feed.

Play with angles and composition

Experimenting with different angles and placements can make a big difference in the overall image. The angles used should depend on the story the image will tell and where it will be used. Overhead (flat lay) shots are ideal for group ‘hero’ shots, 45-degree (diner’s view) shots work well for placing people in the scene, and straight-on shots are best for dishes with height, like burgers or tall salads. Each angle offers a unique perspective, so it's important to try different ones to see what works best for the dish. The goal is to create a visually appealing photo that draws the viewer in and makes them want to taste the food.

Use props to tell a story

Props can enhance photos by adding context and depth. It’s important to consider the story being told—perhaps a cosy breakfast scene with a cup of coffee and a newspaper, or a romantic dinner setting with candles and wine. However, it’s essential not to overcrowd the frame; the food should always be the star of the photo, while setting the scene for the occasion people may be experiencing.

Keep it fresh and simple

Sometimes, simplicity is the best approach. A clean, uncluttered background can make the food stand out more. It’s useful to carry a range of backdrops to set the scene and to look around the venue for interesting surfaces and textures that will complement the dish. Fresh ingredients, such as bunches of herbs, whole fruits, or bright vegetables, can also add a pop of colour and freshness to photos. The goal is always to make the food look as appetising as possible.

Credit: Hello QT

Thoughtful editing is key

Post-processing is a crucial component of food photography. Editing software can be used to enhance colours, adjust brightness and contrast, and sharpen details. It's also important to keep cropping in mind and provide clients with a range of aspects to utilise on social media posts and stories, as each platform has a different crop—typically, it’s never landscape! The aim is for a realistic representation that stays true to the dish, as viewers’ subconscious minds are adept at detecting ‘unnatural’ colours, particularly in food, and will reject an image if the colour tones are not realistic.

Highlight seasonal dishes and specials

When preparing dishes for a shoot, it’s beneficial to highlight seasonal dishes and specials, as this can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. These dishes (and any drink pairings that work) should be showcased in photos to entice customers to visit the restaurant and try them before they’re gone. Seasonal produce often brings vibrant colours and unique textures that make photos even more appealing.

Involve the team

The team can be a valuable asset in food photography. Candid shots of chefs preparing meals or servers presenting dishes can add a human element to photos, making them more relatable and inviting. It also gives customers a behind-the-scenes look at the care and effort that goes into each dish. This element should never be underestimated.

The power of people in shots

Including people in food photos can significantly increase engagement on social media. Even just a hand reaching for a dish or holding a utensil can add warmth and context to the photo. This small addition helps viewers imagine themselves enjoying the food, making the image more relatable and inviting. Social posts with a human element generally receive higher engagement and interaction.

Allow time between dishes

It's important to allow 5-10 minutes between the plating of each dish for the photographer to focus on them—pardon the pun! This ensures that every dish gets the attention it deserves and looks its best. Rushing through the process can lead to less-than-perfect shots, so it’s wise to build in some buffer time for adjustments and creativity and always have an allocated staff member to assist the photographer, resulting in a more efficient process.

Prioritise dishes that hold up well

Some dishes look great immediately but don't 'sit' well over time. These dishes should be left until last so they can be included in a group shot rather than individual close-ups. It’s essential to think about which dishes the restaurant wants to sell the most—there's no point in taking numerous photos of a dish that is already a bestseller! It’s important to find the menu’s ‘underdogs’ and give them the attention they need to shine.

By following these tips, restaurant owners and managers can ensure a productive and enjoyable photoshoot that results in beautiful, appetising images for their establishment. Building a visual asset library can pay off infinitely when maximised for usage and exposure. Having great imagery on hand when contacted by media, PR, or local tourism boards instils brand trust and strength. These entities will likely think of the establishment first in the future when looking to promote local offerings, bringing more opportunities. It becomes a self-perpetuating win/win.