HOW CAN RESTAURANT OWNERS STEP UP THEIR FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY GAME?

You know the old saying: we eat with our eyes first. And thanks to social media, that’s never been more true. Great pictures of your food can help get customers through the door.

#1 Think about the light

When you’re snapping pictures for your online channels, the first thing you want to think about is lighting. Look for natural sources of light, like a table beside a window, and avoid using your cellphone’s flash. Harsh and direct lights can create shadows, so if you’re in a dimly lit room, you can invest in a softbox to create that soft glow that will highlight your dish.

#2 Play with angles

Next, try playing with angles to find the most flattering one. It won’t always be the same! Some dishes look better up close, others are great from above. With a little creativity and experimentation, you’ll get to know what works best for different menu items.

#3 Add props

To make your pictures more interesting, try adding props. You can use condiments, drinks, or other decorations. Your goal is to create a nice atmosphere that looks well thought-out, inviting, and that will give that mouth-watering feeling you want to convey!

#4 Edit your pictures

Lastly, don’t be afraid to edit your pictures. There are a lot of free easy to use apps that can help you adjust colours and light. Editing will make your photos look sharper and more consistent, which is the secret to a great social media page. However, try not to over-edit those photos! The artificial look can lead to the opposite result, and render your page completely unattractive.

My advice: take a lot of pictures, try different angles and props or backdrops, and have fun!