How to Do Food Photography Yourself
If you are a restaurant owner, you know just how important it is right now that customers know they want to eat your food, before they even get into the door. Sometimes, they don’t even make it into your door. Getting more to-go orders could be decided by how your food looks on your website, your social media, anywhere online. Your business could depend on it, and you may be unsure on how to do food photography yourself.
So what are you supposed to do when you don’t necessarily have the funds to get professional photography of your food?
There are many little things you can do to help create imagery that will entice and show your food off, on a budget.
First rule of photography. Light is king. Always opt for natural light, especially light that comes through a window. Shadows and bright sun can make the image look dramatic, but be sure if you are on your phone to touch the screen where the highlights are so that the image isn’t crazy bright and blown out. An evenly lit spot really is the best.
Secondly, make sure that your food actually looks good. No droopy lettuce or mushy pasta. Present your plate like it’s for the queen! Clean the plate, arrange the food in a pleasing way, like I am sure your chefs and cooks already know how to do.
The angle of your camera can make the biggest difference from making your image look like a dusty phone snapshot. Don’t be too far away where you can see distracting things in the background, and there’s no focus on your food. Get close for an interesting detail that even can highlight a certain ingredient.
And last, don’t be afraid to experiment. People want to see food that is fresh, juicy, refreshing, or decadent. Put a little extra brush of oil on a steak. Put a little extra ketchup on the front side of the burger. Spray a tad bit of water on fruit to help make it look juicy. Here’s a funny fact about how to get a drink looking super refreshing! Put a little vaseline on the glass or bottle, and give it a little spritz. It will keep the beads of water stuck, and look super satisfying. Just be careful not to put too much on that it clumps.
Post these images all over social media! Most importantly, show people what you have to offer, and how happy they will be when they eat your delicious food.
Need a little help with your food photography in Houston?
We know a thing or two about food photography in Houston. Get your food noticed. Create imagery that truly shows off your blood, sweat, and tears you have put into your food. Let us know how we can help.