How to Take Mouthwatering Food Instagram Photos for Your Restaurant

Commonly, many restaurants opt for a menu that does not feature images of the food. Instead, they rely on descriptions, highlighted by ingredients or cooking style, to sell the dish.

That approach may work for customers already sitting down in your restaurant. But how did you even get those people through the door?

Posting high-quality images of your dishes across your social channels (especially Instagram) entices potential customers to try your business. Additionally, it allows you space to interact with potential patrons before they ever even sit down at your table (or after they sit down and dine with you, for that matter).

And the biggest advantage to posting food pics on Instagram? This type of marketing is completely free.

These days all you really need is an updated Smartphone and a couple time-tested tips and tricks.

Below you’ll find the best techniques for getting the right angle, lighting, and more to make all of your offerings Instagram (and drool) worthy.

Taking your own photos will save you a ton of money versus hiring a professional photographer. And you certainly don’t need to be Ansel Adams to take a photo-worthy of a thousand likes. Having said that, there are a few food photography basics that you should follow to get the most out of your shot. 

Here are some important things to consider:

Styling

Using props—like napkins, cutlery, and other tableware—lets you create layers of structure. You can even use staged sets to produce a narrative around the photo.

For example, add elements of the dish in the frame, like seasonings, garnishes, and ingredients. Or compliment the food with some cutlery, napkins, or candles to make your audience feel what it would be like to enjoy this dish at your restaurant.

Setting the stage helps transport potential diners into your restaurant and makes them feel like they want to go and enjoy your establishment’s experience in real life.

You have to look at the finished presentation of food, too. Work with your chef on a special way to dress the dish and then be sure to serve it “as seen on social” for an opportunity to make your dish trendy. 

Lighting

This is a big one! Lighting can go wrong very quickly if you don’t understand how to allow it to work in your favor.

You should avoid using a camera flash at all costs here. Harsh lighting will hamper your food photos. Instead, when photographing food, stay by the window for natural light. Not only is ambient light the most complementary, but natural sunlight can also highlight the subject's contours. Or even catch angles in ways that flash can not replicate.

Try lining up the shots you know you want to capture according to what photographers call the "golden hour"—the hour before sun or the initial hour after dawn.

If you’re struggling with shadows or glare, hold a piece of white paper or cardboard in front of the light source to bounce off the light.

The Close-Up

A zoomed-in perspective clearly captures all the delicious details of a dish. For example, the rugged texture of asparagus, the glistening orange glaze on a seared duck breast, or the hidden nooks and crannies of a Caesar salad.

A close-up photo fills your frame. Imagine that effect while potential customers are scrolling on their smartphones. A gorgeous shot that takes up their entire screen will probably cause them to pause on social, liking the post or coming back for a second look!

Pro Tip: Take a close-up image using the “portrait” feature on your Apple or Android device for a softer, more focused capture.

Angles and Perspective

Instead of just taking a generic flat shot, try shooting from multiple perspectives. Train your eye to see the dish in a new way. Think about a dish from every angle. Be curious about what the plate looks like from the side, in a depth of field, or in a serving hand.

For example, place the dish in the line cook’s window or even on a clean, crisp tablecloth. Allow yourself to find contrast in background elements to create a new vision of the dish. 

Pro Tip: Not only does the final presentation of the dish matter, but so does the process of how it gets from the kitchen to the plate. Be encouraged to show customers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a dish from the kitchen to your table.

Editing

Your best pictures can always use a little retouch. While it may seem easy to just apply a basic filter over your image, we encourage you to get acquainted with editing elements like contrast, saturation, and black point. 

For example, if you were to apply a highlight edit to the image, it will alter the white balance to negate cool colors and produce warm ones. Applying the sharpening filter will enhance the details of the dish.

If you’d like to go one step further, download mobile editing apps like Lightroom or VSCO for additional touchup options.

The Rule of Thirds

Your inclination may be to shoot your photos with your dishes front and center and square in the middle. Resist this urge! Instead, try out the rule of thirds.

In its plainest terms, the rule of thirds uses four lines to divide an image into a grid with three equal columns and three equal rows. Or nine boxes in total.

By placing the focal point of your photo at one of the intersection points, you create a more interesting visual and a better-balanced picture.

Final Touches

In today’s world, social media is one of the most effective ways to market your restaurant, your brand, and your dishes. By following these handy tips and tricks, you can drive more traffic to your establishment, increase your brand awareness, and build a loyal following in your community.