Let’s face it – we eat with our eyes first. And in a world where Instagram can make or break a dish (or an entire restaurant), food photography has become a secret weapon for restaurants looking to stand out.
Whether you're working with a pro or snapping away on your iPhone, getting great shots of your food doesn’t have to be complicated. So here are some easy, practical tips to help your restaurant photography actually do your dishes justice.
1. Use the Best Available Kit
This doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line camera costing thousands, especially if you don't know your ISO settings from your focal length, but use the best equipment you have to hand. These days, this can even be the latest iPhone or similar. Smartphone cameras make it even easier to get great shots - just make sure you have a clean lens.
2. Natural Light Is Your Best Friend
Overhead spotlights might look great for ambience, but they do no favours for photos. Aim to shoot in daylight, near a window – side light is ideal. It gives depth, highlights textures, and avoids the dreaded yellow or blue colour casts from indoor bulbs.
Bonus tip:
If you’re shooting at night, use a soft ring light or diffused LED panel to mimic natural light. Never, ever use your phone’s flash.
3. Declutter the Plate (and the Table)
Before taking a photo, ask: what’s the star of the shot? The food should always be the focus, and the minimalist approach helps achieve this. Avoid busy backgrounds, too many props, or random ketchup bottles in the background.
A clean plate with a minimal table setup will make the dish pop. Less is more.
4. Shoot From the Right Angle
Flat lays (shot directly from above) work brilliantly for spreads or symmetrical dishes like pizza or mezze boards. Burgers, stacked pancakes, or anything with height? Go for a 45-degree angle or straight-on shot to show off the layers.
You don’t need to get fancy – just choose the angle that makes the food look most delicious.
5. Think About Colour and Contrast
Every plate doesn’t have to be bursting with colour, but it should have something to catch the eye. Think about contrast – a dollop of white yoghurt on a curry, a pop of green herb on brown meat, a vibrant cocktail next to a beige starter.
Even a simple sprig of parsley or colourful napkin can make a big difference.
6. Use the Right Props (But Don’t Overdo It)
Rustic boards, textured napkins, simple ceramics – these all add depth without stealing the show. Match your props to your brand. A fine dining restaurant probably shouldn’t be using enamel camping plates, and a burger joint doesn’t need gold cutlery.
And don’t forget: fingerprints on glassware or smudges on plates? Clean them before you shoot.
7. Show It Being Enjoyed
Photos of untouched food are nice, but action shots? Even better. A fork digging into gooey mac ‘n’ cheese. A hand lifting a taco. A pour shot of gravy or melted chocolate. These moments make your food feel alive and craveable.
Just make sure hands look clean, natural, and on-brand (no chipped nails or smudged sleeves).
8. Edit With a Light Touch
You don’t need Photoshop wizardry. Most of the time, a simple brightness tweak, a little contrast, and maybe a light sharpening are all you need. Photo processing programs like Lightroom or Snapseed are brilliant for this.
Avoid filters that change the colour of the food – you want it to look real and appetising, not radioactive.
9. Keep It Consistent
This one’s for your Instagram feed. It’s tempting to post everything, but if your images are inconsistent (some super dark, others overly saturated), your page can start to look a bit messy. Aim for visual consistency; stick to a style – bright and airy, moody and rich, neutral and natural – and own it.
Final Thought: It's Not Just About Pretty Pictures
Great food photography isn’t just about getting likes – it’s about telling your story, building trust, and giving people a taste of what they can expect.
So, whether you’re hiring a photographer or doing it DIY, investing time in your food imagery is one of the most powerful marketing moves you can make.
Need help getting your restaurant's visuals on point?
At SideDish Media, we shoot mouth-watering content for restaurants across the UK – from content days to complete social strategy. Let’s chat and get your dishes camera-ready.
