How to take great food photos

Whether you shoot your own photos, work with a pro or use stock imagery, great visuals make your menu more appealing and drive more orders. Take the time to get it right – your customers will notice.

Why food imagery matters

No matter how well you describe your dishes, the reality is this: if your photos don’t whet your customer’s appetite, they’ll likely scroll right past.

Food businesses that use photos on their menus see an average increase in orders of 24%. That’s a big win for a small investment.

Think of your food imagery as the digital version of a welcoming cafe interior. It helps set expectations, builds trust, and gets customers excited to order.

And with high-quality cameras in our pockets, there’s no excuse not to show off your meals at their best. Here's how to get started.

DIY food photography tips

Taking your own photos is the most cost-effective and personalised way to bring your menu to life. Food photographer Dean Bradley shared some practical advice to help you get started:

Props

When it comes to props, chances are you already have what you need - plates, cutlery, glassware and serving dishes. These can help create a visually appealing scene and subtly guide the viewer’s eye to the food. Look for items with a matte or textured finish rather than reflective surfaces, which can be distracting. You can even use matte spray from photographic stores to tone down shiny items. Just remember - less is more. Keep props to a minimum so the food remains the focus.

Capture

You’ll likely be shooting with your phone, which is more than capable if you use it well. When photographing from a 45-degree angle, focus on the main element of the dish. Using portrait mode can help create a soft background blur, drawing the viewer’s eye to the subject. If you're shooting a flat lay (from directly above), make sure to focus on the top of the dish. This angle can be tricky to get right, so often, shooting at plate level is the safer choice.

Plating

Present your dish the way your customers will eat it. That means plating it up nicely - skip the containers unless they’re part of the story you’re telling. Keep the food centred on the plate or bowl, with a little breathing room around the edges to create a clean, polished look.

Lighting

Lighting makes a huge difference. Natural light near a window is ideal, especially if it’s soft and diffused. Try lighting from the side rather than overhead to bring out texture and depth. Just be mindful of strong shadows and adjust your setup if needed.

Composition & editing

When composing your shot, give the dish a bit of space. Pick a clear hero image and keep the surrounding elements simple. This helps avoid awkward cropping later and maintains focus where it belongs. Be ready to move quickly - food doesn’t stay looking its best for long.

Once you’ve taken your shots, use your phone’s editing tools to tweak the image. Adjust things like brightness, contrast and warmth. Try to make the food all look similar in style so your customer can browse items on your menu without getting too distracted by different styles of photos.

Sourcing stock or AI images

If you don’t have your own photos yet, stock and AI-generated images are a good starting point, especially for banner images or promotional material.

Just make sure to:

• Choose images that match what you’re actually selling

• Use reputable sources. We recommend Adobe, Pexels, Unsplash, Recraft or Canva

• Check for any copyright issues or otherwise use images that are free for commercial use

Working with a professional

If budget allows, working with a professional food photographer is a smart investment. Professional photographers bring technical expertise, creative direction, and the right equipment to help your food look its absolute best.

Check out how good some of these professional portfolios look:

Brent Parker Jones - Parker Blain - William Meppem - Dean Bradley

A few high-quality images can go a long way. Consider getting a set of professional shots to use for:

• Your menu homepage

• About us page

• Banner images

• Social media and promotional materials

Keep in mind though, photographers won’t be on hand every time you release a new dish or menu. That’s why it’s still worth building your own skills. Use professional photos as a visual benchmark, and aim to match their clarity and consistency when creating new images yourself.

If cost is a concern, consider reaching out to emerging photographers or students.