Photos – yes, of course you understand that pictures of food are an important part of any restaurant’s promotional campaign, whenever tweeting or posting an update about the menu, wine, or even a new cocktail, it should always be accompanied by a picture. But you would be amazed at the number of restaurant owners that pay photographers for print ads and website layouts – and then post out-of-focus, badly lit, poorly framed photos of their menu on their social media sites for thousands of people to see. There are famous restaurants in NYC, with chef-owners that are household names, that regularly post pictures of their offerings that are almost unidentifiable as food.
Here are several basic tips on food photography. Invest in an inexpensive point and shoot camera, just make sure it has a macro setting. Shoot at the highest resolution from at least eighteen inches away – any closer and the autofocus is going to be useless.
Make sure there is a color contrast between the background and the food; avoid using the same color or similar shade for both. Keep the background simple and uncluttered. If unsure, stick to a plain white background.
The difference between what looks good on your plate to what looks appetizing on your camera...can be a far cry, while when you dabble in food photography. No one wants a bluish tent to their meat, just because of lighting! These incredibly helpful tips will give the confidence to start shooting food in any condition, well mainly natural light.