The #1 Rule of Food Photography
Natural light is everything. Shoot near a large window, between 10am-3pm, with the light coming from the side or behind the food. Never use flash. Get this right and you're 80% of the way to great food photos.
6 Essential Photography Tips
Natural Light is Everything
Shoot near a window during daylight. Avoid direct sunlight - diffused light is best.
The Rule of Thirds
Turn on grid lines in your camera app. Place your main subject on the intersecting lines.
Shoot from the Right Angle
Different dishes suit different angles. Flat dishes = overhead. Tall dishes = 45° or straight on.
Props and Backgrounds
Simple backgrounds work best. Wood, marble, slate, or plain surfaces. Less is more.
Colour and Contrast
Use complementary colours. Add garnishes that pop against the main dish.
Phone Camera Settings
Use your phone's manual/pro mode for more control. Always clean your lens first.
Essential Shot Types
Build a library of these shot types for each menu item to cover all your marketing needs.
Hero Shot
Your signature dish, perfectly plated, best angle
Flat Lay
Overhead view showing full spread or ingredients
Action Shot
Pouring, cutting, steam rising, cheese pull
Detail/Close-up
Texture, toppings, garnish close-up
Lifestyle
Hands holding, someone eating, in context
Ingredients
Fresh raw ingredients that go into the dish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Flash photography
✓ Use natural light only - flash creates harsh shadows and unappetising colours
❌ Cluttered backgrounds
✓ Remove distractions - food should be the hero
❌ Bad angles for the dish
✓ Match angle to dish type - tall = straight on, flat = overhead
❌ Over-editing
✓ Light touch on filters - food should look natural and appetising
❌ Cold food photos
✓ Capture steam, melting, freshness - shoot immediately after plating
❌ Dirty plates/surfaces
✓ Wipe plate edges, remove fingerprints, clean surfaces before shooting
Best Editing Apps
Light editing makes good photos great. Keep it subtle - over-edited food looks fake.
| App | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lightroom Mobile | Free (premium £10/mo) | Professional-level editing, presets |
| Snapseed | Free | Quick edits, selective adjustments |
| VSCO | Free (premium £20/yr) | Film-like filters, consistent aesthetic |
| Foodie | Free | Food-specific filters and settings |
Quick Edit Checklist
Pro Tips on a Budget
DIY Light Reflector (£0)
Use a piece of white foam board or even a white bedsheet to bounce light from the opposite side of your window. Eliminates harsh shadows instantly.
Background Boards (£20-50)
Buy 2-3 large boards from Hobbycraft or Amazon: marble effect, wood grain, plain slate. Instant professional backgrounds for any food style.
Tripod or Stack of Books (£0-20)
Stabilise your phone for sharper images. A cheap phone tripod works, or stack books to the right height. Use the timer to avoid camera shake.
Garnish Kit (£10-15)
Keep fresh herbs (basil, mint, parsley), citrus, sesame seeds, and microgreens on hand. A pop of colour transforms any dish.
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an expensive camera for food photography?
No - modern smartphones take excellent food photos. iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones from the last 3-4 years have cameras capable of professional-quality images. The key is lighting and composition, not equipment. However, if you can budget £150-200 for a one-time professional photoshoot of your signature dishes, it's worth it for website and menu use.
What is the best lighting for food photography?
Natural, diffused window light is best. Position your food at a 45-degree angle to a large window (not in direct sunlight). The window should be to the side or behind the food. Avoid overhead fluorescent or tungsten lighting as it creates unflattering colour casts. The best time is mid-morning to early afternoon when natural light is abundant but not harsh.
What angle should I photograph food from?
It depends on the dish: Flat dishes like pizza, salads, and grain bowls look best from directly overhead (90°). Tall dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and stacked foods suit a 45° angle or straight-on view. Drinks and soups work at 45° to show depth. Bowls like ramen or curry suit a slight overhead angle around 60°. Match the angle to show off what makes your dish special.
How do I style food to look appetising in photos?
Key styling tips: Use odd numbers of items (3 or 5, not 4), add fresh garnishes for colour pops (herbs, citrus, seeds), slightly under-portion (negative space looks better), add texture variety (something crunchy, something saucy), capture immediately while fresh, use tweezers for precise placement, oil vegetables to make them glisten, and always wipe plate edges clean.
What apps are best for editing food photos?
For beginners: Snapseed (free, powerful, easy) or the Foodie app (food-specific filters). For intermediate: VSCO (consistent aesthetic, good presets) or Lightroom Mobile (professional features, batch editing). Key edits: slightly increase warmth, boost saturation gently, increase shadows to see detail, add a touch of contrast. Less is more - over-edited food looks fake.
How many photos do I need for a food business?
Minimum viable photo set: 1 hero shot per main menu item, 3-5 lifestyle/ambiance shots, 1 flat lay showing your range, 2-3 action shots (cooking, plating). For a 10-item menu, budget 15-25 final images. Refresh photos seasonally or when you update the menu. Delivery apps typically need 1-2 photos per dish, but better photos = higher conversions.
Should I hire a professional food photographer?
Consider hiring a professional (£150-300 for a half-day shoot) when: launching your website/brand, creating a printed menu, or if photography isn't your strength. However, for daily social media content, learn to take good phone photos yourself - the consistency and freshness of regular posts matters more than perfection. Many successful food businesses mix professional hero shots with daily phone content.
How do I take photos of food for delivery apps?
Delivery app requirements: Simple, clear shots on plain backgrounds. Overhead or 45° angle works best. Consistent lighting across all dishes. Show portion size clearly (include a fork or hand for scale occasionally). Avoid busy backgrounds - the thumbnail is small. Ensure the photo matches exactly what customers receive - disappointing reality hurts reviews.