As a commercial food photographer, one of my most frequently asked questions is how to take better photos at restaurants?
So in case you are wondering too, I have compiled a quick list of what you can do for the best-case scenario while you are out to eat and what to document your food without being too disruptive. 😉
- If you’re going to a restaurant and know you’ll be photographing your plate, ask for a seat next to a window. If there are multiple window options, choose one with indirect or diffused light. If you’re outside, try a spot in the shade.
- Menus and white napkins can make great light reflectors. Hold it on the opposite side of the light to bounce light back in.
- Be quick—food has a time limit! Also, you don’t want to disrupt other people’s dining experience.
- Never use your camera phone flash in a dark restaurant, as it usually turns out poorly. If you are with a friend, you can try using their phone flashlight with a single layer of a white paper napkin or tissue over the light to diffuse it. hold it at a different angle than your camera phone.
- Note what is unique about the location. Try to work that into the background of your shot.
- Add hands to evoke more emotion and become more relatable.
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