cafe photography geelong

Tricks to Make Your Food Photography Absolutely Irresistible!

In the world of hospitality, especially in the age of 2024- captivating images and video of food is absolutely crucial for success. From Instagram to your website, these images need to pop, so your potential customers can almost smell the aroma of freshly baked bread or that first whiff of coffee in the morning.

Professional food and beverage photography can transform your brand’s presence, evoke the sensory experience of your food, and ultimately lead to an increase in customers. Let’s dive into the key principles of food and beverage photography, how to get started with food and beverage photography and when you should consider hiring a food photography. 

food photography in melbourne

Why Food and Beverage Photography Matters?

You’ve heard it before: “We eat with our eyes first.” The truth is, before someone tastes your food, they’re evaluating it with their eyes, especially when they’re scrolling through social media or looking at your online menu. If your photos don’t look appetizing, they’re more likely to scroll past, even if you have the best food in town.

High-quality imagery doesn’t just represent food; it creates an experience. A photo can make people imagine themselves sitting at your restaurant, enjoying a bite or sip. I’ve seen clients who refresh their images with a professional shoot, only to find their Instagram likes and engagement rates soar immediately afterward. When done right, food and beverage photography can change the way people feel about your brand—and that can be the first step to increasing your customer reach.

cafe food photographer in Geelong

Essentials of Food & Beverage Photography

1. Quality Gear and Lighting

The first step in achieving professional-quality food photography is understanding the importance of good lighting and equipment. Professional lighting is a skill that takes years to master- particularly artificial lighting. Purchasing a professional lighting setup can also be very costly- however the good news is some of the best light (the sun) is free! 

The great news about natural sun lighting is that it is one of the most flattering lightings to shoot in and is very versatile and easy (unlike studio lights). If your venue allows, find a place next to a window or outside to truly allow your images to pop. 

Personally, I often use soft natural lighting when possible—it provides a balanced, realistic look. But in low-light settings, like bars or restaurants, I switch to adjustable studio lights that create a more contrasted look. This allows me to add highlights and shadows where needed without sacrificing the dish’s authenticity.

If your budget allows, a pro photographer can bring in these advanced lighting techniques to help your food pop, whether it’s the shine on a perfectly seared steak or the delicate steam rising from a bowl of soup.

food photoshoot at a cafe in geelong
Natural Outdoor Lighting
Melbourne and Geelong Food Photography
Artificial Lighting

2. Setting the Scene with Backgrounds and Props

Just as ambiance matters in your restaurant, backgrounds and props set the scene in photography. Think about what feeling you want to evoke. For instance, wooden cutting boards and herbs scattered around a dish might give a rustic feel, while sleek white plates on marble surfaces look sophisticated and high-end.

When choosing props, remember that less is often more. The dish should be the main event, and props should only support the theme. I remember working with a restaurant that served fresh, local produce. We added seasonal props—think pumpkins in the fall, herbs in the spring—to create a scene that looked fresh, local, and inviting, enhancing their “farm-to-table” brand message.

food photography in Geelong
Using props such as cutlery, menus and wine glasses can enhance your image

Recipe for Successful Food Photography

Crafting a Visual Story of Your Brand

Your brand has a story, and your food photography should communicate that story visually. For example, if you run a casual eatery, you’ll want photos that look approachable and informal—perhaps natural lighting with warm, vibrant colors. If you’re a fine-dining establishment, a more refined look with clean lines and elegant settings might work best. A photographer can help create this consistent look across all your images.

mount-moriac-vineyard-photography
An outdoor vineyard shoot to show the natural elements of crafting the perfect drop
Whisky Product Photography in Torquay beach
A beach photoshoot enhances the brands coastal image of Sea of Spirits whisky

2. Choosing the right Angles

Different types of dishes have different visual strengths. Think about a burger, with layers of colorful ingredients—it looks great from the side. But a latte art close-up might benefit from an overhead shot. A pro photographer will know the best angles to highlight each food type and enhance textures.

food photography in Melbourne at Scopri, Carlton

2. Capturing texture and freshness

Food can lose its appeal quickly if it doesn’t look fresh. A professional will time the photos carefully—sometimes, just minutes after a dish is plated—to capture steam rising or sauce cascading down. Tricks like misting drinks to look dewy or brushing meat with a touch of oil make food appear fresh off the grill or out of the oven.

Food Photographer Geelong and Melbourne

Techniques to Boost Customer Engagement Through Photography

1. Incorporating Lifestyle Elements

Lifestyle shots help customers imagine themselves enjoying your food. A relaxed café scene with people enjoying lattes, or a group of friends sharing cocktails, brings an inviting, real-life quality to your images.

A great example is a brewery shoot where we used lifestyle photos of people laughing and clinking glasses. The idea was to showcase not just the product but the experience—and it worked! Customers often commented on how they could “picture” themselves there. Such images can build connections, making customers feel like they’re already part of your community.

Melbourne Food Photographer

Highlighting Seasonal or Specialty Dishes

Your menu evolves with the seasons, and so should your photography. Capture limited-time dishes or seasonal specialties, giving customers a reason to visit now rather than later. Seasonal shots don’t just create urgency—they also reinforce freshness and variety.

food photography in melbourne

When to consider hiring a professional food Photographer

Photography has become increasingly accessible for everyone these days, with the rise of smartphones and abundance of easy to use photo editing apps, and honestly- they do a really great job. 
However there are some limitations to consider and many photographers have years or even decades of experience that can take an image to ‘good’ to ‘incredible’. If you truly want to give your beautiful venue and dishes the love they deserve- as professional photographer will  have the skills to do so.  

Quality vs. Quantity

In today’s world, anyone with a smartphone can take a picture, but that doesn’t mean it’ll resonate. Quality food photography takes experience, technical skills, and a trained eye. A professional understands how to frame, light, and style each shot, producing a few high-quality images that have more impact than dozens of low-quality ones.

food photography in Melbourne at Bar Olo, Carlton
This dark venue would not have been possible to photograph in such high quality without professional lights and camera that's highly sensitive to light

Consistency in Style and Branding

A cohesive look across your online channels creates trust and recognition. Imagine if your website has beautifully lit, high-quality photos, but your social media feed is filled with dark, low-res shots. Customers might wonder if the actual experience matches up. Professional photography ensures every image represents your brand consistently, making you memorable.

brand-social-media-photography-header

Professional Editing and Retouching

Editing is where the magic happens. Subtle adjustments in color, contrast, and sharpness bring out the best in your dishes. Editing is also where branding consistency comes into play- where we can create a similar feel amongst different photos to create a uniformity amongst your instagram feed. 

Whisky Bottle BEFORE Photoshop
Whisky Product Photography in Torquay beach
Whiskt Bottle AFTER Photoshop

Food and beverage photography is more than just a pretty picture—it’s a powerful tool that connects your brand to potential customers, creates emotional impact, and ultimately drives sales. By working with a professional photographer, you’re investing in the quality, consistency, and creativity that can bring your dishes to life.

 

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About Me

I am a photographer based in Torquay, an hour south of Melbourne. I have wide range of experience in landscape, portrait, aerial and construction photography. 

I have spent extensive time overseas, attending workshops with world renowned photographers, refining my photography style and knowledge.

Feel free to check out my other blogs, or browse my photography galleries. .  

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