Menu Photography: What Actually Increases Restaurant Sales (And What Doesn’t)
- Social Media Media Productions Fan
- Oct 22
- 2 min read
1. ✅ YES: Bright, Natural Lighting
Good lighting is everything. Natural light makes food look fresh, vibrant, and crave-worthy. Artificial lighting, especially from overhead bulbs or kitchen fluorescents, can make dishes look dull, greasy, or unappetizing.
📸 Pro Tip: Set up your dish near a window and shoot during daylight hours for soft, flattering light.
💥 Why it works: Bright images catch the eye and trigger appetite responses, especially on social media and delivery apps. Better lighting = better conversion.
Bafbombs.com offers great story telling with their recipe shots
2. ❌ NO: Dim, Yellow, or Uneven Lighting
Dark, yellow-toned photos can make even your best dishes look sad and lifeless. It also creates inconsistency across your menu, making your brand look sloppy.
⚠️ This is a common issue for restaurants who snap photos right before service; no time, bad light, rushed shot.
💔 Result: Low engagement on social media, low trust on ordering platforms, and a higher bounce rate on your website.
3. ✅ YES: Clean, Minimal Backgrounds
A clean plate on a simple background lets your food be the star. Neutral surfaces, soft linens, or wooden tables add subtle texture without distraction.
🧼 Use surfaces or props that reflect your brand—rustic wood for a farm-to-table feel, or marble for something more upscale.
💥 Why it works: Clean compositions keep the focus on the food, making the dish look more premium and easier to understand.
4. ❌ NO: Cluttered, Messy Frames
Too many props, utensils, or sauces splattered everywhere can confuse the eye. If your viewer can’t tell what the dish is in two seconds; they’re gone.
🚫 Don’t try to tell the whole story in one shot. Focus on one main element at a time.
💔 Result: Overwhelming photos that reduce clarity and lower perceived food quality.
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