Let’s level up your food photography to CRAVE-ABLE!

Here’s the best news: today’s phone cameras are so powerful and automated, you don’t need a fancy setup to nail it. Stick to natural light—park your dishes near a window, skip the flash, and let the magic happen. The secret sauce? A detailed Shot List. With all your food, drinks, and props prepped, you can turn any day into marketing gold for emails, texts, social media, and more. Let’s dig in!

Multiply Dish Shots Like Rabbits (or Noodles)

Each dish isn’t just a single photo—it’s a bunch of sexy shots. That bowl of noodles? Here’s how to take it:

•Angles matter: Get the side view, the “camera is eating” angle, overhead & an action-packed pour shot. Don’t be afraid to get close!

•Add action: steam swirling, broth pouring, or chopsticks lifting noodles.

•Capture moments: a guest smiling mid-slurp or hands sharing plates.

•Sizzle and steam: Natural motion makes your photos feel alive.

Suddenly, a 30-item menu becomes 150 drool-worthy shots.

Think Versatility: Vertical, Horizontal, and Square

Your photos will work across different platforms—emails, texts, social media, and more.

Cover all the bases:

•Vertical for social posts and stories.

•Horizontal for banners and headers.

•Square for a grid-perfect Instagram feed.

•Busy beats empty: Even if it’s a slow day, use tight framing, add guests, or highlight details like plates and decor to keep the energy alive.

Vibe Check: Set the Scene

Your photos reflect your restaurant’s personality and guests. Whether you’re using staff or regulars:

•Vibe Variety: Catch guests dressed for different occasions: upscale, casual, or festive vibes to match the mood.

•Reflect your true Fanbase: Families? Couples? Business types? Show who’s actually coming in.

•Media releases: Good to get these signed so you’re free to use the images long-term. (Just Google for an easy short one.)

CRAVE-ABLE Restaurant Shot: The Definitive List

Food: The Main Event

1. Each menu item on its own, styled and centered to perfection.

2. A full table spread—plates in the center, no empty spaces, and plenty of abundance.

3. Camera-eating angles: shots that feel like you’re sitting down, ready to dig in.

4. Action shots: hands pouring, slicing, or sharing dishes.

5. Bring the drama: steam rising, sauces drizzling, and sizzling textures.

Prep: Back-of-House Action

1. Culinary hands slicing, chopping, whisking and garnishing.

2. Dough kneading, sauces pouring, and flaming & sizzling on the grill.

3. Food in motion: fbeing plated, garnished, or sent out.

4. Close-ups of textures—melting cheese, fresh herbs, and bubbling sauces.

5. Kitchen talent: cooks are rock stars. Give the people what they want.

Front of House: Energy and Atmosphere

1. Guests enjoying meals: glasses raised, food shared, and smiles everywhere.

2. Staff serving dishes, pouring drinks, or delivering coffee with a warm smile.

3. Details of the room: decor, lighting, and what makes your restaurant feel special.

4. Signature moments: a group toasting, a couple celebrating, or a dessert being shared.

5. Always busy: Show the buzz of your space, no matter the time of day.

Coffee: Your Secret Star

1. The machine steaming away like it’s working overtime.

2. Beans on display or being ground to perfection.

3. Milk swirling into lattes with hypnotic precision.

4. Guests enjoying their coffee, solo or in a group.

5. Baristas mid-pour or showcasing their creations with pride.

Bar: Shake, Stir, Sip

1. Cocktail prep: shaking, stirring, pouring, and garnishing.

2. The pour—wine, beer, or spirits flowing into glasses.

3. Close-ups of garnishes, ice cubes, and drink details.

4. Drinks being served to guests or held mid-toast.

5. Guests enjoying the bar, creating an inviting and lively atmosphere.

Functions: Business and Social Vibes

1. Tables styled for meetings, with close-ups of thoughtful details like notebooks, pens, and water glasses.

2. Social setups with party tables brimming with candles, flowers, and festive vibes.

3. Guests mingling, laughing, and enjoying the event.

4. Action shots: presenters speaking, guests toasting, or food being served to the table.

5. Event highlights: decor elements, food displays, and happy guests.

Staff: Hospitality in Motion

1. Teams prepping, plating, and serving.

2. Staff interacting with guests: delivering plates, taking orders, or pouring wine.

3. Group huddles or pre-shift briefings showing camaraderie.

4. Smiling, genuine moments from staff that feel approachable and real.

5. Action shots: hands delivering plates, garnishing cocktails, or topping off a dish.

Guests: Real Moments, Real People

1. Guests arriving, being greeted, and shown to their table.

2. Groups laughing, toasting, and sharing plates.

3. Solo diners enjoying a quiet moment with coffee or a meal.

4. Families or couples creating memories together.

5. Candid, happy moments that make dining feel special.

Exterior: Show Them the Welcome

1. Capture your restaurant’s exterior to highlight its charm and uniqueness.

2. Include key features like signage, lighting, or architectural details.

3. Add movement: guests arriving, entering, or patio dining if applicable.

DON’T FORGET TO BUILD A LIBRARY OF SHORT VIDEO CLIPS!

7 Ways to Capture Short Video Clips for Social Media

1. Steam rising: Close-up of a hot dish with swirling steam for that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.

2. Pouring magic: Broth over noodles, sauce on a steak, or a cocktail being topped off.

3. Hands in action: A slice being cut, sauce drizzled, or a garnish added.

4. Guest reactions: A group laughing, toasting, or digging into their meal.

5. Coffee swirl: The satisfying moment milk and espresso mix into latte perfection.

6. Table reveal: A slow pan across a table loaded with food and drinks.

7. Signature moments: A chef’s finishing touch or a bartender’s flair move to top off a cocktail.

Pro Tips

•Busy beats empty: Even on quiet days, focus on tight shots or add guests to create energy.

•Details are everything: Highlight decor, lighting, and what makes your space unique.

•Action = life: Sizzle, steam, and movement make your photos and videos pop.

You can have a killer photo library to trigger the crave with your Fans & Followers.

***INSIDER TIPs*** -

●Look at other restaurants on Instagram. Find the style you like & mimic it.

●Don’t know where to start? To Find the best dishes & drinks to photograph:

○Use Your PMIX to find Top-Selling Dishes in each menu section

○ Review Sites: On Google Business Profile, check the Reviews section. It highlights which dishes guests talk about the most. Yelp does this too.

●Have some budget & don’t want to do it on your own?

○ DM a local Instagram Food Influencer that shoots in a style that you like to ask if they would be open to shoot for you & get their pricing.

○No harm in asking & building a relationship with someone who might give your restaurant publicity, whether they shoot for you or not.