How to take food photos that sell more

A few weeks ago, we decided to ask Laura Becerra Ortiz, a professional photographer, for some tips on taking food photos for online stores and social media. As you probably know, the image is the first thing consumers see, and a good photo can help you sell much more.

A good photo isn't only one taken with a professional camera: you can take great photos with whatever device you have on hand. Phones today have very good cameras. Time to practice!

Tips for taking food photos

• Before taking the photos, have an idea in mind. Where will the photos be used? In your online store, on social media, both, etc.
• You can look for inspiring photos on Pinterest.
• Select the products you'll photograph.
• You can shoot photos on a white background, but you can also use colors. The idea is to make the product stand out.
• We often come across products that aren't very photogenic, but you can play around a bit to make them more eye-catching.
• If you like, you can open the products and show them served. For example, mayonnaise in a small bowl with crackers and the jar behind it. This helps make the shot feel more relaxed and gives a better sense of the size of the product and its packaging.

We have 3 seconds to capture the attention of whoever is looking at our products. A photo can bring you new customers. Laura Becerra Ortiz

• Always try to use natural light; it's easier to work with than artificial light. Avoid direct light: something should always soften it (a window, a door, etc.)
• If you have a tripod, use it. It's a great ally for getting better photos.
• The best times to take product photos are morning and afternoon.
• Keep the lens clean on your camera or phone.

We recommend watching: How to take photos for an online food or healthy products store

How to photograph seeds

A classic food product in healthy food stores and health food shops is seeds. That said, when photographing them to sell, keep these tips from Laura in mind.

The background and surface where you place the seeds are key. So is the angle you shoot from.

Seeds are very small and flat, so the best option is an overhead shot (from above) or a shot at 45°, as if you were sitting in front of a plate and looking down at it.

Watch out for the objects you place around the food or use as props: they can steal the spotlight from your product.

How to photograph fruits and vegetables

Think about what you want to photograph. For example, when photographing tomatoes, you can use a water spray bottle to give them a fresh look.

For root vegetables such as beets or potatoes, the idea is to show hands holding them. For products that come in bags or packaging, we recommend taking them out and showing them in their natural state, the way they would be eaten.

If you enjoyed Laura's tips, don't miss her free guide with even more advice!

How to edit food photos

Even though cameras and phones take high-resolution pictures, editing your photos is still a must.

There are several editing tools and apps, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, VSCO or Snapseed (super easy to use)

As a tip, don't be afraid to experiment and retouch your photos: as long as you keep a copy of the originals, you can play around with effects and filters (avoid the strongest ones, as they can distort the food). Go for it!

Summary

When taking food photos, you can play around and show your products however you like, but take your time. In a single afternoon you can shoot enough photos to last you a whole month.

Keep in mind the tips from this great professional and download the guide we recommend. You'll find more tips and helpful images.