Free online guide · food photography

How to prepare for a food photography shoot

Good photography does not begin with the shutter. It starts with the dish selection, kitchen rhythm and a space where every plate can look its best.

Open checklist Plan a shoot

Professional overhead food photography

Before the photographer arrives

4–6

varied dishes are enough to build a strong, useful series without putting unnecessary pressure on the kitchen.

1

person makes decisions, checks each plate and coordinates the kitchen flow.

01

Decide what the images need to sell

Send the current menu at least two days before the shoot.
Select 4–6 varied dishes that best represent the offer.
Specify where the images will be used: website, delivery platforms, social, PR or print.
Share references and explain what makes the restaurant different.

02

Prepare a working area

Provide a table at least 90 cm long, ideally 1–2 m, with room for lighting.
Move or switch off low pendant lights to prevent reflections.
Provide a second table for equipment and a stable chair or step ladder for overhead shots.
Choose an indoor area where the shoot will not disturb guests.

03

Make plates and portions work for camera

A smaller, full plate usually photographs better than a large, empty-looking one.
Portions still need to feel generous to the guest.
Tall bowls and baskets require a higher angle so the contents remain visible.
Prepare several plate sizes, boards, sauce bowls, sides and garnishes.

04

Style for the camera angle

Low dishes often work best from directly above.
Food with height, such as burgers, usually works better around a 45-degree guest angle.
Build volume into burgers and salads so they do not look compressed.
Style the plate only after the intended angle is clear.

05

Organise the kitchen flow

Bring dishes one by one, only when the set is ready.
Start with the dish that remains fresh and attractive the longest.
Allow extra time for the first image while lighting and styling are established.
A group image of 3–5 dishes can be created at the end if planned in advance.

06

Protect freshness

Prepare ice cream, foam and delicate food only once the set is fully ready.
Sauces, sides and stable dishes can be prepared earlier.
Reuse ingredients across dishes when that makes production more efficient.
Check every plate before it leaves the kitchen: rim, sauce marks, freshness, shine and garnish.

07

Tell the whole story

Food photography is marketing: prepare cutlery, textiles, packaging, spices, ingredients and branded details.
For group shots, include smaller elements such as drinks, bread, sauces and ingredients.
Decide whether hands, staff, interiors or service moments should appear.
The goal is not only to show a dish, but to sell the experience before the guest arrives.

Pre-shoot checklist

When these are ready, the shoot runs smoothly.

□ Current menu sent
□ 4–6 dishes selected
□ Image uses and formats agreed
□ References and restaurant differentiators shared
□ Working area and table cleared
□ Plates, boards, textiles and props ready
□ Kitchen sequence agreed
□ One decision-maker available during the shoot

Selected work · Željka Mikulčić

Food, drink, process and atmosphere.

Professional food photography, example 1

Professional food photography, example 2

Professional food photography, example 3

Professional food photography, example 4

Professional food photography, example 5

Professional food photography, example 6

Your food already has character. The images should carry it.

Enquire about a shoot