In the era of intense competition, the demand for high-quality content has surged. The ubiquity of smartphones with advanced cameras and the avalanche of daily content make it challenging for business owners less inclined towards social media to keep up with it all. Yet, the importance of social content, including photos on Google Maps, remains pivotal in getting people in the door.
Generic food photography no longer enough in this saturated landscape. Even professional camera shots may not attract the desired traffic. To achieve optimal results, collaboration with a photographer who understands your brand identity and story and can give you material to use for a long time is essential.
The disparity between an experienced food photographer and a budget option is exactly what it implies. While there's merit in providing opportunities for budding photographers (I was one once), investing in a professional is crucial for lasting, impactful photos that set your establishment apart.
Here are some tips for working effectively with photographers:
Pre-Meeting:
Communicate your preferences and aspirations. Knowing your stylistic inclinations, such as studio-style shooting or using your own restaurant's unique surfaces, influences the approach and cost.
Highlight Your Best Dishes:
Let the photographer experiment. Showcase the textures and flavors by letting them deconstruct and capture the essence of your dishes. You will have to sacrifice some dishes for this. Don't use dishes that customers have ordered.
Don't Finish the Plate:
Embrace the process as part of the storytelling. People are drawn to narratives, and seeing the journey of a dish adds depth to the story. Never put the final sauce on top without giving the photographer a chance to capture it.
Choose Surfaces Wisely:
Refrain from laminated reddish or entirely black wood table tops, as they can affect the food's visual appeal. Invest in unique decorations that align with your restaurant's identity. Using some kitchen tools and ingredients is also a great way to feed the narrative.
Embrace Daylight:
Opt for natural light. Set up your photography table in the shade on a sunny day for vibrant colors. Windows also make excellent spots for capturing the essence of your dishes.
Invite Friends for Atmosphere:
To capture genuine atmosphere photos with people, invite friends for a complimentary meal. Spare paying customers from the potential stress of being photographed while eating.
Receiving the Photos:
If you manage your social media or have a social media manager, organize and download all photos into a drive. Avoid heavy filtering; instead, discuss with your photographer for subtle edits that preserve the intricacies they meticulously captured, ensuring the true value shines through.
Hope you enjoyed reading this article.
If I missed anything or you have more questions shoot me an email at renhuszka@gmail.com
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