How to take good photographs of menu meals for digital menu

 

As much as printed menus were used in the past, restaurants can’t place every single item’s picture on their menu. It just won’t fit! But now, they can do this by using an interactive restaurant menu QR code software.

They can use a google menu scanner because this software lets restaurants and other businesses with physical locations show off their menus by letting them add detailed descriptions and photos of each item.

Like the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” the visuals on your menu need to speak to your customers. It’s like you’re communicating with the pictures you display on each of your menu items. You have to be clear and creative in expressing your message through those photos.

Using a DSLR Camera vs. Phone

There’s a big difference in the quality of photos produced by DSLR cameras and phones. However, phone cameras have evolved throughout the years, and their photo quality outputs have exponentially improved.

You can use your phone to take pictures of your menu. However, if you want to hire a professional to do it, that would be a great option too.

Of course, there will be a difference in the output, but you need to consider your budget, needs, capacity, and skills when doing this.

Your budget should be the top priority. Why? Because you can’t just hire a professional and get the job done while you compromise your business operations.

Besides, you can still take great photos using your phone. You also have the option to either edit it or use it as is.

On the flip side, when you hire someone else to do it, see it as a long-term investment for your business.

Either way, no matter what gadget you decide to use, and whether you’re gonna do it yourself or have someone do it for you, make sure it fits your budget. The results will vary so you have to have realistic expectations about it.

Food Photography Techniques and Tips

Here are a few things you need to remember when taking food photos.

Angle

Food photography isn’t just taking photos. See it like telling a story. Depending on what angle you use, you have to make sure that it tells the story you want to portray.

• Overhead or 90° angle
  The overhead angle is having the camera over the subject. A great example of this is when taking a picture of a pizza. The pizza toppings should be properly showcased so this angle would be the best one to use.

• 75° angle
  This angle is quite similar to the previous one. However, this is used when you want to show a little bit of the side of the subject instead of just using a straight or directed angle where you can only see one side of it. This is best used when shooting a drink.

• 45° angle
  One of the most generally used angle is probably this one because it’s great for shooting food up close. Especially when you want to show the subject’s depth yet still be able to show off it’s toppings like when you’d take a photo of a fruit bowl or a cupcake.

• 25° angle
  You can use this angle if you want to show a little bit of what’s going on around the subject and at the same time be able to show off some layers in a way that a 0° can’t.

• Straight-on or 0° angle
  This angle is great when you want to focus on the subject and for taking shots of tall or layered food.

Composition

You would want your photo to consist of different elements. One of these is the hero object. Pick one main object and surround it with something related to it but also make sure that it’s not too overwhelming that it drowns out that object.

Another thing is to use lines and layers to guide your viewer’s eyes to the hero object. Instead of just piling up random objects around it, direct the focus of the shot towards the hero object using lines and layers.

Lighting and Color

Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to taking photos. It embeds emotion into your shots. Of course, you can edit the effects you want using photo editing software. However, as much as possible utilize natural light and use proper lighting to make the colors pop.


Conclusion

Whether you use a DSLR camera or a regular phone camera when taking pictures of your menu items, hire a professional, or do it yourself, always make sure it fits your budget and needs.

Follow photography tips and techniques to enhance your photos. Create a story with your shots using the right angle, proper composition, and good lighting.

All these play a part in creating your digital menu so, make proper use of them.