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How to Take Great Menu Photos for Delivery Apps

Tap a step to follow along in order.

  1. Set up a basic shooting environment

    A smartphone camera is more than enough β€” using a tripod or stand helps eliminate blur from camera shake.

  2. Make use of natural light

    Shooting near a window or other natural light source renders food color far more naturally than artificial lighting does.

  3. Pay attention to angle and composition

    Depending on the dish, try a straight-on shot, a 45-degree angle, or an overhead shot, and pick whichever angle makes the food look most appealing.

  4. Keep the photo true to the actual portion

    If the photo shows noticeably more food than you actually serve, it tends to lead to complaints and negative reviews β€” shoot the portion exactly as you serve it.

  5. Refresh photos periodically

    When a dish or its plating changes, update the photo along with it so there's no mismatch between the photo and what customers actually receive.

  6. Why this matters

    Since customers choose entirely from photos without seeing the food in person, photo quality has a direct effect on order conversion.

What matters more than expensive gear

You don't need professional equipment to get appetizing photos β€” a smartphone camera and good natural light are usually enough. What matters more than gear is practicing finding the light direction and angle that makes each dish look its best.

Photos matter for more than just the delivery app

Good food photos matter beyond delivery platforms too β€” they're just as important for how your restaurant appears in map and local search results, so it's worth managing your photo presence consistently across every channel customers might find you on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hire a professional photographer?

It's not required. A smartphone camera and a few basic techniques are often enough to get good results.

How often should I update photos?

Update right away whenever the menu or plating changes noticeably, and even without changes, it's worth periodically reviewing older photos to make sure they still look fresh.