Photography Tips

Food Photography Lighting: 7 Tips for Stunning Menu Photos

8 min read

Lighting makes or breaks food photography. The difference between a mouth-watering menu photo and an unappetizing snapshot often comes down to how the dish is lit. The good news? You don't need expensive equipment to achieve professional results.

In this guide, we'll share 7 lighting techniques that professional food photographers use every day, adapted for restaurant owners and anyone looking to improve their menu photos.

Natural light from a window is the gold standard for food photography. It's free, flattering, and produces consistently beautiful results. The soft, diffused quality of window light brings out textures and colors in food without creating harsh shadows.

For best results:

• Photograph near a large window during daylight hours
• Avoid direct sunlight hitting the food (it creates harsh shadows)
• The ideal time is mid-morning or late afternoon when light is softer
• Overcast days actually produce more even, flattering light

Where you position your light source relative to the food dramatically affects the final image. Side lighting, where light comes from the left or right of the dish, is the most commonly used technique in food photography.

Side lighting creates:

• Depth and dimension in your photos
• Attractive shadows that show texture
• A natural, appetizing appearance

Position your dish so the window is to one side (not behind you or directly in front). The 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock positions relative to your camera typically work best.

When light comes from one side, the opposite side of your dish falls into shadow. While some shadow is desirable for depth, too much shadow obscures details and makes food look unappetizing.

A reflector bounces light back onto the shadowed side. You don't need to buy professional equipment. These household items work perfectly:

• White foam board: The classic choice, available at any craft store for a few dollars
• White poster board: Lightweight and easy to position
• Aluminum foil on cardboard: Creates stronger, more directional fill light
• White napkin or tablecloth: Already on the table, subtly fills shadows

Position your reflector opposite the light source, about 1-2 feet from the dish, angled to bounce light into the shadows.

Many restaurant kitchens and dining areas use fluorescent or LED ceiling lights. These lights are the enemy of appetizing food photography. They cast a greenish or yellowish color cast, create unflattering shadows under food, and look artificial.

If you must shoot under artificial lights:

• Turn off overhead lights and use window light instead
• If no windows are available, use a dedicated photo light or ring light
• Shoot during the day when natural light can supplement artificial sources
• Use Plated to automatically correct color casts in post-processing

Direct light, whether from the sun or artificial sources, creates harsh shadows with hard edges. These shadows can be unflattering and distract from the food. Diffused light wraps around the subject and creates soft, gradual shadows.

Ways to diffuse light:

• Sheer white curtains: Naturally diffuse window light
• White shower curtain: Inexpensive and highly effective
• Parchment paper: Tape it to a window to soften direct sunlight
• Shoot on cloudy days: Clouds act as a giant diffuser

The goal is to create even, wrapping light that brings out texture and color without harsh shadows.

Backlighting, where light comes from behind the food, creates a dramatic, professional look. It's especially effective for:

• Drinks and beverages (makes them glow)
• Steaming hot dishes (highlights the steam)
• Foods with translucent elements (lettuce, thin-sliced vegetables)
• Creating separation between food and background

When using backlight:

• Position the light source behind and slightly above the dish
• Use a strong reflector in front to fill shadows
• Expose for the food, not the bright background
• Be careful not to overexpose the highlights

A cohesive menu requires consistent lighting across all your photos. Customers notice when some photos look professional while others look like quick smartphone snaps.

To achieve consistency:

• Designate a photo spot: Find the best-lit location in your restaurant and use it for all food photography
• Shoot at the same time of day: Natural light changes throughout the day, so photograph at consistent times
• Use the same setup: Keep your reflector, diffuser, and camera position consistent
• Batch your photography: Photograph multiple dishes in one session for efficiency and consistency

When Lighting Isn't Perfect: Let Plated Help

Even with these tips, you won't always have ideal lighting conditions. Restaurant kitchens are busy, windows aren't always available, and time is limited. That's where Plated comes in.

Plated's AI enhancement automatically:

• Corrects underexposed or overexposed images
• Removes color casts from artificial lighting
• Balances shadows and highlights
• Enhances natural colors without looking artificial

Putting It All Together

Great food photography lighting doesn't require expensive equipment or years of experience. By understanding these fundamental principles, you can dramatically improve your menu photos:

1. Prioritize natural window light
2. Position light to the side for depth and texture
3. Use reflectors to fill shadows
4. Turn off unflattering overhead lights
5. Diffuse harsh direct light
6. Experiment with backlight for special shots
7. Keep your setup consistent across all photos

Start with these basics, practice regularly, and you'll see immediate improvement in your food photography. And when lighting conditions aren't perfect, Plated is there to help you achieve professional results every time.