Food photography is often compared to painting—it’s an art form where each detail builds a story. When sharing on social media, every layer matters. With strong technical skills and creativity, you can bring your food photography to life across platforms and create images that truly connect with your audience. While some shots—especially those designed for stories—can be challenging, consistent practice will help you master the craft and capture images that tell vibrant, mouth-watering stories.
We’ve put together a collection of food photography tips specifically for social channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. These are designed to help you improve your craft and stand out as a skilled photographer.
15 Tips for Food Photography on Social Media
Tip #1
Use a low aperture if you want to focus on a single subject. This creates beautiful depth and keeps all attention on the hero of your shot.
Tip #2
Always shoot in RAW mode. It gives you far greater flexibility when editing than JPEGs and helps preserve important details.
Tip #3
Your choice of lens has a huge influence on focus and impact. Before shooting, check your equipment. Explore our guide to different types of lenses to find the best option for food photography.
Tip #4
Light is king. Whenever possible, use natural light. Even in low light situations, try incorporating candles or ambient light—it creates a warm, stunning effect that stands out in timelines.
Tip #5
If using hand models, make sure the hands look clean, moisturised, and natural. Edit fingernails if needed, as small details can make or break the shot.
Tip #6
Photograph food alongside chefs or the person preparing it. This adds authenticity and a more natural storytelling touch.
Tip #7
To capture a full table spread, use a high aperture to ensure you get everything in focus.
Tip #8
Regularly change and check your SD and flashcards to avoid technical issues or data loss.
Tip #9
Boost reach by tagging locations, restaurant names, and recipe types. Tags make your posts more discoverable and increase viral potential.
Tip #10
Support your photos with blogs. Writing posts around your food photography using well-selected keywords can drive more traffic and expand your online presence.
Tip #11
Stay on top of food trends and always include hashtags like #food. On Instagram especially, hashtags are key to boosting visibility and gaining new followers.
Tip #12
Take shots just before eating. Think open bottle caps, juice straws, pizza fresh with red pepper flakes, or cheese stretching from pasta. These finishing touches make your photos look alive.
Tip #13
Avoid posting low-quality food for quick likes. Focus not only on how food looks but also on health—don’t promote items that could negatively impact wellbeing.
Tip #14
Switch to portrait mode for a richer, more engaging look. This style often attracts more attention on social feeds.
Tip #15
Showcase the ingredients themselves in their best form. Highlighting fresh herbs, spices, or toppings is another creative way to expand your storytelling.