Make your dishes shine: photo tips for restaurants

On Smood, your photos are your digital storefront. They catch the eye, spark appetite, and drive purchases. A great photo makes all the difference.

Here are our simple, easy-to-apply tips (promise no need to be a pro).

Light, light, light!

Do's: Use natural light. Set up near a window during the day (but avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows). Soft, natural light is your best ally.
Don'ts: Don’t underexpose your photos by taking them in dark places. Dishes will be hard to appreciate if the lighting is too dim.

Tip : If you need to use artificial light, choose white light instead of yellow. It captures the true colors of your dishes better.

The angle makes all the difference

Do's: For a quality photo, shoot your dishes from above. If it’s a sandwich, fries, a dessert, or a drink, go for a 45° angle.
Don'ts: Don’t take photos as if you were sitting at the table looking at the plate head-on. It flattens the dish and doesn’t showcase it well.

Play with the background and details

Do's: Choose a simple, clean background. A neat tablecloth, a wooden board, a stone or plain wall, or simply a table can make the difference.
Don'ts: Stay away from cluttered or distracting backgrounds. A backdrop with people or too much going on will steal the attention from your dish.

Dare to create atmosphere shots

Do's: Don’t hesitate to build a little scene around your dish. It can be as simple as a steaming cup of coffee next to a cake, or a refreshing drink beside a salad. Be creative with your food styling. Add a few decorative touches, like fresh herbs or condiments.
Don'ts: Don’t place things randomly. Take the time to arrange the elements nicely for a better result.

Simplicity is key

Do's: Less is sometimes more. Don’t overload your photos with too many dishes at once. A clear, well-composed photo of a single dish will always be more impactful than a crowded image.
Don'ts: overuse effects or filters that make the photo look artificial. Simplicity and authenticity often win.

Visual consistency

Always use the same photo style (background, light, framing). This creates a recognizable visual identity on your Smood menu and reinforces quality.

Bonus

• Use your phone’s portrait mode: If you have a recent smartphone, portrait mode blurs the background and makes your dish stand out. A professional look with zero effort.

Need inspiration? Browse Instagram or Pinterest (“burger,” “noodles,” “food pictures”) for framing ideas.

Never use random images from Google: they’re not copyright-free.

Spotlight: partners making their dishes shine

Here are some examples of Smood partner restaurants that apply our photo tips and showcase their dishes beautifully on the platform:

Credit: Cheng-Du

Credit: Sizzle Meat

In summary: your photos can be a real asset, even with just a phone
What matters is to start, experiment, and find what highlights your products best. No advanced technical skills or expensive equipment needed. With a little practice and the right tips, you can turn your phone into a real photo studio and make your products shine on Smood.