Food for Thought: The Impact of Food Photography on Restaurant Success

As a food photographer working with restaurants through DoorDash, I’ve witnessed a fascinating range of attitudes toward food photography. My journey in this field began before COVID with Delivery Dudes, where my work was well-received and led to further opportunities. Today, DoorDash covers the cost of a 20-dish photoshoot for participating restaurants, and this arrangement has revealed three distinct types of clients.

1. The Minimalists: This group prefers to spend as little as possible on food presentation. They often opt for a simple setup, putting minimal effort into plating. Their focus is on efficiency rather than aesthetics, resulting in straightforward but uninspired photos.

2. The Perfectionists: These clients invest time and care into each dish. They may prepare fewer items but ensure that every plate is beautifully presented. Their dedication to detail shines through in the final images, reflecting their pride in their culinary creations.

3. The Enthusiasts: This category includes those who go all out. They prepare all 20 dishes with attention and love, understanding the power of visuals in marketing. Among the numerous places I’ve photographed, only a handful truly embraced this approach. Notable examples include Elizabeth’s, a Turkish sweets spot in Key West, and a small food truck in Jupiter park.

Food photography is more than just a service—it’s an investment in a restaurant’s advertising. I hope more establishments come to see the value in presenting their dishes beautifully. This year, I’ve expanded my offerings to include social media reels, creating short, engaging clips to further enhance a restaurant’s online presence.

Harolds Caffe, Northwood food, Florida food photographer. Delivery food photography. S

In essence, the way a restaurant approaches food photography can significantly impact its success. By investing in high-quality images and understanding their value, restaurants can better showcase their offerings and attract more customers.

Published by intagwaylett

Mom, Gigi, photographer, videographer, traveler, foodie, in love with NYC and Chicago

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