Certain aspects of finding success in delivery are more science than art, but standing out from competitors on delivery platforms might be more art than science - how your brand looks on delivery platforms could drive increased orders.

So how can you make your restaurant and food look as good as it does in real life, online? We chatted with Los Angeles-based food photographer, Carla Choy, to learn 5 easy steps that will make your food photography distinct, consistent, and appealing. Luckily, taking incredible photos of your menu items for delivery platforms only takes a smartphone, a window, a white binder, a bright tablecloth, and some garnishes.

How to shoot delivery platform food photos

1. Grab your smartphone and head to the table closest to the window.

It's all about the lighting (well it's about the consistency, humanity, and angles too, but well get to that later). When shooting food photography, working with natural light is best. Natural light ensures that your menu items look clear and real. If you notice that using natural light results in shadows on the food, don't stress. Grab a white binder, white piece of paper, or even a white apron and hold it up to the table, opposite the window. This bounces the light from the window back on to your plate, filling in shadows and making the item look a bit brighter.

2. Set a reminder to shoot every round of food photography at the same time.

If you shoot one round of food photography from 1-2 pm on a bright sunny day, make sure that you try to match that time and lighting for each subsequent round. Shooting all your imagery at around the same time guarantees that your menu items look like they come from the same place, no matter how different the items are themselves. "I think around midday is best - this keeps all your imagery vibrant and lively" - Carla Choy.

3. Use a bright, unique background.

Delivery platforms are full of stimulation - endless logos, delicious food, and bright colors. One shortcut to standing out on delivery platforms is using a consistent, bright, base color. Before shooting your food on a white tablecloth or wooden table, think about your logo - is your key color green? Red? Blue? Take note of your brand's color palette, and then scroll through a delivery platform to see what colors your competitors highlight. If your key color is green and your biggest competitor uses green as a key base color in their food photography, perhaps opt for one of your secondary colors, or a contrasting color. From there, find a tablecloth in that shade - if you don't have a tablecloth, a large sheet of paper works too. "Utilizing a consistent base color helps your brand stay consistent and stand out from competitors," and best case scenario, grabs a potential customer's attention instantly leading to an order.

4. Add a little life.

When you scroll through a delivery platform, you might notice that most restaurants simply show a plated dish on a plain background. While a customer might only receive the food itself in their order, evoking an experience could help your restaurant stand out. Even just one extra garnish makes an image feel more lively - experiment with adding a textured napkin, unique piece of glassware, ingredient, foliage or nice cutlery. As you discover which garnishes look best in your imagery, you can continue using those same details in future photos.

5. Get a direct overhead shot of the food.

At this point, you've found your perfect window, made the lighting bright with help from a white apron, discovered a distinct background to help you stand out from the competition, and added touches of life. Your table is set, now its time to eat! ...Well, no, first you have to take the photos, then you can eat. If you're shooting on a smartphone, the three-quarter angle that many food photographers use could result in the menu item looking distorted. Shooting overhead is the best way to get an accurate image of your food on a smartphone.

Rather leave it to the professionals?

If you've not quite mastered the art and science of food photography (or if you're just too busy to invest time here), you can always hire an expert to re-photograph your menu for you! We've put together a shortlist of websites that will help you find the perfect food photographer for you.

1. Workbook is a portfolio website that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. Workbook allows you to search and filter portfolios by location and specialty, ensuring you find the perfect match for their visual branding needs.
2. Behance is a portfolio website that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. Behance allows you to search and filter portfolios by location, creative field, and style, ensuring you find the perfect match for your project.
3. Dribbble is a platform that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. Dribbble offers search and filtering options by location, specialty, and skill level, helping you find the ideal professional for your needs.
4. The Dots is a creative networking platform that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. The Dots allows you to search for talent based on location, expertise, and availability, ensuring a tailored fit for your project.
5. Thumbtack is a service marketplace that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. Thumbtack lets you search for professionals by location and project type while also providing user reviews and pricing information.
6. Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. Fiverr allows you to search for professionals by location, service, and budget to find the right match for your vision.
7. Upwork is a freelancing platform that can connect you with a local food photographer to help shoot your menu imagery. Upwork allows you to search for talent based on location, hourly rate, and expertise to meet your specific needs.

Start succeeding in delivery with Otter today!

Food photography may require a bit of work, but great food photos are worth it! "People today are so used to seeing perfect images of food, and everything, on Instagram. You don't need to need to have taken photography classes or own a nice camera to get images that match the photo quality people are used to today, it just takes a little extra time and attention to detail" - Carla Choy.

Feeling inspired and ready to supercharge your delivery business? Get started with Otter today!