7 great food photographs ∙ From the humble sandwich to the Michelin star dish

We eat with our eyes first. It’s a well-worn cliché, but it’s never been truer, especially in today’s visually-driven world. Whether you’re running a bustling sandwich shop, a charming cafe, or a Michelin-starred restaurant, the quality of your food photography can make or break your business. In this article, we’ll explore seven examples of compelling food photography, demonstrating how powerful imagery can elevate even the simplest dish to a work of art, and why investing in first-class photography is essential for any food business.

Here, the super-talented Rupert Marlow of Three Pin Media, shares how it isn’t just about why food photography matters, it’s about showing you. Rupert has an incredible eye for capturing food – not just what it looks like, but the feeling around it. From the intricate details of a Michelin-star creation to the simple deliciousness of a well-made sandwich, Rupert’s eye for lighting, composition, and styling makes every dish pop. He’s a real pro, and his passion for food photography shines through in each and every shot.  

Seven fantastic food photographs

1. The humble sandwich ∙ Forget the hastily snapped photo of a soggy sandwich. Think crisp, vibrant images that showcase the layers of fresh ingredients, the perfectly toasted bread, and the overflowing fillings. Even a simple sandwich can look irresistible with the right lighting and composition.

2. The comforting bowl of soup ∙ A bowl of soup can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Professional photography can capture the rich colours, swirling steam, and glistening broth, making the image look as inviting as it would taste in real life.

3. The Instagram-worthy French toast ∙ French toast is a breakfast classic, but it can also be a visual masterpiece. Think golden-brown slices glistening with syrup. A great photo can make French toast look so decadent and delicious that you can almost smell and taste the sweetness through the screen.

4. The vibrant and colourful starter ∙ Dishes full of colour are designed to awaken the palate and tantalise the taste buds. A great photograph will capture this symphony and highlight the colours, the glistening dressings, and the artful composition of the dish. It transforms a simple starter into an enticing invitation to the meal ahead.

5. The delectable dessert ∙ From gooey chocolate brownies to delicate macarons, desserts are designed to tempt. High-quality photography can capture the rich textures, the glistening sauces, and the intricate details of these sweet treats, making them utterly irresistible.

6. The artfully plated dish ∙ Fine dining is all about presentation. Professional photography can showcase the chef’s artistry, capturing the delicate balance of colours, textures, and shapes in a meticulously plated dish.  

7. The Michelin star masterpiece ∙ At the highest level of culinary excellence, photography becomes an art form in itself. It captures not just the food, but the entire dining experience, the ambience, and the passion that goes into creating these culinary masterpieces.

Why is great photography so important?

Regardless of your establishment, food style, or culinary style, exceptional food photography is a crucial investment for your business. Here’s why:

• First impressions: In the digital age, your online presence is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your business. High-quality photos can grab attention and create a positive first impression, enticing people to learn more.
• Brand building: Professional photography helps you build a strong brand identity. Consistent, high-quality images across your website, social media, and marketing materials create a cohesive and professional look, reinforcing your brand message.  
• Increased sales: Mouthwatering photos can drive sales. When people see delicious-looking food, they’re more likely to want to try it. This is especially important for online ordering and delivery platforms.
• Social media engagement: Visually appealing content performs better on social media. Stunning food photos can attract likes, comments, and shares, increasing your reach and engagement.  
• Credibility and trust: Professional photography conveys professionalism and attention to detail, building trust and credibility with your customers. It shows that you take your food and your business seriously.  
• Differentiation: In a crowded market, high-quality photography can help you stand out from the competition. It’s a way to showcase what makes your food and your eatery unique.

Investing in professional photography

From the simplest sandwich shop to the most refined Michelin-starred restaurant, every food business can benefit from investing in professional photography. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about showcasing your passion, your creativity, and the delicious food you have to offer. In the world of food, a picture really is worth a thousand words (and potentially, many more customers).

A huge thank you to Rupert Marlow of Three Pin Media for sharing his images and his knowledge on this topic. His images perfectly capture the essence of what we’ve been discussing and prove, without a doubt, that a picture really is worth a thousand bites.

∙ PHOTOGRAPHY ARTICLE SERIES BY RUPERT MARLOW OF THREE PIN MEDIA ∙