How I take delicious food photos at home with just my phone.

Whether you’re a home cook, baker, or restaurant owner—this guide is for you.

If you're like me—preparing and selling food from home or running a small food business—you know how powerful a good photo can be. A great picture doesn’t just make your food look tempting; it helps attract more customers, especially when you’re using tools like a 3D menu.

The best part? You don’t need a fancy camera or a studio. I use my phone and follow a few simple tricks to make my food photos look clean, professional, and mouth-watering.

Neatly arranged cupcake on a wooden board with garnishing

Presentation makes a big difference. I make sure the baked goods are fresh and thoughtfully arranged. I keep the plate or surface clean and avoid overcrowding.

For example, when I shoot cupcakes, I place them on a rustic wooden board with a side of berries or a swirl of cream to enhance the scene. It instantly makes the image more inviting and “shop-ready.”

Food near a window with soft daylight

Lighting changes everything. I always take photos near a window during the day—and I never use flash. Natural light makes the texture pop.

To soften harsh shadows, I sometimes place a white paper or cloth on the opposite side of the window. This gives the photo a soft, even glow—perfect for showing off details like flaky croissants or gooey brownies.

Food on a plain white or wooden surface

I’ve learned that less is more. Busy backgrounds take attention away from the food. So I stick to simple setups—white plates, wooden tables, clean countertops, or a neutral baking sheet.

It keeps the focus exactly where it should be—on the delicious treat in front of the camera.

Phone camera capturing a dish from a top angle

I don’t use a DSLR. I rely entirely on my phone—and it’s more than enough.

I usually shoot in Portrait or standard Photo mode, tap on the main subject to lock focus, and avoid zooming in (instead, I just move closer). I take multiple shots from top-down, 45-degree, and side angles to find the most mouthwatering view.

Bakery item with a spoon, napkin, or fresh ingredients like mint or lemon

Props add personality, but I use them sparingly. I might add a dessert spoon, a linen napkin, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Sometimes I use fresh fruits or herbs for a splash of color.

These little touches give context and style without overwhelming the scene.

Cleaning the plate before a food photo

Before I hit the shutter, I check for smudges, crumbs, and spills. I wipe the edges of plates and clean the surface.

Even the tastiest pastry can look unappealing if the setting is messy. Clean visuals make a huge impact on the final result.

Before and after of a food image with slight brightness and sharpness edits

Once the photo is taken, I make small adjustments. I might increase the brightness and sharpness using the phone’s built-in tools. But I avoid heavy filters—they can distort colors and make the food look fake.

My goal is to show the real dish, just slightly polished.

A photo collage of improving food pictures over time

When I first started taking food photos, they were… okay. But after a few sessions, I started to notice what lighting worked, which angles looked best, and how to make even a simple muffin look like a magazine cover.

Practice has helped me tell better stories with my food.

Not everyone loves food photography—and that’s completely fine.

If you'd rather leave it to a professional, here’s what you can do:

✅ Hire a local food photographer

✅ Or contact the PREST team—we’ll guide you or connect you with someone who can make your menu shine

Your food already tastes amazing—now let’s help it look amazing too. With a few simple tips, you can turn your kitchen or bakery into a mini studio.

Sometimes, just one great photo is enough to turn a viewer into a paying customer.

📍 Learn more at www.get-prest.com