Pro Food Photography Tips to Boost Your Menu & Increase Sales

Great food photos are more than just eye candy for social media—they’re a proven way to increase sales. Here’s how you can make your dishes pop and get more orders.

1. Keep Your Menu Simple and User-Friendly

Creamy milk being poured into a glass of cold brew coffee at Sunwave Cafe in Eugene, Oregon.

Taken by Sundog Visuals.

A menu that’s clean and easy to navigate makes a lasting first impression. Too much text or a cluttered design can overwhelm your customers. Stick to clear fonts, straightforward descriptions, and a layout that’s easy to read. A smooth and stress-free browsing experience helps your guests focus on what really matters: the food.

2. Design Your Menu to Match Your Brand

Elegant bier stein wine glass filled with rich red wine.

Taken by Sundog Visuals.

Your menu should tell the story of your restaurant. Whether your vibe is cozy and rustic or sleek and contemporary, your menu’s design should mirror your brand identity. Cohesive use of colors, fonts, and layout enhances your customer’s connection to your restaurant and reinforces your brand message.

3. Use Pricing Strategies That Work

Mouthwatering Burger Monday deal from Cornucopia, showcasing a perfectly cooked burger and crispy sides.

Taken by Sundog Visuals.

Price your dishes thoughtfully to reflect both their quality and perceived value. Consider offering meal bundles or exclusive combo deals to encourage customers to order more while boosting your average sale. Creative pricing tactics like these can lead to higher checks and happier guests.

4. Shine a Spotlight on High-Profit Items

Juicy burger topped with crispy onion and served with savory au jus dip

Taken by Sundog Visuals.

Highlight your most profitable dishes through appealing imagery and strategic menu placement. These items should be front and center—whether by showcasing them with a beautiful photo or putting them at the top of the menu. A little extra attention can go a long way in driving orders for your highest-margin items.

5. Invest in Stunning Food Photography

Delicious banana cake from Drop Bear Brewery topped with whipped cream and fresh blueberries.

Taken by Sundog Visuals.

Images have the power to sell. High-quality food photography makes your dishes look absolutely mouthwatering and can tempt customers into making an order. Invest in professional photos that not only capture the essence of your food but also fit seamlessly with your brand. These photos can be used for your menu, website, and social media to keep your restaurant looking irresistible.

6. Repurpose Photography for Ongoing Marketing

Bier steins online menu featuring a close-up shot of creamy, delicious mac and cheese.

Mac n Cheese photo taken by Sundog Visuals.

Don’t limit your great food photos to just your menu. Use them as a long-lasting resource across all your marketing channels—your website, social media, and ads. Professional photos have staying power, helping your brand look fresh and appealing no matter where customers find you.

Need Mouthwatering Food Photography in Eugene? We specialize in creating high-quality food photos that bring your dishes to life. Contact us today to craft stunning images that will boost your engagement, drive sales, and provide evergreen value to your restaurant’s brand.