How to Photograph Food Products for an Online Store

Light it softly, from the side

Soft, diffused daylight keeps colors true and makes food look fresh. A window with a sheer curtain or a white sheet over it softens direct sun. Place the product at an angle to the window so the light falls across it from the side. Avoid midday sun, the built-in flash and warm kitchen bulbs, which make food look dull or harsh.

Choose a clean, simple surface

Use a plain surface such as a white board, a light wood table or a neutral cloth. The background should not compete with the product. A plain white background is the usual choice for product pages, and a warmer scene can sit beside it for lifestyle shots.

Frame close and leave room

Move closer to the product instead of zooming, and leave a little space around it so nothing is cut off when the photo is cropped. A straight-on or slightly raised angle shows the front label best. A top-down view suits flat items such as bars, sachets and open boxes.

Shoot the set a food listing needs

• A clean front shot of the product or pack on a plain background.
• A back or side shot that shows the ingredient or nutrition panel, if the listing needs one.
• A close-up of the texture or contents, such as a cut bar or the inside of a pack.
• A serving or lifestyle shot that shows the food in use, labelled as a suggestion, not the pack itself.

Show the real product

Shoppers compare the photo with what arrives. Photograph the item and its pack the way the customer will receive them, and avoid props that suggest a different product, size or serving. If you sell several flavors or sizes, shoot them the same way so they are easy to compare. A photo that matches the pack can reduce mismatch complaints.

Check the marketplace rules

Marketplaces often ask for a plain main image with no props and no text, and they set their own rules for size and background. The rules change, so check the current guidelines of each marketplace before you upload.