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Former Google Contributor

How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

Hello Local Guides! I’m Anna, the Photo Lead for the Local Guides team.

 

We know you love contributing photos on Google Maps, and we love that you post them!  We also love food, and going to local restaurants. That’s why we’re dedicating the month of July to celebrating local food culture through photography.

 

To kick things off, here are a few tips to make your shots stand out on Google Maps — and get lots of views, along with 4 posts here on Connect with some photography tips by renowned food photographers on Instagram:

 

 

And remember: “The best camera is the one you have with you.”

 

It’s one of my favorite quotes from photographer Chase Jarvis. You don’t need a big fancy camera to shoot great photos. It just takes a few tips and some practice. Ask any questions in the comments, and stay tuned for livestream interviews with photographers every week, starting in Los Angeles and concluding in Bangkok.

Tip 1: Avoid shooting in dark places — daylight is ideal
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We don’t expect you to change your entire eating schedule to dine during the day,  but in general, it’s very difficult to take beautiful photos in dark places.  

 

We highly recommend that you use daylight to shoot your photos. A candle or a flash from your phone’s camera just won’t be able to capture what a restaurant or dish looks like in real life.

 

If you MUST take a photo of the food at night, have a friend (or two) turn on their phone flashlights. Then hold the light evenly over your dish.  

Tip 2: Try a few angles before you share the best shot
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Don’t assume that the first photo you shoot will be your best, and don’t be shy about spending a little time trying out different angles of the same dish. Sometimes a dish looks better from above. Sometimes you may want to photograph it from the side to show off the layers of a cake or a delicious piece of sushi. There’s no one way to do it.  

 

Take a little extra time to make sure that shot looks its best!

 

Tip 3: Step back or zoom out to capture more

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The texture of your dish may look interesting in person, but it’s hard to capture. Getting too close with your camera also misses an opportunity to show off other cool details and a festive, full spread of dishes.

 

We recommend taking a step back to photograph the full dish as well as other items on the table. That way the space and vibe of the restaurant will also come through.

 

Tip 4: Shoot horizontally to display well on Google Maps
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Cell phones are vertical so it’s easy to shoot that way too, but it’s not always the best way. Turn your phone on its side when taking photos to share on Google Maps. They’ll display better.

 

Tip 5: Take a bite, leave some crumbs, let the yolk run — it adds personality!

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Don’t be afraid to play with your food! Take a shot as soon as it’s delivered to your table, but then get another one after you’ve taken a bite. Some foods look even better after you’ve had a bite, taken a slice, or let it melt a bit. It lets the viewer imagine a taste of the dish too!

 

Want more tips? Check back to Connect every Thursday this month. Our food photography experts will be giving their own personal tips to show you how to shoot great food photos!

173 comments
Level 10

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

@AnnaDicksonThank you for the info and the food topic (my favorite)

 

Level 10

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

Level 5

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

Hii @AnnaDickson nice to meet you

Your photos looking awesome

Thanks for sharing the information about photography

@LucioV @WaweruM I think this is really helpful for every one.

 

Level 9

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

Awesome! 

Level 10

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

@AnnaDickson Wow, thanks for sharing great tips. Off to shoot some great foodie photos 😊😊😊

Level 9

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

@AnnaDickson thanks a lot for sharing with us. 

Happy to have you here for the first time(as I m new).

.

.

Will kept these things in my mind. 

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.
Connect Moderator

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

Thanks for the information about photography @AnnaDickson 

About me | Guiding Star 2020 | Guiding Star 2020 |  | Follow me on Instagram & Follow me on Maps |   | Happy to Help


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Level 9

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

Thanks for sharing this nice tips with us @AnnaDickson 🙂

Level 9

Re: How to take great food photos for Eat Like a Local Month

@AnnaDickson Thanks for sharing the great tips.

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