> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://storekit.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Product Photography
> Capture stunning product photography for your storekit menu. Lighting, framing, and composition tips that increase orders by up to 24% on photographed items.
Great food photography is one of the most effective ways to increase orders. Studies show that adding photos to just 10% of your menu can boost orders by 12%, and this increases to 24% when 30-40% of items have images.
But here's the catch - **the photography has to be good**. Poor photography actually decreases orders. This guide covers everything you need to know to capture stunning product images for your storekit menu.
## Technical Requirements
### Image Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
| -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Format** | JPEG or PNG (WebP, HEIC, and other formats also supported) |
| **Aspect Ratio** | 1:1 (square) for menu items |
| **Minimum Resolution** | 1200 x 1200 pixels |
| **Recommended Resolution** | 1800 x 1800 pixels or higher |
| **Maximum File Size** | 100 MB |
| **Colour Space** | sRGB |
Upload images at the highest resolution possible. storekit uses a CDN that automatically optimises and resizes images for different devices, so larger source images will always look better.
### Why Square?
Menu item images are cropped to a **1:1 square ratio** across the platform. When composing your shots, ensure the entire dish fits within a square frame with some breathing room around the edges.
Avoid placing important parts of the dish near the edges - they may be cropped on different screen sizes.
## Composition Guidelines
### Dish Layout
* **Centre the dish** - Place the main item in the middle of the frame
* **Fill the frame** - The dish should occupy most of the image, with minimal empty space
* **Show the whole dish** - Ensure nothing is cut off at the edges
* **One dish per image** - Each menu item photo should feature only that item
### Background & Styling
* **Keep it clean** - Use simple, uncluttered backgrounds
* **Neutral colours** - White, grey, or natural wood tones work best
* **Avoid shiny surfaces** - They create distracting reflections
* **No props** - Don't include hands, bottles, logos, watermarks, or raw ingredients around the dish
* **Match your brand** - Consistent backgrounds create a cohesive menu
### Angle & Perspective
| Dish Type | Best Angle |
| ----------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Flat dishes (pizza, salads) | Overhead (90°) |
| Stacked items (burgers, sandwiches) | Side-on (0-30°) |
| Bowls & soups | 45° angle |
| Drinks | Side-on or slight angle |
| Most dishes | 45° angle (versatile) |
## Lighting
Good lighting is the single most important factor in food photography.
### Natural Light (Recommended)
* Shoot near a large window with indirect sunlight
* Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows
* Use a white reflector (or white card) to fill in shadows on the opposite side
* Overcast days provide the most even, flattering light
### Artificial Light
* Use soft, diffused lighting
* Avoid on-camera flash - it flattens the image
* If using studio lights, use softboxes or diffusers
* Keep lighting consistent across all shots
- Even, soft lighting
- Subtle shadows for depth
- Consistent colour temperature
- Natural-looking highlights
* Harsh, direct flash
* Mixed lighting (warm + cool)
* Dark, underexposed images
* Blown-out highlights
## Camera Settings
You don't need expensive equipment - a modern smartphone can produce excellent results. But if you're using a camera:
| Setting | Recommendation |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **ISO** | As low as possible (100-400) to avoid grain |
| **Aperture** | f/4 to f/8 for food (keeps dish in focus) |
| **Focal Length** | 35mm to 60mm (natural perspective) |
| **White Balance** | Match your lighting (daylight, tungsten, etc.) |
### Smartphone Tips
* Clean your lens before shooting
* Use the rear camera, not the selfie camera
* Tap to focus on the dish
* Avoid digital zoom - move closer instead
* Use portrait mode sparingly (can blur edges of food)
* Turn off HDR for more natural colours
## Food Styling Tips
### Make It Look Appetising
* **Fresh is best** - Photograph food immediately after plating
* **Add shine** - A light brush of oil makes food glisten
* **Garnish thoughtfully** - Fresh herbs add colour and life
* **Clean the plate** - Wipe any drips or smudges from the rim
* **Steam and sizzle** - Capture hot food while it's still steaming
### Colour & Contrast
* Use colourful garnishes to add visual interest
* Ensure there's contrast between food and plate/background
* Group complementary colours together
* Avoid monochrome dishes on matching backgrounds
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Use a tripod or stable surface. Ensure the food (not the background) is in sharp focus. Check the image at full size before uploading.
Avoid overhead fluorescent lights and on-camera flash. Move near a window or invest in simple continuous lighting.
Remove everything from the frame except the dish. Keep backgrounds simple and consistent.
Shoot with cropping in mind. Your image will be displayed as a square - compose accordingly.
Use the same background, lighting, and angle for all items. This creates a professional, cohesive menu.
Photograph hot dishes immediately. Cold food photographs poorly - fat congeals, steam disappears, colours dull.
## Checklist Before Uploading
Before adding images to your menu, verify:
* [ ] Image is sharp and in focus
* [ ] Lighting is even with no harsh shadows
* [ ] Dish is centred and fills the frame
* [ ] Background is clean and uncluttered
* [ ] No props, hands, logos, or watermarks
* [ ] Resolution is at least 1200 x 1200 pixels
* [ ] File format is JPEG, PNG, or another supported type
* [ ] Image accurately represents the dish customers will receive
## Professional Photography
If you'd prefer professional results without the DIY effort, consider hiring a food photographer. A single shoot can cover your entire menu and typically costs £100-300 for a few hours.
When briefing a photographer:
* Share these guidelines
* Provide your brand colours and style preferences
* Plan the shot list in advance
* Have backup ingredients ready for reshoots
Need help with video content? Check out our guides on [Videos](/guides/menu-engineering/videos) and [Stories](/guides/menu-engineering/stories) to take your menu to the next level.