Restaurant Food Photography DIY Flat Lay Photo Templates Instructions
- June 15, 2024
- Restaurant Food Photography
Table of Contents
Restaurant Food Photography DIY Flat Lay Photo Templates
Specifications
- Product : Restaurant Food Photography DIY flat lay photo templates
- Usage : Social media photography
Product Usage Instructions
Flat Lay Photography Instructions
- Choose a space with a simple background, such as a wooden table or a plain countertop.
- Select clean dishes and cutlery that complement the background and one another.
- Find a place that has good natural lighting, or use artificial lighting that is soft and diffused, to avoid harsh colors and shadows.
- Utilize dynamic props such as utensils, decorative bowls, plants, flowers, or food ingredients.
- Photograph the dish as soon as possible to ensure it looks fresh.
Remember: The following flat lay templates are simply to provide guidance and inspiration — so feel free to develop your own style!
If you’d like to print these out to use as an actual stencil, print in Tabloid or A3 size. Once you have everything in place, remove the paper stencil underneath before photographing.
6 tips for the perfect flat lay
- Embrace geometry
- Balance the photo
- Welcome negative space
- Experiment with contrast
- Bring in props to tell a story
- Use editing and post-production tools
Social Flat Lay 1
Minimal, clean, and simple
- Portrait frame : Facebook or Instagram story
- Optional : Cutlery or utensil
Social Flat Lay 2
Plating with staging, props, and styling
- Square frame : Instagram post
- Optional : Garnish, herbs, or other ingredients used as decorative props
- Landscape frame : Facebook post
- Plated dish goes here
Social Flat Lay 3
Tablecloth with optional garnish, herbs, or dip
- Square frame : Instagram post
- Portrait frame : Facebook or Instagram story
- Optional : Garnish, herbs, or other ingredients used as decorative props
- Landscape frame : Facebook post
- Plated dish goes here
- Plated dish goes here
Social Flat Lay 4
Plating with optional condiment or spice
- Square frame : Instagram post
- Optional : Small bowl with a condiment or spice
- Plated dish goes here
- Optional : Garnish, herbs, or other ingredients used as decorative props
- Optional : Serving utensil
- Landscape frame : Facebook post
- Tablecloth or cutting board
- Optional : Small bowl with a garnish, herbs, or dip
Social Flat Lay 5
Plating with two dishes, staging, props, and styling
- Square frame : Instagram post
- Plated single serve quarter plate goes here
- Tablecloth
- Portrait frame : Facebook or Instagram story
- Optional : Serving utensil
- Optional : Decorative prop, like a plant or vase of flowers, which can overlap the plated dish
- Landscape frame : Facebook post
- Plated serving dish goes here
- Plated single serve quarter plate goes here
- Optional : Cutlery
Social Flat Lay 6
Human element with staging, props, and styling
- Optional : Tablecloth
- Square frame : Instagram post
- Cutting board, cooling rack, or slate plate
- Optional : Small bowl with a garnish, herbs, or dip
- Optional : Drinking glass, or a vase with flowers
- Portrait frame : Facebook or Instagram story
- Optional : Garnish, herbs, or other ingredients used as decorative props
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q: Can I use any type of table as a background for flat lay photography?
A: It is recommended to use a simple background such as a wooden table or a plain countertop to ensure the focus remains on the plated dish. -
Q: What type of lighting should I use for flat lay photography?
A: Good natural lighting is preferred, but if not available, you can use soft and diffused artificial lighting to avoid harsh colors and shadows. -
Q: How can I make my flat lay photos more visually appealing?
A: You can experiment with different props, utilize negative space, and play with contrast to create visually pleasing flat lay photos. Additionally, adding a human element or a storytelling element through props can add interest to your composition.
Restaurant Food Photography
DIY flat lay photo templates for social media
Flat Lay Photography Instructions
Instructions
- Choose a space with a simple background, such as a wooden table or a plain countertop
- Select clean dishes and cutlery that complement the background and one another
- Find a place that has good natural lighting, or use artificial lighting that is soft and diffused, to avoid harsh colors and shadows
- Utilize dynamic props such as such as utensils, decorative bowls, plants, flowers, or food ingredients
- Photograph the dish as soon as possible to ensure it looks fresh
Remember
- The following flat lay templates are simply to provide guidance and inspiration — so feel free to develop your own style!
- If you’d like to print these out to use as an actual stencil, print in Tabloid or A3 size. Once you have everything in place, remove the paper stencil underneath before photographing.
6 tips for the perfect flat lay
- Embrace geometry
- Balance the photo
- Welcome negative space
- Experiment with contrast
- Bring in props to tell a story
- Use editing and post-production tools
Social Flat Lay 1 Minimal, clean, and simple
Social Flat Lay 2 Plating with staging, props, and styling
Social Flat Lay 3 Plating with two dishes – clean and simple
Social Flat Lay 4 Plated board – with staging and props
Social Flat Lay 5 Plating with two dishes with staging, props, and styling
Social Flat Lay 6 Human element with staging, props, and styling
Additional Resources
• How to Take Amazing Restaurant Menu Photos
• How to Add Photos to Your Menu in the Merchant Portal
• Doordash Help Article: Photo Terms Glossary
• A Guide to Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses
• The Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Social Media Marketing
Ready to get started with DoorDash?
Introduce your restaurant to new customers in your area interested in
delivery, pickup, and more.
Already a DoorDash partner?
Visit the Merchant Portal to view valuable sales data, launch advertising
campaigns, update your menu, and more.