Adding a Human Element to Food Photography
- Matt Stevenson
- Feb 2
- 4 min read
Welcome to the February edition of The Monthly Bite! As we settle into the new year, I want to take a moment to reintroduce myself and this newsletter. For those of you who have recently joined us, welcome to The Monthly Bite!
I’m Matt, a passionate advocate for helping restaurants, cafés, chefs, and food brands showcase their businesses through exceptional food photography.
Every month, I bring you tips, insights, and inspiration to elevate your visual storytelling. Whether you’re snapping shots for Instagram or building a portfolio for your website, my goal is to help you create images that not only look amazing but also drive customer engagement.
What’s New in 2025?
This year, I'm introducing new annual plans, designed to offer more flexibility for my customers through a credit-based system. Here’s how it works:
Customisable Packages: Purchase credits upfront and use them as needed for various services, from one-on-one photography coaching to tailored content creation.
Freedom to Plan: Allocate your credits based on your priorities, whether it’s for a seasonal menu shoot or refreshing your social media feed.
Exclusive Perks: Annual plan members will enjoy priority booking, additional resources, and on demand support over messenger.
This system is all about empowering you to scale your photography needs with the changing demands of your business. Flexibility is key, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you would like to know more about these then please reach out and I will happily send you my new annual plan brochure.
Anyway, that's enough about me. The focus for this month's newsletter is exploring the importance of adding a human element to your food photography.
Adding a Human Element to Food Photography
In today’s competitive food industry, there’s one key ingredient that many businesses overlook when presenting their brand: the human touch. While mouth-watering images of food remain essential, introducing a human element to your food photography can elevate your brand and build stronger connections with your audience.
Why Show the Person Behind the Brand?
Consumers crave authenticity. In an era dominated by social media, people want to connect with the stories and individuals behind the businesses they support. Adding a human element to your photography—be it a chef in action, a barista pouring a latte, or even a heartfelt moment of your team—provides a glimpse into the heart of your brand. This builds trust, fosters loyalty, and makes your brand relatable.
Take a moment to think about the last time you scrolled through Instagram or browsed a restaurant’s website. Which image lingered with you more: a stunning plate of pasta or a photo of the chef smiling warmly as they prepared it? The latter creates a sense of connection and story, making your audience more likely to choose your business.
The Power of Connection
When you feature people in your food photography, you invite your audience to see themselves in the experience. A diner enjoying a glass of wine, a group of friends sharing a meal, or a baker presenting fresh bread creates an emotional resonance. This simple act can transform your images from static to aspirational. Your viewers aren’t just looking at the image—they’re picturing themselves dining, laughing, and savouring every bite in your space.
This sense of connection isn’t just feel-good marketing; it’s backed by research. Studies show that images featuring people are more likely to capture attention and evoke an emotional response. When your audience connects emotionally, they’re more likely to engage, share, and ultimately visit your establishment.
Human Elements Make You Stand Out
Adding human elements to your photography isn’t just about connection—it’s about differentiation. In a world of perfect flat lays and over-polished food shots, showing the human side of your brand helps you stand out. Whether it’s candid shots of your staff preparing meals or a friendly wave from your front-of-house team, these moments remind your audience that there are real people behind the business.
Moreover, these images help convey the unique vibe of your establishment. A photo of a chef sprinkling herbs in a bustling kitchen speaks to the craftsmanship and care behind your food. A candid shot of a server greeting guests can highlight the warmth and hospitality your restaurant offers. These subtle details bring your brand’s personality to life.
Practical Tips for Adding Human Elements
Ready to incorporate human touches into your food photography? Here are some actionable tips:
Show Your Team: Capture behind-the-scenes shots of your chefs, baristas, or servers in action. Highlight their skill and passion for their craft.
Involve Your Customers: Feature candid moments of guests enjoying their meals. Please ensure you have their permission to use the photos.
Highlight Hands: Even small touches like hands plating a dish, pouring a drink, or breaking bread add a sense of intimacy and realism.
Tell a Story: Use your images to share your brand’s story. A series of photos could showcase the journey of a dish from the kitchen to the table.
Keep It Natural: While professional quality is important, over-staged shots can feel artificial. Aim for authenticity and warmth.
The Takeaway
Adding a human element to your food photography is more than a creative choice; it’s a strategic move to connect with your audience on a deeper level. By showcasing the people behind your brand and inviting viewers to imagine themselves in your space, you’re creating emotional connections that inspire loyalty and action.
Food is inherently human—a source of nourishment, joy, and community. Let your photography reflect that. When you do, you’ll not only stand out in a crowded market but also build meaningful relationships with your audience.
Have you tried adding a human element to your food photography? I’d love to hear your experiences and see how it’s transformed your images. Share your thoughts in the comments!
See you again next month,
Matt
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