Question 1

What is the best lens for Burger Photography?

Accepted Answer

We've found that a 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens is the industry standard. It allows you to get close enough to capture the grain of the salt on a bun while providing a flattering compression that makes the burger look heroic. Avoid wide-angle lenses, as they distort the shape and make the food look unnatural.

Question 2

How do you make cheese look perfectly melted?

Accepted Answer

Our secret involves using a handheld steamer or a small kitchen torch. We place the cheese on the patty and apply gentle heat just seconds before the shutter clicks. This creates a soft, 'gloopy' texture that looks fresh and appetizing without turning the cheese into a greasy, translucent mess.

Question 3

Can I use AI to generate burger photos for my menu?

Accepted Answer

While AI is incredibly powerful for creating backgrounds or generic concepts, it currently has limitations with 'brand-specific' accuracy. If your burger has a unique house-made bun or a specific stacking order, AI might struggle to replicate it perfectly. We recommend using AI to enhance professionally shot photos rather than replacing them entirely to maintain authenticity.

Question 4

Why does my burger look flat in photos?

Accepted Answer

This usually happens due to 'eye-level' shooting or poor lighting. We suggest shooting from a slightly lower angle (the 'hero' angle) to give the burger height. Additionally, use back-lighting to create rim light around the edges, which separates the burger from the background and adds a three-dimensional feel to the image.

Question 5

How do you keep the bun from looking dry?

Accepted Answer

In our experience, a light brush of vegetable oil or a quick spritz of water can add a subtle sheen to a bun that looks dull under studio lights. However, use this sparingly; you want it to look like a fresh-from-the-oven glaze, not like it’s soaked in oil.

Question 6

Is natural light better than studio light for burgers?

Accepted Answer

Natural light is beautiful but unpredictable. For commercial work, we prefer studio lighting because it offers total consistency. If you must use natural light, we recommend a large north-facing window and a white foam core board to bounce light into the shadows to ensure the ingredients are clearly visible.

Mastering High-Impact Burger Photography