Question 1

What is the best lens for burger photography?

Accepted Answer

In our professional opinion, a 90mm or 100mm macro lens is the gold standard. These lenses allow us to get close to the food without physical distortion. We have found that wider lenses (like 35mm) tend to stretch the burger, making the top bun look disproportionately large compared to the base.

Question 2

Do I need to use fake food styling tricks for an elegant look?

Accepted Answer

Actually, we advocate for using real, high-quality ingredients. While old-school tricks like engine oil or shaving cream exist, they often look 'plastic' in high-resolution shots. We've found that a simple spritz of water/glycerin mix on vegetables and a heat gun to melt cheese provide much more authentic, elegant results.

Question 3

Can AI-generated images replace traditional burger photography?

Accepted Answer

While we recognize that AI is incredible for background generation and mood boarding, it currently has limitations with 'macro physics'—the way sauce drips or how specific grain textures look. AI can augment your workflow by creating elegant environments, but for the 'hero' dish, we still recommend high-quality original captures to ensure brand honesty.

Question 4

How do I stop the bun from looking soggy in photos?

Accepted Answer

We use a technique where we place a small barrier, like a piece of parchment paper or a thin plastic disc, directly under the patty. This prevents the juices from migrating into the bread. For Elegant Burger Photography, keeping the bun dry and textured is essential for that 'freshly made' gourmet appeal.

Question 5

What lighting setup works best for a moody, elegant vibe?

Accepted Answer

We suggest a 'short lighting' setup. This involves placing the main light source behind and to the side of the burger. This highlights the textures on the top and side while leaving the front in a soft, controlled shadow, which we then gently lift with a white bounce card.

Question 6

Is it better to shoot from a high or low angle?

Accepted Answer

For an elegant, powerful look, we almost always shoot from a low 'hero' angle—roughly at the level of the bottom bun or slightly below. This makes the burger look imposing and impressive. Higher 'flat lay' angles are better for casual storytelling but often lose the architectural elegance of a layered burger.

Mastering Elegant Burger Photography for High-End Menus