Question 1

What is the best camera lens for burger photography?

Accepted Answer

In our experience, a 100mm macro lens is the gold standard. It allows you to get close enough to capture the grain of the bun while providing the compression needed to make the burger look tall and impressive. If you're on a budget, an 85mm prime lens also works exceptionally well for achieving that modern look.

Question 2

How do you make the burger look tall and full?

Accepted Answer

The secret used by professionals involves 'stacking.' We use makeup sponges or cardboard circles hidden between the patties and the lettuce to create height. This prevents the weight of the top bun from squashing the ingredients, ensuring every layer is visible and the burger looks substantial to the viewer.

Question 3

Does AI photography replace the need for a food stylist?

Accepted Answer

While AI is incredible for generating backgrounds and lighting concepts, it currently lacks the nuance to handle your specific, unique ingredients. AI is a powerful tool for ideation and enhancing existing shots, but it often struggles with the exact physics of how your specific sauce or cheese melts in reality.

Question 4

What kind of lighting is best for a modern look?

Accepted Answer

We've found that 'large-source' soft lighting is best. This mimics the look of a large window. Avoid using a direct on-camera flash, which flattens the burger and creates harsh, unappealing reflections. Instead, use a large softbox or a white sheet to diffuse your light source for a natural, high-end feel.

Question 5

How do you keep the lettuce looking fresh during a long shoot?

Accepted Answer

A common pro tip is keeping the lettuce in an ice-water bath until the very second it's needed. We also use a spray bottle with a mixture of water and glycerin to create long-lasting 'dew' droplets on the vegetables, which stay put much longer than plain water under studio lights.

Question 6

Should I use a tripod for food photography?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Using a tripod allows you to lock in your composition while you make micro-adjustments to the food styling. It also enables you to use lower shutter speeds and lower ISO settings, resulting in much cleaner, noise-free images that look professional even when printed on large banners.

Question 7

How do I handle reflections on shiny buns?

Accepted Answer

Highly glazed brioche buns can be tricky. We use 'dulling spray' or a very light brush of cornstarch to manage excessive highlights. Alternatively, adjusting the angle of your light source by just a few inches can move the reflection away from the center of the bun to the edge, where it looks more natural.

Mastering Modern Burger Photography for Higher Sales