Question 1

What is the best lens for Portuguese Food Photography?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend a 50mm prime lens for lifestyle table shots and a 100mm macro for tight detail shots. The 50mm allows you to capture the atmosphere of the table, while the macro is essential for showing the intricate textures of pastries and seafood, which are staples of this cuisine.

Question 2

How do you handle the shine on oily dishes like Polvo à Lagareiro?

Accepted Answer

Oil can be tricky as it creates 'hot spots.' We use a polarizing filter on our lens to cut down on unwanted reflections. Additionally, we position the light source further away or use a double diffusion layer to soften the highlights, ensuring the oil looks appetizingly silky rather than greasy.

Question 3

Should I use AI to generate food images instead of a photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

AI is excellent for generating concepts, mood boards, or background textures quickly. However, it often struggles with specific cultural accuracy—like the exact shape of a Portuguese Bolhão-style pot. We suggest using AI for inspiration, but relying on real photography for the actual menu to maintain customer trust and E-E-A-T.

Question 4

What are the best colors to use in the background?

Accepted Answer

We've found that muted, earthy tones work best. Think slate grays, terracotta oranges, or deep navy blues. These colors complement the yellows and browns common in Portuguese stews and fried snacks, providing a professional contrast that makes the food the star of the show.

Question 5

How can I make my food look hot and fresh in a long shoot?

Accepted Answer

Steam is fleeting. We often use small handheld steamers or even carefully placed incense sticks behind the food to mimic rising steam. For sauces that 'skin over,' a quick brush of warm olive oil right before the shutter clicks will restore that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen glow.

Question 6

Is natural light better than studio light for this cuisine?

Accepted Answer

While we love natural light for its softness, it is inconsistent. For a commercial project, we use high-CRI LEDs or strobes modified to look like window light. This gives us total control over the shadows, which is vital when you have a multi-dish menu to shoot over several hours.

Question 7

How many photos do I need for a standard menu?

Accepted Answer

In our experience, you should aim for 'Hero' shots of your top 5-7 bestsellers and high-quality 'Standard' shots for the rest. Quality beats quantity; one stunning photo of a Francesinha is more effective than five mediocre ones that don't do the dish justice.

Mastering Portuguese Food Photography: A Professional Guide