Flat Lay Food Photography: The Restaurant Guide (Overhead Shots)
How to nail overhead food photos for bowls, salads, pizzas, and platters—lighting, framing, and a restaurant-friendly checklist.
TL;DR
Overhead shots work best when the dish is clean and organized (bowls, salads, pizzas). Use soft light and keep the camera parallel to the table. Leave room for crops and text overlays (especially for social).
The setup
Light from the side (window or soft light). Camera directly above the dish. Minimal props (one fork, one napkin, one accent).
The framing checklist
Plate centered. Ingredients organized (not chaotic). Edges clean. No clutter in corners.
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Get our comprehensive 12-page guide with lighting setups, composition tips, equipment lists, and platform-specific requirements.
Make it usable everywhere
Export overhead shots into the sizes you need (square for social, 4:3 for platforms).
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