3 min read

How to take the perfect Instagram shot of your Blowfish meal

Blowfish has some gorgeous meals – who wouldn’t want to share a picture of that far and wide? We’re ready to tell you our top 5 tips for taking the perfect shot for your foodie Instagram! And no fancy equipment, these tips are useful for most smartphones.

1. Lighting

Lighting is the key for a good photo. Natural lighting will always be your best friend. Feel free to ask your waiter if you can have a table in the Conservatory or by a window for the best lighting. Be careful of direct sunlight, as it can cause unwanted shadows and high exposure. However, sometimes the contrast between dark and light works perfectly for the shot – don’t be afraid to try different things! If you need a little bit more light, you can use a white napkin or tablecloth to bounce light onto the dish. And if you are shooting when it’s dark, avoid using your own flash where possible. If you are dining with friends, have them use the flashlight on their phones while you take the picture. This way you can choose where the light source comes from.

2. Play around with composition

Having an eye for composition might take a while to develop and the best way to do this is to play around! Move and turn the plate or try different angles – try a shot from above or one from a 45-degree angle. Add or remove other elements on the table, like salt and pepper shakers, cutlery, your friend’s dish, or a drink. You can also try moving the food around on the plate; just be sure to have a napkin handy to remove any sauce or garnish that might get in the way once you have moved your food.

3. Take more than one picture

This might seem like an obvious one but take a lot of pictures. Often, a picture will be perfect except for one tiny detail. By taking many pictures you increase your chance of finding the shot that’s exactly right. It also gives you the opportunity to reflect on why some photos worked, while others didn’t. You can then implement this for the next foodie photoshoot!

4. Settings while taking the picture

Smartphones are brilliant, as you can adjust the settings while taking the pictures. Not only does this mimic a DSLR camera, but the changes are also easier to make and see as you are shooting. Exposure is a good one to play around with, rather than in post-editing. Be sure to use the phone’s picture grid, as this helps with ensuring a good composition and that everything is level. And do not use zoom! This always lowers the quality of the image. Instead, get up close and personal with your phone.

5. Editing

Editing can transform a good picture into an excellent one. It’s best to make small adjustments to exposure, contrast, saturation, highlights, and so on. You can use your own phone’s settings to do this, but apps are usually a better option. We recommend VSCO and photoshop. Be careful with making major changes or using filters. Instead make small changes and compare with the original as you go. If you have already developed a distinctive style, make sure that your editing matches your other photos.

Now you’re ready for your next trip to Blowfish! If you have any other tips, please share them with us. When sharing your amazing foodie shots, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram at @blowfishcapetown or on Facebook at Blowfish Restaurant. We can’t wait to see what photographs you’ve got up your sleeves.