The Secret Sauce to Drool-Worthy Food Photography
Picture this: You're scrolling through Yelp, stomach rumbling, overwhelmed by choices, and then BAM! A perfectly lit, mouthwatering dish catches your eye, stopping you mid-scroll. The crisp edges of a golden-brown crust, the vibrant pop of fresh herbs, the glossy sheen of a perfectly plated sauce—it all screams, "Order me now!" Your decision is made. That, my friend, is the undeniable power of great food photography. But how do restaurants determine which dishes deserve t...
The Secret Sauce to Drool-Worthy Food Photography
Picture this: You're scrolling through Yelp, stomach rumbling, overwhelmed by choices, and then BAM! A perfectly lit, mouthwatering dish catches your eye, stopping you mid-scroll. The crisp edges of a golden-brown crust, the vibrant pop of fresh herbs, the glossy sheen of a perfectly plated sauce—it all screams, "Order me now!" Your decision is made. That, my friend, is the undeniable power of great food photography. But how do restaurants determine which dishes deserve this kind of spotlight? What makes a meal truly photogenic, and how can images drive sales and brand loyalty? That's exactly what food photographer Nancy Ingersoll unpacks with expertise and passion.
Meet Nancy Ingersoll: The Woman Behind the Lens
Nancy is more than just a photographer—she's a strategist, stylist, and storyteller. With eight years of experience photographing food and products, she's worked with over 200 brands, ranging from small local restaurants to big-name food companies. She understands branding and marketing inside and out, so she makes sure every photo she takes perfectly captures a restaurant's unique style and what they're trying to achieve. Her expertise goes beyond photography—she curates props, advises on plating techniques, and even helps businesses understand how to leverage visuals for social media and advertising. She doesn't just capture dishes; she helps restaurants tell their story through compelling visuals that drive customer engagement and sales.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Nancy shares her step-by-step process for guiding restaurants in selecting the right dishes for a photoshoot. From asking the right questions (What's your most profitable dish? What's seasonal? What makes people say WOW?) to ensuring variety in textures and colors, she breaks it all down with clarity and expertise. Plus, she shares her Give, Get method to help restaurant owners feel confident in their choices.
Take This With You
Whether you're a food photographer, restaurant owner, or just someone who loves food (hi, same!), Nancy's insights prove that a well-thought-out photo can do more than just look good—it can create cravings, drive sales, and shape a brand's identity.
💬 Join the Conversation
Savory Shot Shownote: https://micamccook.com/guests/nancy-ingersoll/
Website: https://micamccook.com/podcast
Instagram: www.instragram.com/mica.mccook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesavoryshotpodcast
📣 Follow Nancy Ingersoll
Website: https://nancyingersoll.com/
Instagram: @thecreativeresource
Facebook: @thecreativeresource
LinkedIn: @nancyingersoll
Would you like to be a guest on the show? Fill out the guest form, and we'll be in touch soon.
