Many people think the food photographer or their camera is like a magician. They want to see amazing. And the skill that a photographer has with style, lights, camera, and Photoshop brings a lot to the table. But one of the things that is never talked about is what is in front of the camera. The camera always shoots exactly what it sees. Food can be tricky because it has to look like you want to eat it!

Here are five tips for restaurants and chefs to make the food stand out and look better for the camera.

1. Cook it to look good. Meat, chicken, and fish often look overdone when they are done. If you are making them for a photoshoot, cook them until they look good, and don’t worry about them being raw unless you are cutting/carving them.

2. Moisten and glisten. Always make sure the food never looks dry. Adding a little brush of oil or sauce can go a long way. Remember, it has to LOOK moist, so glisten it up!

3. Don’t hide it. Don’t cover an item completely with sauce or cheese, or garnishes. That fun zig-zag sauce style looks like a mess if you overdo it, and then we can’t see what is under it. It is always best to add just a small amount of sauce to your food at the last minute when the set is arranged and ready to go.

4. We want to see the layers. If we build sandwiches, stir fry dishes, or salads, we want to clearly see what is in them. Don’t smash sandwiches down; ensure we can see all layers. Hint: you might want to add fillers like sliced cucumbers between ingredients in sandwiches to make them stand apart. Assemble salads and stir fry dishes on a dish versus toss together. They can look tossed but should never be tossed because they look messy.

5. Be real. The days of “we use motor oil on turkeys” are gone. People want to see your authentic food, carefully prepared and styled. Use fresh food. Cook extra so you can pick the best pieces and arrange them neatly.

6. Tell a story. Show how you make it or how you serve it. Use carefully selected ingredients from Whole Foods, not the bulk stuff from your supplier. Add sauces, chopped herbs, spices, and matching beverages to build a nice tablescape.

7. Consider the props. Color is everything in a photo. Knowledge of color theory is so important. Are you using colors that are complementary or harmonious? Are the props (plates, glasses, flatware, linens) current and wear-free? A scratched-up shiny restaurant table will not add to the value of the photos. Using new vinyl or wood as part of your branding is best. A photo can only be as good as its props and the prepared food.