In today’s society, everyone is a photographer. With smart phone cameras becoming clearer and the endless amount of free photo editing software, it's hard not to take a great image or video. Thanks to the Millennial generation, the influx of food images on social media has caused the resurgence of the food photography trend.

You may be wondering how food photography and social media can impact foodservice operations. The answers are many. Every time someone posts an image of food or products on social media, operators are opened up to the opinions and critiques of an audience that could reach the millions. No longer are restaurants trying to impress just the customer who ordered the menu item, they are trying to impress customers' entire Facebook friends list and all of their Instagram and Twitter followers. 

As seen above, our Manufacturer's Rep Client, Pro-Pacific, does a wonderful job promoting their equipment on social media. Food photography doesn't stop at just food, however. Another great way to utilize food photography and social media in your foodservice business is to start your own accounts. You no longer need to pay big bucks for professional photographers when you’ve got all the tools you need at your fingertips. If you have a test kitchen, consider taking photos of your equipment or tableware.

Photo credit: Felicia Perry Photography

The above manufacturer, Bauscher Hepp, posts images of their tableware being used to serve beautiful food. Food manufacturers should consider taking pictures of their products being used in recipes. Showing how foods will ultimately look when prepared, or posting pictures of foodservice equipment if you're a rep, will let your customers know what to expect in their own foodservice operations.

Use food photography to generate buzz. Take pictures of the mess you made cooking that pizza in your test kitchen, or post goofy images of your chefs messing around. You want your customers to like you, and what better way to do that than to have a little fun with your social media accounts. Whether you're a manufacturer's rep or a chocolate producer, when you have fun with your photography, it shows. After all, there's a reason it's called "food porn."  In the post above, Pro-Pacific is advertising their demos. while showing that they have a little fun with them. 

When you show your customers that you understand today's foodservice marketplace, you can find the opportunity to educate buyers on how they can increase business. Imagine if an almond flour supplier coached a baker on using macaroon photos to promote the bakery on Instagram? That bakery's macaroon sales will increase, which means the almond flour supplier's sales will increase, too. 

Social media came to fame with in the early 2000s, and unlike many other fads, it has withstood the tests of time. The impact of social media is stronger than ever. Whether you want to or not, its time to embrace social media in the foodservice industry.

Food photography is just one way that you can embrace social media. If you want to learn more about how using best practices on social media can increase your sales, sign up for our free Social Selling Course.