What should I post on my business Instagram?
I need social media content ideas for small business.
What should I take photos of for my business page?
Are you stuck? And need ideas to photograph your hospitality business?
Use these simple ideas to show off your place, your offerings, food, and your vibe. All ideas are mobile photo-friendly.
Generic rules:
Before you shoot, do these
- No grease: Wipe the mobile or camera lens off grease.
- Clean surroundings: Ensure surroundings are clean, clear (no dirty rugs, rubbish, random containers lying around ruining the photo)
- Avoid clutter: Sometimes, less stuff is more appealing in a photo.
- Add liveliness: Even if you have no “model” to photograph, you can always include hands in the photos. The point is to add liveliness to the images. A hand (holding a coffee, for example) does just that.
Venue & vibe
• Front entrance, signage, street view
Stand back, shoot straight, include surroundings. Depending on what you want to achieve, it is best to shoot on a sunny day, or for the nicest lights during sunrise, or sunset.
• Inside wide shot
From a corner/doorway so the room looks bigger. Try every corner. See which angle looks best. Tables tidy, lights on. (On mobile, you can try the wide-angle lens, see if it looks good.)
• Bar/coffee counter
Shoot straight-on, labels facing the camera, a couple of glasses/cups ready. Try to take wider-angle and close-up shots too.
• Al fresco tables
Garden, patio, outdoor dining. Use the sun, depending on what you want to shoot. For coffee-vibe, shots in the morning sun; for lunch, during the midday sun; for wines and cocktails, use the late-afternoon sun.
Set two places, add drinks. “I want that seat” feeling. Use your staff members (not in uniform) and friends to play roles in the photos.
• Décor detail
Menu boards, décor, bar taps, coffee machine, plant, artwork, tile pattern. Fill the frame, keep it tidy.
• Night ambience
Warm lights, candles, cozy corners. Hold steady or use a tripod.
• Busy vibe
Staff moving, plates coming out, tables full.
Food & drink
• Hero dish close-up
Show details and textures of single dishes. (Capture steam or fresh foam.) Side light by a window. Wipe the rim, add fresh garnish, and shoot fast before the food spoils.
• Signature drink
Cocktail pouring, latte art, barista at work. Catch the pouring moment (cocktail/latte). Use burst mode to catch the stream, then select the best one.
• Dish + drink pairing
Your best dish with the perfect drink (wine or craft beer). Put them close, with a simple background, and label them toward the camera.
• 90° overhead flat-lay
Note that some dishes look good only from above or when shot at an angle. For an overhead photo, stand on a chair, centre the table, and leave breathing room around/between dishes. Ideas: whole-table spread—pizza, brunch, platters.
• Shared platter
Lots of plates/dishes with hands reaching in. Capture the “dig in” moment.
• Fresh ingredients
A small set of raw produce used in a dish. Keep colours simple.
People behind the brand
• Chef in action
Plating, torching, garnishing, sprinkling. Shoot from the side, or straight in front. Include hands and or faces. Smiles make warmer photos.
• Barista moment
Milk pour or tamping. Focus on hands/tools.
• Team mini-portrait
Relaxed group shots – tell them to chat and laugh like you are not even there.
• Owner photo
In their favourite spot. Natural smile. Arms relaxed.
Guest experience
• Joyful moments
Laughing, cheers, families, date night. Hands clinking glasses; smiles softly blurred behind.
• Date-night corner
Two seats, dim light, candle. Shoot at table height.
• Family-friendly
Kids colouring or sharing chips (faces optional). Keep it warm.
• Pet-friendly
If part of your offering, show it.
• Warm welcome
Staff opening the door or greeting. Capture eye contact + smile.
Online essentials
• GBP cover photo
Wide, clean, sharp. Summarises your venue in a single view.
• Menu page highlight
Clean, styled, readable. One clean shot per menu page. Simple background.
• Takeaway/packaging
Branded cups, bags, boxes. Use a tidy counter/surrounding. Logo facing the camera.
• Event night vibe
Live music or a special night. Shoot the lights + a few happy guests.
That’s it.
I hope my list has helped you with some creative ideas.
Get a printable checklist. Download the Google Doc version here:
Download the Printable Checklist
Want pro photos that sell the experience?
As a hospitality photographer in Christchurch, I shoot mainly hospo businesses.
If you have a project in mind, or just a question to ask, text me or fill out and send me this form:
