How We Photograph Veggie Burgers for Retail Packaging

A burger on a box has to look fresh, hot, and real, and it has to hold up when it's printed at several sizes. Here's how we approach it.

Start with the bun. The bun carries the shot. We bake our own so the color, sheen, and sesame placement are exactly right. We make glazed and unglazed batches because the light hits them differently once the camera is set.

Build it for the lens. We test the patty and the toppings before the real shoot. We choose tomato slices, red onion, and fresh greens for color and shape, then place them one piece at a time. We restyle between frames because a burger only looks its best for a few minutes.

Light for texture. A veggie patty needs side light so the grains and herbs show up. We shoot on a medium format camera, which gives the sharpness and color range a package needs when it's enlarged for retail displays.

Shoot the hero, then the variations. One perfect burger for the front of the package, then a higher angle for a second spot, and an ingredients board for the back or for social. All three come from the same shoot, so the look matches.

Retouch for print. We deliver clean, color-accurate files that the design team can drop straight into the package layout.

If you're launching a product and need images that look as good on a shelf as they do in your head, [book a free 15-minute call].

This is the Abbot's Roasted Garlic & Quinoa Veggie Burger, styled and shot in my studio for their new package. Look for them in stores!