Promo photos for my brother's restaurant (Please C&C)

So my brother opened his first restaurant (Italian) here in Hong Kong. Since he needs to put together a promo packet for the press I helped my brother out in the photography department. All food shots were shot with my 100L macro. Just wanted to keep the photos simple and keep the focus back on the food. Does the food look tasty? Which one(s) do you like? Please C&C. We most likely will only use 3-4 of the food photos.

Here are some photos from the shoot:

1) Headshot of his chef (needed for promo packet)

This is really good work. The only shots I don't care for is #5 ... would've liked a view from the side with more food in focus... and #3 doesn't have the nice crisp color that the others do. Love the "all business" head shot. Nice job.

Nice captures which look good enough to eat. However, they are not as bright as could be and would certainly benefit from a levels adjustment.

Nicely done and they'll look great on the pamphlet. Only thing I want is maybe a few more creative shots (I know, hard to do with food), a levels adjustment on all of the images, and maybe a shot or two of the kitchen/chefs in the kitchen.

kbColorado wrote in post #12535693
This is really good work. The only shots I don't care for is #5 ... would've liked a view from the side with more food in focus... and #3 doesn't have the nice crisp color that the others do. Love the "all business" head shot. Nice job.

How about this version of #5?

I like all of the food photos, however I think that the shadow is too heavy for the head shot.

I actualy like the original nr 5 shot and 6 as well. The headshot is a bit too dark and doesnt have a warm inviting feel to it. I think the composition of all shots is very good but colors makes some of the items look not exactly appealing, especially the bowl with spaghetti. The is a reason why food photography so tricky. In overall very nice shots, but if you want them perfect you might want to do some PP

By the bowl of spaghetti with unappealing colors I meant nr4

glick wrote in post #12536708
I like all of the food photos, however I think that the shadow is too heavy for the head shot.

I have other photos as well but I ligtened the shadow in post. How about this?

Before

Sp1207 wrote in post #12536690
Nicely done and they'll look great on the pamphlet. Only thing I want is maybe a few more creative shots (I know, hard to do with food), a levels adjustment on all of the images, and maybe a shot or two of the kitchen/chefs in the kitchen.

With our resources I wanted to keep the shots looking a little simple (they are more teaser for the press and they will end up shooting their own shots anyway). As for chef shots in the kitchen...we will do that.

Can you be more specific with the levels adjustment statement? Thanks!

angelika76 wrote in post #12536748
I actualy like the original nr 5 shot and 6 as well. The headshot is a bit too dark and doesnt have a warm inviting feel to it. I think the composition of all shots is very good but colors makes some of the items look not exactly appealing, especially the bowl with spaghetti. The is a reason why food photography so tricky. In overall very nice shots, but if you want them perfect you might want to do some PP

angelika76 wrote in post #12536761
By the bowl of spaghetti with unappealing colors I meant nr4

What kind of suggestion would you give to improve the colors for #4? Also can you be more specific with the PP statement? Thanks!

I'm no pro so please take with a grain of salt (no pun intended ) #'S 4, 7 & 8 I might suggest a different color plate or spoon so the food stands out a bit more . The white background white plate and pasta all blend in for me . Anyway best of luck to you guys with the business

12Rock wrote in post #12537837
I'm no pro so please take with a grain of salt (no pun intended ) #'S 4, 7 & 8 I might suggest a different color plate or spoon so the food stands out a bit more . The white background white plate and pasta all blend in for me . Anyway best of luck to you guys with the business

So basically your issue is with the wider shots. I have tighter versions of the shots like:

no sorry not for me . It looks to bland . Just called my son over to get his opinion , thinking it's just me . He's 19 and said the same . I live in NYC and do go out often and realize never judge a book ... but agin these pictures are not inviting to me . I bet the food is great though

I'm no expert on food photography by any means either but some of the dishes seem a bit flat. Basically, I think by increasing the vibrance and contrast will make the dish have a little more color and detail.