Smartphones and assorted social network and photo apps make it possible to share the sight, if not the smells and tastes, of a restaurant meal with the world. But doing the plate justice can be a tricky task in a darkened restaurant where shooting conditions can’t always be controlled. These tips, at left, from professional photographers can help.

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WHAT CHEFS SAY

Roy Yamaguchi @RoysRoy
“It’s a free world, our guests can do what they want but how do their dining companions feel about it? We’re an upscale, casual restaurant, we encourage people to come here and have fun. I don’t have a problem with it as long as it’s a good tweet! (Ha ha!) I’m inspired by great flavors and dishes so I tweet at the table. I would rather be at a table of friends tweeting rather than them being on the phone."

Ed Kenney @edstown
“Not an evening goes by where I (don’t) receive a tweet about a customer enjoying a meal, often with a photograph attached. As few as three years ago we used to mock Japanese visitors and how they would always take pictures of their food before they tasted it. Now it is commonplace for everyone to snap photos of their food.”

George Mavrothalassitis @ChefMavro
“Since I’m very active on Facebook and Twitter, I can’t complain. … It’s a very good way to communicate. But I am concerned because most of the time the photos people take don’t give credit to the food because it’s very dark. … Also, you want to eat your food when it’s hot, or cold when it’s supposed to be cold. … Maybe enjoy your food first and I appreciate the post after.”