Course overview
Introduction to Food Photography
Meet Nelly Le Comte, your instructor. In this lesson, Nelly introduces you to camera basics, lighting sources and angles to effectively manipulate light, and editing techniques for food photography.
Composition and Styling
Photograph composition and styling involves storytelling and setting the scene with props and backdrops. We will also learn about the rule of thirds and how to use negative space.
Workflow and Efficiency
Planning the shoot, using inspiration and mood boards to build a scene is an important part of taking that perfect picture. We will also discuss tips for working with clients as well as techniques to photograph for graphic design.
Cataloging and Enhancing Images
We will introduce cataloguing, how to choose and enhance the best image for ultimate results using specialised photographic software.
Style and Trends
Here we will explore photographic styles and trends including: light, high-key photography; dark, moody, low-key photography; rustic, country style photography; modern, clean photography; and art in food photography.
Hard Light Photography
Learn the options for taking photographs in artificial light: when and how to use studio lights, and play with hard light and shadow to create artistic food images.
Bringing Images to Life
Learn techniques specifically for food photography that bring images to life, using specialised software (Photoshop or similar).
Artificial Light
Use artificial lights from flash strobes to video lights to capture food images for specific purpose.
Capture Steam and Smoke
Learn advanced food styling techniques to create long-lasting steam and smoke and how to capture these effects on your camera.
Capture the Splash
Learn how to find the exact moment to press your camera shutter to capture the beverage 'splash', from cocktails to milk to yoghurt.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Photograph food well for your intended purpose
Apply understanding of light and composition to take the best photographs for your needs
Build sets to take the best food photographs
Work with studio, natural and artificial light
Capture visual effects such as steam, smoke, and the beverage 'splash' in food images.
Use Lightroom, or similar software, to catalogue images and manage editing efficiently
Use Photoshop, or similar software, to retouch photos, adding lustre and shine to food images like a professional
This course aims to take your photography skills from beginner or elementary level to a more advanced level for professional output by enhancing your skills to manipulate light, create special effects and develop your editing and post-production skills.Requirements: A camera, entry-level digital camera or upwards, is preferred. A simple tripod would be useful for efficiency and image stability. Access to image editing software, such as Lightroom or Photoshop.
Who is this course for?
Beginners and keen photographers alike may benefit from this course.
Food writers/bloggers, social media marketers/influencers, food producers, chefs, aspiring food photographers, recipe/cookbook developers and restaurant owners who want to extend and deepen their photography skills.
Instructor: Nelly le Comte
Food photography is Nelly’s passion! A graduate in Photography from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, Nelly worked for various fashion clients and magazines before landing the job of Chief Photographer at a leading Dutch fashion, health and fitness magazine. Since 2006, Nelly has focused more and more on food photography and has built a broad client base including many of Australia’s leading magazines and book publishers, such as, Eat Well, Nourish, Plum, and Hardie Grant. Advertising assignments have included jobs for RFG, Brookfarm, BZYOO, Ink Gin, Sunburst, Zespri, Duck Creek, The Strand, Byron Bay Chilli Co and Elements of Byron.
When it comes to food photography, Nelly works with both natural light and studio light and is a master of balancing both to create the best images for her clients, including the use of digital technologies to enhance the end product. Nelly now works from her studio, with a well-equipped kitchen and abundant natural light, in Byron Bay.
Career Opportunities
Food and restaurant photographers, food stylists, recipe developers, bloggers, social media content creators.