Story on a Plate: Food Photography & Styling

Food styling photography isn’t just about taking a delicious image; it’s a way to tell a story about tastes, seasons, and aesthetics. Learn how to artfully capture that story in-camera and share your work with potential clients and collaborators.

In this course, you will learn how to craft a food story through images that are unique, intimate, and meaningful. Noted food photographers Todd Porter and Diane Cu will show you how to utilize natural light whether you are shooting at the table or in a restaurant. You’ll learn simple techniques for food styling that will keep your food fresh and believable on set. Todd and Diane will also share strategies for creating a thriving food photography business through their successful blend of online marketing and community building.

Whether you want to explore a new career in food photography or are seeking to improve your existing food styling skills, this course will arm you with the technical skills and industry knowledge you need to succeed.

• Class Introduction
• Lighting
• Plating
• Hero Shots
• Motion in Restaurant
• Portraiture
• Restaurant Details
• Documenting Food Stories
• Food Lighting Clock
• Lighting Q&A
• Shoot: Cherries
• Shoot: Dessert
• Shoot: Savory Fried Chicken
• Natural Food Styling
• Shoot: Styled Chili
• Shoot: Styled Salad
• Shoot: Fried Chicken with Multiple Dishes
• Shoot: Dessert with Multiple Dishes
• Styling Workflow Between Photographer and Stylist
• Shoot: Herb Still Life
• Capturing Food on Location Part 1
• Capturing Food on Location Part 2
• Photographing in Restaurants: Lighting
• Photographing in Restaurants: Plating
• Photographing in Restaurants: Motion & Portraiture
• Photographing in Restaurants: Hero Shots
• Photographing in Restaurants: Restaurant Detail
• Interview with Ethan Stowell
• Q&A with Ethan Stowell
• Expectations and File Distribution
• Final Delivery and Building Relationships
• Shoot: Multi Dish Dessert Part 1
• Shoot: Multi Dish Dessert Part 2
• Shoot: Fried Chicken with Drinks
• Shoot: Large Table Setting
• Shoot: Hand Model Holding a Pie
• Shoot: Bread Making Scene
• Shoot: Summer Tabletop Scene
• Starting a Food Photography Business
• Making a Living in Food Photography Part 1
• Making a Living in Food Photography Part 2
• Food Stories Through Moving Pictures
• Sharing Food Stories & Life