10 answers
Brody
Student
Roseville, California
1
Question
Asked
1957 views
How much training do you need to be a food photographer?
I am a senior in high school
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10 answers
Andrew Miller
Food scientist
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi,
Start with an Instagram page.
Kindly,
Andy
Start with an Instagram page.
Kindly,
Andy
Rachel Yates, MS
Food Scientist
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
I would say basic photography training is important, but you'll also want to grow your network. I liked the suggestion about starting an Instagram page! You can also see if local bakeries/restaurants would be willing to have you shoot their food for free to build your portfolio. Good luck!
Han-Bee Ryu
Freelance Marketer
16
Answers
Centerville, Utah
Updated
Han-Bee’s Answer
Hey Brody,
It's such a joy to bump into another budding food photographer here! I'm also on a journey to hone my food photography skills and I believe it's an amazing career path!
The first step, I'd say, is to get a good grasp of photography basics and spend time practicing. If you're working within a budget and don't have a camera, your iPhone can be a handy tool. Consider investing in a vinyl backdrop - they're super affordable and essential for food photography.
Don't stress about lighting at this stage. A window with ample natural light will do the trick! Also, consider spending a few dollars on a white and black poster board to use as bounce boards.
Alongside photography, it's beneficial to learn about Social Media Marketing, SEO, and Blogging. You can gain a wealth of knowledge from https://academy.hubspot.com/ at no cost.
When it comes to food photography training, The Bite Shot on YouTube is a treasure trove of free resources. Joanie is a respected figure in the field and offers brilliant courses that guide you on transforming your food photography into a business.
If you're new to food photography, Foodtography School could be a suitable choice. Their iPhone Food Photography Course costs around $117, and they offer an Online Community named the Growth Collective for about $20/month. It provides new trainings and live coaching every month on a variety of topics to help you thrive in the industry. It's also an excellent platform for networking with other food photographers and content creators.
They occasionally offer great deals during their free webinars, so it's worth checking them out.
Sending you all the best on your journey. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions we can assist with!
Master Basic Photography Principles
Check out Foodtography School
Check out HubSpot Academy
Check out The Bite Shot YouTube Channel
Create a Plan to Practice Taking Photos
It's such a joy to bump into another budding food photographer here! I'm also on a journey to hone my food photography skills and I believe it's an amazing career path!
The first step, I'd say, is to get a good grasp of photography basics and spend time practicing. If you're working within a budget and don't have a camera, your iPhone can be a handy tool. Consider investing in a vinyl backdrop - they're super affordable and essential for food photography.
Don't stress about lighting at this stage. A window with ample natural light will do the trick! Also, consider spending a few dollars on a white and black poster board to use as bounce boards.
Alongside photography, it's beneficial to learn about Social Media Marketing, SEO, and Blogging. You can gain a wealth of knowledge from https://academy.hubspot.com/ at no cost.
When it comes to food photography training, The Bite Shot on YouTube is a treasure trove of free resources. Joanie is a respected figure in the field and offers brilliant courses that guide you on transforming your food photography into a business.
If you're new to food photography, Foodtography School could be a suitable choice. Their iPhone Food Photography Course costs around $117, and they offer an Online Community named the Growth Collective for about $20/month. It provides new trainings and live coaching every month on a variety of topics to help you thrive in the industry. It's also an excellent platform for networking with other food photographers and content creators.
They occasionally offer great deals during their free webinars, so it's worth checking them out.
Sending you all the best on your journey. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions we can assist with!
Han-Bee recommends the following next steps:
Juanita Brown
Vendor operations specialist
21
Answers
Apopka, Florida
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
Hey there! You just need to be great with your tools. Promote your talents too, social media is teh best way to do that and build your following!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Lynn Miller
Private and Personal Chef, Food Stylist, Recipe Developer
13
Answers
Cold Spring, New York
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
It would be useful to determine for yourself what aspect of food photography you wish to pursue-the photography or the preparation of food to be photographed. They are actually two separate vocations with their own set of skills to be mastered and necessary equipment.
I work as a freelance food stylist. I prepare and plate the food that is to be photographed. I'm also a fairly decent photographer, but even after all these many years of doing this work, still consider myself and amateur.
Here is a little background about how professional food photography sessions (or shoots) work.
Typically, a team is assembled by an advertising or marketing company that has been hired by the organization that needs food photos.
The team is comprised of 4 people:
The ART DIRECTOR-who, with the client, communicates and approves how/what the subject needs to communicate visually, who is the audience, and its general arrangement and style.
The PHOTOGRAPHER-who operationally runs the shoot, directs shot composition (which determines which lenses are used), creates the appropriate lighting, and takes/processes/edits the photos.
The PROP STYLIST-who procures all the background items that are NOT food, dishware, linens, cutlery, cutting boards, flowers, etc., and brings multiple options for the art director and photographer to choose from.
And, the FOOD STYLIST who procures all the food, brings all the culinary equipment needed, cooks all the food, arranges the food on the supplied props, maintains the food at its best while on set or prepares extras to be swapped in, works with the photographer to determine an efficient progression of shots (so that no one is waiting for the food to be ready), adjusts the food on set to conform to the camera angle, and notes any problems with the recipes provided by the client.
You should note that the answer to ANY food photography question is-"It depends."
It depends on whether you are shooting video, motion picture or still shots.
It depends on who the audience is.
If still shots, it depends on how the photo will be used-big outdoor advertising, menu boards for restaurants, sales catalogues, example of a recipe in a cookbook, magazine, or website/blog, advertorials, etc.
If video, what is subject and purpose of the video? the person/people in the video? the food/recipe itself? cooking demonstration? or food to support advertisement of a related item?
It depends on whether the shoot takes place in studio or on location.
If you wish to pursue food photography as a profession, you need to prepare to answer all these questions and be able to produce any and all of it. Few photographers ONLY shoot food, although there are some who do. One photographer I know specializes in shooting splashes-food being dropped into a liquid.
So if professional photography is your passion, you need to learn everything you can about how the camera works-lenses, composition, depth of field, bokeh, lighting, and how to achieve every type of lighting style you might need to produce. Take classes so you become skilled with using a camera and how small adjustments in shutter speed, aperture, focus, light and composition can create different effects when shooting the same subject matter.
Once you've finished the coursework, contact any photographer you can and try to get an assistant gig with them. When first starting out-offer to work for free until you understand their process , style and what they need. You will be doing all the grunt work-accept that as the dues to pay to get into this profession. Meanwhile, practice, practice, practice while you collect your own arsenal of equipment.
If food styling is the part of food photography that appeals to you, you have to learn how to cook virtually everything, so get a culinary education. You need to understand how and why recipes work, be able to break them down into their respective parts, which parts will effect the photo and which parts don't.
I specialize in pastry and baked goods and am hired by magazines to style dessert stories, cake mix companies and frozen dessert companies to style photos for their packaging, cookbook authors to produce the most beautiful versions of their desserts to be published in their books, and others. However, I am also a very skilled chef and can cook just about anything and any style or food. This is learned by repetition, so some time as a restaurant cook will help with that too.
You must also develop a keen eye and really look at food from different angles and distances. Learn how to make a dish instantly recognizable for what it is. Too many small food business operators depend the use of Iphone food photos taken too close up and only from the perspective of the diner seated at a table. Depending on the food this doesn't necessarily make for an appetizing food shot.
Again, if this is the route you wish to pursue, once you have the culinary chops, offer to assist an established food stylist and work for free until you've learned how a culinary shoot works and how to become an assistant a stylist is willing to pay for the help.
There is so much more to know but hopefully, this provides you a general direction to follow.
I work as a freelance food stylist. I prepare and plate the food that is to be photographed. I'm also a fairly decent photographer, but even after all these many years of doing this work, still consider myself and amateur.
Here is a little background about how professional food photography sessions (or shoots) work.
Typically, a team is assembled by an advertising or marketing company that has been hired by the organization that needs food photos.
The team is comprised of 4 people:
The ART DIRECTOR-who, with the client, communicates and approves how/what the subject needs to communicate visually, who is the audience, and its general arrangement and style.
The PHOTOGRAPHER-who operationally runs the shoot, directs shot composition (which determines which lenses are used), creates the appropriate lighting, and takes/processes/edits the photos.
The PROP STYLIST-who procures all the background items that are NOT food, dishware, linens, cutlery, cutting boards, flowers, etc., and brings multiple options for the art director and photographer to choose from.
And, the FOOD STYLIST who procures all the food, brings all the culinary equipment needed, cooks all the food, arranges the food on the supplied props, maintains the food at its best while on set or prepares extras to be swapped in, works with the photographer to determine an efficient progression of shots (so that no one is waiting for the food to be ready), adjusts the food on set to conform to the camera angle, and notes any problems with the recipes provided by the client.
You should note that the answer to ANY food photography question is-"It depends."
It depends on whether you are shooting video, motion picture or still shots.
It depends on who the audience is.
If still shots, it depends on how the photo will be used-big outdoor advertising, menu boards for restaurants, sales catalogues, example of a recipe in a cookbook, magazine, or website/blog, advertorials, etc.
If video, what is subject and purpose of the video? the person/people in the video? the food/recipe itself? cooking demonstration? or food to support advertisement of a related item?
It depends on whether the shoot takes place in studio or on location.
If you wish to pursue food photography as a profession, you need to prepare to answer all these questions and be able to produce any and all of it. Few photographers ONLY shoot food, although there are some who do. One photographer I know specializes in shooting splashes-food being dropped into a liquid.
So if professional photography is your passion, you need to learn everything you can about how the camera works-lenses, composition, depth of field, bokeh, lighting, and how to achieve every type of lighting style you might need to produce. Take classes so you become skilled with using a camera and how small adjustments in shutter speed, aperture, focus, light and composition can create different effects when shooting the same subject matter.
Once you've finished the coursework, contact any photographer you can and try to get an assistant gig with them. When first starting out-offer to work for free until you understand their process , style and what they need. You will be doing all the grunt work-accept that as the dues to pay to get into this profession. Meanwhile, practice, practice, practice while you collect your own arsenal of equipment.
If food styling is the part of food photography that appeals to you, you have to learn how to cook virtually everything, so get a culinary education. You need to understand how and why recipes work, be able to break them down into their respective parts, which parts will effect the photo and which parts don't.
I specialize in pastry and baked goods and am hired by magazines to style dessert stories, cake mix companies and frozen dessert companies to style photos for their packaging, cookbook authors to produce the most beautiful versions of their desserts to be published in their books, and others. However, I am also a very skilled chef and can cook just about anything and any style or food. This is learned by repetition, so some time as a restaurant cook will help with that too.
You must also develop a keen eye and really look at food from different angles and distances. Learn how to make a dish instantly recognizable for what it is. Too many small food business operators depend the use of Iphone food photos taken too close up and only from the perspective of the diner seated at a table. Depending on the food this doesn't necessarily make for an appetizing food shot.
Again, if this is the route you wish to pursue, once you have the culinary chops, offer to assist an established food stylist and work for free until you've learned how a culinary shoot works and how to become an assistant a stylist is willing to pay for the help.
There is so much more to know but hopefully, this provides you a general direction to follow.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Brody!
So, you're considering a career in food photography? That's fantastic! Here's a friendly guide to help you on your journey.
First things first, let's talk about education. While there's no hard-and-fast rule that you need a degree in photography, it can certainly give you a leg up. Learning the ropes from experienced professionals at art schools, community colleges, or universities can equip you with essential skills like composition, lighting, and post-production techniques.
Now, attending a top-notch photography program doesn't just give you knowledge - it also gives you access to top-tier equipment and a network of contacts in the photography community. You'll get to learn about studio lighting, digital imaging, and commercial photography, all of which are super useful for food photography.
But education is just one part of the equation. Practical experience is equally important. This could mean assisting seasoned photographers, interning at studios or food publications, or freelancing to build your portfolio. It's all about refining your skills, understanding what clients want, and learning to capture the soul of different cuisines.
Speaking of portfolios, they're your golden ticket in the world of food photography. A diverse, visually engaging body of work can showcase your talent and style. Collaborating with chefs, restaurants, or food stylists can help you create stunning images that scream proficiency and creativity.
While general photography skills are key, specialized training in food styling and culinary arts can give you an edge. Knowing how to style food, plate dishes, and keep up with culinary trends can help you create images that truly resonate with viewers.
Finally, don't forget the power of networking and professional development. Making connections with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors is crucial. Plus, attending workshops, seminars, and industry events can keep you updated on the latest trends and techniques.
In a nutshell, there's no one-size-fits-all route to becoming a food photographer. But with formal education, practical experience, a strong portfolio, specialized training, and active networking, you're well on your way to making a name for yourself in this exciting field.
For more information, check out these resources: The New York Institute of Photography, Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and Food Photography School. They offer a wealth of information on education options, experience requirements, specialized training opportunities, portfolio-building strategies, networking advice, and professional development in food photography.
Take care and best of luck on your journey,
James.
So, you're considering a career in food photography? That's fantastic! Here's a friendly guide to help you on your journey.
First things first, let's talk about education. While there's no hard-and-fast rule that you need a degree in photography, it can certainly give you a leg up. Learning the ropes from experienced professionals at art schools, community colleges, or universities can equip you with essential skills like composition, lighting, and post-production techniques.
Now, attending a top-notch photography program doesn't just give you knowledge - it also gives you access to top-tier equipment and a network of contacts in the photography community. You'll get to learn about studio lighting, digital imaging, and commercial photography, all of which are super useful for food photography.
But education is just one part of the equation. Practical experience is equally important. This could mean assisting seasoned photographers, interning at studios or food publications, or freelancing to build your portfolio. It's all about refining your skills, understanding what clients want, and learning to capture the soul of different cuisines.
Speaking of portfolios, they're your golden ticket in the world of food photography. A diverse, visually engaging body of work can showcase your talent and style. Collaborating with chefs, restaurants, or food stylists can help you create stunning images that scream proficiency and creativity.
While general photography skills are key, specialized training in food styling and culinary arts can give you an edge. Knowing how to style food, plate dishes, and keep up with culinary trends can help you create images that truly resonate with viewers.
Finally, don't forget the power of networking and professional development. Making connections with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors is crucial. Plus, attending workshops, seminars, and industry events can keep you updated on the latest trends and techniques.
In a nutshell, there's no one-size-fits-all route to becoming a food photographer. But with formal education, practical experience, a strong portfolio, specialized training, and active networking, you're well on your way to making a name for yourself in this exciting field.
For more information, check out these resources: The New York Institute of Photography, Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and Food Photography School. They offer a wealth of information on education options, experience requirements, specialized training opportunities, portfolio-building strategies, networking advice, and professional development in food photography.
Take care and best of luck on your journey,
James.
Emma Verde
Physical Therapist
171
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hey Brody! My first thought is photography is a form of art and as with other forms of art, you don't necessarily need formal training but it can definitely help. Regardless of going the formal training route or not, the first thing you should probably do is master the fundamentals of photography, learning about exposure, composition, lighting, and camera operation. You'll need to get the necessary equipment, including a camera with manual controls, lenses, tripod, and lighting gear. Understand the significance of lighting techniques, both natural and artificial, to accentuate the appearance of food. Delve into composition and styling, where you'll explore arranging food, selecting props, and setting backgrounds to create visually appealing shots. Gain proficiency in post-processing using software like Lightroom or Photoshop to refine your images. Regular practice and experimentation are key to perfecting your craft. Study the work of established food photographers to grasp diverse styles and trends, while networking and building a portfolio are crucial for attracting clients. Consider specialized training for advanced techniques, and if turning this passion into a business, learn about pricing, marketing, and branding.
The timeline for expertise varies, with some progressing quickly and others taking years to refine their skills. Continuous learning and adaptation to changing industry trends are vital. In this creative realm, dedication to improvement is paramount. Hope this helps!
The timeline for expertise varies, with some progressing quickly and others taking years to refine their skills. Continuous learning and adaptation to changing industry trends are vital. In this creative realm, dedication to improvement is paramount. Hope this helps!
James Peterson
Food photographer and writer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
James’s Answer
I'm a chef/cookbook author/food photographer/perfumer/French speaker. For none of these skills did I receive a formal education. For photography, I just kept looking at pictures I liked and analyzed what made them work. If you're interested in the basic techniques of cooking, then cooking school might be the thing, but if you want to emphasize something original, then you can do what I did and save up your money to go to a country where you like the cuisine. Move there for a year and learn the cuisine from people who live there. In this way, you'll understand how the cuisine relates to the culture. This will bring originality and help you to establish an identity. I got into photography because it occurred to me one day that I could shoot the pictures for my own cookbooks. To do so, I hit the books and studied diligently for a number of years. I kept buying equipment (and going broke) as the need came along. I studied Photoshop and took workshops in it. Experiment, experiment, experiment.
Imran Jash
1
Answer
Updated
Imran’s Answer
Hello,
Starting with Instagram is an excellent idea! Remember to follow those who share behind-the-scenes content and before-and-after image processing. Naturally, you'll need to master the basics first, but with time and consistent practice, your skills will surely shine. Don't forget to always check your exposure, and if you can, invest in a basic light meter. It can truly make a difference.
There's a lot more to learn, but as a beginner, it's best to focus on one thing at a time.
Keep going, you're doing great. Best of luck! 👍
Starting with Instagram is an excellent idea! Remember to follow those who share behind-the-scenes content and before-and-after image processing. Naturally, you'll need to master the basics first, but with time and consistent practice, your skills will surely shine. Don't forget to always check your exposure, and if you can, invest in a basic light meter. It can truly make a difference.
There's a lot more to learn, but as a beginner, it's best to focus on one thing at a time.
Keep going, you're doing great. Best of luck! 👍
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brody !
I would be happy to give some advice about food photography because, through observation, I consider it such an awesome career and always admire people who can do that special skill !
There would be no need to get a formal degree in order to grow a successful career in photography, but you do have some education choices if you do so choose. The first choice is to study photography remotely on line.
There are some advantages to this option because you can study at your own pace, and during any time of the day or night, conveniently scheduling it around your personal life. I'm not sure, but remote may be less expensive than going to a school. Last year, Format Magazine had an article about free photography classes on line that you may want to look into. The article with the list is in the link I provided below. The article is about eight months old so I hope the information is still valid, but it's worth looking at.
Your second option is to go to a two year community college in person majoring in visual arts, ultimately getting an Associates Degree. I remember that many of my friends actually went and took one class in photography at a local community college and they loved it. You will have to decide whether or not you want to go the in-person academic route for this. I will say that you will meet a lot of contacts if you do it this way, have access to a lot of opportunities of things to photograph, too. You can make the degree your goal or just the classes you'd be interested in. One of the community colleges in Sacramento might be convenient for you because I see that you live in Roseville.
My next advice is that since photography is such a multi-faceted field, try to learn everything. That includes both still and moving photography. Remember that video is included because food photography is used in television commercials, videos and TV shows, too. Learn black and white, special effects, portrait, landscape and of course, food photography. Also see if you can get a class in AI graphics for photography.
One of the other things you'll venture into is food/product display. There are some techniques to learn about setting up food to be photographed. You'll want to research all you can about how to keep a bowl of cereal looking good for six hours or how a visual of ice cream can stay real-looking for hours.
While you are doing your training, create a portfolio that you can show prospective employers. They'll want to see your work. Create a website for all your work and make prints of the photography for a hard copy portfolio to bring on in person interviews. Advertise your services, also. After much experience you may want to start your own studio. There are a lot of options that you can choose.
Begin taking photos now and doing the reading about various aspects of food photography. The sooner you begin studying and using your cameras, the better. Last but not least, register at Linked In and read the jobs for food photographers. Get an idea of what employers are looking for in a candidate and when you are ready, sign up for notifications for the types of jobs you are looking for.
I wish you the best in your training and education for this fun and fabulous career !
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/free-photography-courses FORMAT MAGAZINE - FREE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES ON LINE
I would be happy to give some advice about food photography because, through observation, I consider it such an awesome career and always admire people who can do that special skill !
There would be no need to get a formal degree in order to grow a successful career in photography, but you do have some education choices if you do so choose. The first choice is to study photography remotely on line.
There are some advantages to this option because you can study at your own pace, and during any time of the day or night, conveniently scheduling it around your personal life. I'm not sure, but remote may be less expensive than going to a school. Last year, Format Magazine had an article about free photography classes on line that you may want to look into. The article with the list is in the link I provided below. The article is about eight months old so I hope the information is still valid, but it's worth looking at.
Your second option is to go to a two year community college in person majoring in visual arts, ultimately getting an Associates Degree. I remember that many of my friends actually went and took one class in photography at a local community college and they loved it. You will have to decide whether or not you want to go the in-person academic route for this. I will say that you will meet a lot of contacts if you do it this way, have access to a lot of opportunities of things to photograph, too. You can make the degree your goal or just the classes you'd be interested in. One of the community colleges in Sacramento might be convenient for you because I see that you live in Roseville.
My next advice is that since photography is such a multi-faceted field, try to learn everything. That includes both still and moving photography. Remember that video is included because food photography is used in television commercials, videos and TV shows, too. Learn black and white, special effects, portrait, landscape and of course, food photography. Also see if you can get a class in AI graphics for photography.
One of the other things you'll venture into is food/product display. There are some techniques to learn about setting up food to be photographed. You'll want to research all you can about how to keep a bowl of cereal looking good for six hours or how a visual of ice cream can stay real-looking for hours.
While you are doing your training, create a portfolio that you can show prospective employers. They'll want to see your work. Create a website for all your work and make prints of the photography for a hard copy portfolio to bring on in person interviews. Advertise your services, also. After much experience you may want to start your own studio. There are a lot of options that you can choose.
Begin taking photos now and doing the reading about various aspects of food photography. The sooner you begin studying and using your cameras, the better. Last but not least, register at Linked In and read the jobs for food photographers. Get an idea of what employers are looking for in a candidate and when you are ready, sign up for notifications for the types of jobs you are looking for.
I wish you the best in your training and education for this fun and fabulous career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: