Best Food Photography Courses to Help You Hone Your Skills Like a Pro
If you're reading this, you're probably seeking to level up your food photography skills, just like I once was. Over the past seven years, I’ve transitioned from a self-taught creative to a professional, working with a wide range of clients—startups, restaurants, FMCG companies, and more.
While my journey began with trial and error, a few key online courses and mentoring sessions helped me refine my skills. These educational resources, combined with hands-on practice, have empowered me to build a successful business offering food photography and styling services.
In this post, I’ll share the best food photography courses that have made a real difference in my career, covering everything from lighting to editing and even business strategies.
Editing: Bringing Your Photos to Life
https://twolovesstudio./courses/
Editing is where the magic happens. It’s in post-production that you can transform a good photo into a great one. Whether you’re adjusting the lighting, tweaking colors, or bringing out details, your editing skills can make or break a shot.
Rachel’s editing courses are particularly focused on food photography and have been invaluable in my journey. I started with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop but eventually transitioned to Capture One, which is now an industry-standard tool for professional photographers. Rachel’s courses are tailored for each software, ensuring that you can produce clean, vibrant, and realistic images, regardless of the platform you use.
For anyone serious about food photography, mastering editing is non-negotiable, and Rachel’s classes provide everything you need to get started.
Composition
https://courses.twolovesstudio.com/composition-essentials
Mastering the fundamentals—lighting, camera settings, and composition—is the foundation of professional food photography. No matter how delicious the food looks in person, without the right technical skills, it won't translate well on camera.
One course that has greatly influenced my approach to composition is Rachel’s in-depth food styling and composition course. If you want to nail your compositions and produce visually stunning food photos, this course is a must. It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, helping you experiment with framing, angles, and balance.
Her tutorials focus heavily on making your shots not only visually appealing but also compelling to your audience—whether they’re scrolling through Instagram or flipping through a magazine.
Practical Tutorials by Andre Martin
https://www.studio80sydney.com.au/
Another photographer whose courses have significantly improved my work is Andre Martin, a leading photographer based in Sydney. His online tutorials are hands-on, practical, and cover everything from camera settings to high-end lighting techniques.
What I love about Andre’s teaching style is how he takes you behind the scenes of real photo shoots, showcasing the professional processes that result in high-quality, polished food images. His practical insights have made a massive difference in how I approach my work.
I also had the opportunity to take a personal class with Andre to build my portfolio. This one-on-one mentorship helped refine my technical abilities and sharpen my eye for details—something I highly recommend if you’re looking to push your skills further.
The Business Side: Fanette from Frenchly
It’s not just about taking beautiful pictures; if you want to build a sustainable business, understanding the business side is crucial. This includes everything from client relations and pricing to managing timelines and delivering consistent results.
Fanette from Frenchly offers fantastic business-oriented courses designed for photographers, especially in the food industry. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me set up my business, ensuring client satisfaction, and managing long-term relationships. She covers key aspects like building a client base, marketing your services, and creating a portfolio that stands out.
Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your business, Fanette’s insights will help you build a successful, client-focused photography career.
Learning never stops, especially in a dynamic field like food photography. Every shoot is unique, and there’s always something new to learn, whether it's mastering a new technique or refining your editing process. Investing in the right courses has been a game-changer for me, transforming a passion into a thriving business.
If you're serious about food photography, I highly recommend starting with the courses mentioned here. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced photographer looking to level up, these resources will guide you to produce professional, high-quality images that clients love.
