With the best online food photography courses, you can learn to master this unique form of photography from the comfort of your own home.Â
In a world where we dine first with our eyes, and where social media is a virtual feast for our senses, it’s no wonder that food photography has become a delectable art form in itself. From capturing the sizzle of a juicy steak to immortalizing the intricate details of a perfectly frosted cake, food photography has taken center stage in the culinary and digital realms alike.
But here’s the secret ingredient that has propelled this trend to even greater heights: online food photography courses.
Gone are the days when only professional photographers had access to the tricks of the trade. With a simple click and a hearty appetite for learning, anyone can now embark on a gastronomic journey into the world of food photography from the comfort of their own kitchen. It’s a symphony of flavors and aesthetics, a chance to craft your own visual recipes, and an invitation to share your culinary stories with a global audience.
Imagine tantalizing your followers with more than just a mere glimpse of your homemade masterpieces. Picture mastering the art of lighting, composition, and styling to present your dishes in a way that elicits cravings even through the screen. This isn’t just about impressing your friends on social media or curating a stunning food blog—it’s about tapping into the universal language of food and connecting with fellow food enthusiasts across borders.
But why opt for an online food photography course, you ask?
Well, let’s toss in a pinch of convenience and a dash of flexibility.
These courses bring culinary creativity to your fingertips, allowing you to learn at your own pace, fitting seamlessly into your bustling schedule. No more rushing to in-person classes or deciphering complicated photography jargon.
The best online food photography courses unravel the mysteries of aperture, shutter speed, and white balance, breaking them down into digestible bites that even a novice can savor.
Whether you’re an aspiring food blogger, a seasoned home cook looking to amplify your visual storytelling, or someone who simply revels in the sheer beauty of food, these online courses offer a buffet of benefits. From honing your skills in the comfort of your kitchen to engaging with a community of fellow foodies eager to exchange tips and critiques, these courses deliver a full-course meal of learning that’s as satisfying as that first bite of a well-prepared dish.
So, if you’re ready to spice up your culinary journey and turn your food photos into a work of art, grab your camera (or smartphone) and prepare to indulge in the best online food photography courses the digital world has to offer. Your delectable creations are waiting to be captured, shared, and savored by a hungry audience—one click at a time.
Disclosure:Â Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
1. Food Photography: Shooting At Restaurants (Skillshare)
Price
Free 30-day trial and then unlimited Skillshare membership is around $165/year
Duration
7 lessons, 35 minutes
Freelance, accredited food photographer Daniel Krieger teaches you how to take your photos from basic to professional. In just over 30 minutes you can begin to create and take the perfect photographs for your portfolio.
Begin with seven short instructive, informational video lessonss before taking on the class project.
Each video goes into detail on the different elements which make an incredible photo — from creating the perfect ambiance to the right food to order.
The class project involves ordering your lunch at a restaurant of your choosing and taking high-quality, professional photos. This course uses both cameras and iPhones, showing you how to get the perfect spot no matter your equipment.
If you are ready to learn from the best, this course is for you!
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.
2. DIY Backdrops: Dynamic Surfaces For Tabletop Photography (Skillshare)
Price
Free 30-day trial and then unlimited Skillshare membership is around $165/year
Duration
8 lessons, about 30 minutes
If you find that your food set up, lighting, and equipment are working yet the picture is still lacking then your backdrop may be to blame. This DIY Backdrops course is perfect for those struggling to make their images look just right.
In less than 30 minutes you will work with a range of backdrop surfaces and learn the strengths and weaknesses of each one.
Perfect for food bloggers, content creators and artists, this course shows you have to create unique backgrounds and get that perfect shot. As a food photographer most photos will be taken on tabletops, a hard surface to work with.
This course will explore your creativity and teach you to work with the surfaces around you.
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.
3. Making A Splash! Photographing Drinks In Motions (Skillshare)
Price
Free 30-day trial and then unlimited Skillshare membership is around $165/year (see our Skillshare pricing guide for more info)
Duration
8 lessons, 40+ minutes
Food and drinks can be some of the hardest subjects to photograph. Especially when moving. However, these often make the most eye-capturing photos.
Making a Splash! Photographing Drinks in Motion will support you in knowing what you need to get those mouthwatering shots. In less than an hour you will cover everything from the equipment you need to editing for that final product.
This can also come in handy when trying your hand at videography. In order to pass this course a hands-on project must be completed.
This will involve creating your own drinks in motion photoshoot using some rather weird yet wonderful subjects! Master the art of Making a Splash with this Skillshare course.
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.
4. Smartphone Food Photography: Practical Guide (Udemy)
Price
Regularly $69.99 (see our Udemy review)
Duration
15 hours
If you are just beginning your food photography journey then you may not have all of the equipment. Udemy has created this course to show you how to take creative photos with something you already have. Your phone!
Throughout 25 lectures you will learn how to create incredible photos all on your smartphone. With a focus on getting that perfect shot when using a dark mood.
You will also learn how to use artificial light to your advantage while making it look natural. This beginners class is perfect for anyone wanting to learn the basics of photography while using their smartphone.
5. Food Styling Tips And Techniques For Beginners (Udemy)
Price
Regularly $39.99 (check out our Udemy pricing guide for more info)
Duration
About 1 hour
You can have all of the fancy kit, the perfect backdrop, and the most incredible lighting but if your subject isn’t styled right then you are going to be disappointed.
Food Styling Tips and Techniques for Beginners gives you everything you need to have your dishes styled perfect.
Therefore, this session is especially designed for you if you are a food blogger, restaurant owner, content creator, food photographer, foodie, a home cook, or simply someone who wants to present their cuisine properly.
In just over an hour you will learn the basics required for setting up the perfect photo and even gain insight into how to select the perfect props to really elevate your subject.
6. iPhone Food Photography: Styling & Shooting For Instagram (Skillshare)
Price
Free 30-day trial and then unlimited Skillshare membership is around $165/year (see our Skillshare review to learn more)
Duration
9 lessons, about 1 hour
One of the most useful skills when it comes to any type of photography is learning to shoot specifically for social media. Food photography is a highly popular genre on Instagram.
Many restaurants hire professional photographers to take images of their dishes to promote on their social media. This course is perfect for harnessing that skill.
In just 9 tutorial videos, you can learn to style the subject correctly, capture different types of images, and how to edit them to a professional standard.
Whether you are a food blogger, or a restaurant owner this course can help take your photographs to the next level while building a portfolio of your work.
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.
7. Food Photography Techniques For Advertising (Domestika)
Price
$9.99/month for Domestika Plus subscription
Duration
17 lessons, about 4 hours
We all love to learn the tips and tricks of how they make that burger look so juicy or that cocktail look extremely refreshing. Well, with this course you can!
Through 4 short modules you will learn how the world of marketing uses food photography to really sell their food. You can complete each section at your own pace and really begin to understand the concepts of the course.
Food Photography Techniques for Advertising is perfect for those looking to take their food photography career to the next level. Whether you want to freelance or be hired by a company, this course can get you started!
8. Food Styling: The Art of Plating (Domestika)
Price
$9.99/month for Domestika Plus subscription
Duration
13 lessons, about 2 hours
Chefs, food enthusiasts, and lovers of culture all around the world communicate using gastronomy as their common language and art form. The presentation of the plate can leave a delicious impression on the diner when it touches the table.
Jodi Moreno, a food stylist and chef, is here to show you how to style eye-catching platters that will impress any dinner guests.
Expand your food styling horizons in this course and learn how to plate exquisite dishes with meticulous attention to every minute detail.
Discover how to create a portfolio of your food photography while learning how to arrange, layer, and style a delectable culinary presentation.
9. Food Photography: Creative Editing Techniques (Domestika)
Price
$9.99/month for Domestika Plus subscription
Duration
16 lessons, about 2.5 hours
Once you have mastered your lighting, set up, and placement, you will then be faced with the challenge of editing. Editing has the power to transform a rather basic image into something wonderful.
This course teaches retouching techniques to truly elevate your image and to blossom as a food photographer.
Perfect for beginners or those wanting to refresh their skills, this course will help you define your skills and style as a photographer.
Final Thoughts on the Best Online Food Photography Courses
Food photography has become a rapidly increasing hobby as well as a paying profession position for photographers.
From learning the basics to honing in on your skills, our guide to the best online food photography classes can help you master the art and take your photography to the next level.
Remember, many of these online learning websites offer free trials, so make sure you take advantage of those and check out a few different classes to find the ones you like best.
Have any questions about our guide to the best online food photography courses? Let us know by commenting below.