Andrew Olson - Basic Food Photography (Download)

In the age of Instagram and Pinterest, food photography has become essential for food bloggers, restaurant owners, and social media enthusiasts. A well-composed food photo can attract thousands of viewers, but capturing that perfect shot requires more than pointing and clicking—it demands a balance of artistic styling and technical camera skills.

Course Overview

Basic Food Photography is a practical 5.5-hour video course taught by Andrew Olson, photographer and recipe developer at One Ingredient Chef. Andrew shares the exact techniques that grew his food blog to over 125,000 monthly views in under a year.

This course is designed for complete beginners with no photography or food styling experience, though experienced photographers wanting to specialize in food will also benefit from the focused instruction.

What You’ll Learn

Food Storytelling – Discover how to create compelling narratives through your images. You’ll learn that great food photography isn’t just about the dish—it’s about the story the scene tells viewers.

Food Styling Techniques – Master the art of making food look photogenic. Learn which dishes photograph best, how to arrange elements on the plate, and styling methods that translate beautifully through the camera lens.

Scene Composition – Build complete food scenes using proper lighting setups, dramatic surfaces (including a budget marble backdrop for just $15), and strategic props that add depth without overwhelming your subject.

Camera Skills for Every Budget – Whether you’re shooting with a smartphone, point-and-shoot, or DSLR, you’ll learn to maximize your equipment’s potential. The course includes a detailed iPhone vs. professional camera comparison, plus framing and composition techniques specific to food photography.

Image Editing – Apply essential adjustments that make food photos look more realistic and appetizing. Learn an efficient Adobe Lightroom workflow and mobile editing techniques that enhance without over-processing.

You may also be interested in these courses:

Sharing Strategies – Optimize your photos for social media platforms, create Pinterest-perfect images, and understand the basics of food blogging to gain recognition for your work.

Course Resources

Beyond 27 hands-on video lessons, you’ll receive a 17-page printable cheat sheet with key reference points for successful photo shoots. The course structure allows you to learn at your own pace while having direct access to the instructor for personalized feedback.

Who Should Enroll

This course suits aspiring food bloggers building their visual brand, restaurant owners showcasing menu items, social media enthusiasts wanting better food content, and anyone passionate about combining photography with culinary interests.

You’ll develop confidence conducting complete photo shoots from setup to final edit, creating images worthy of sharing across any platform. The skills transfer to any camera and any setting, giving you flexibility whether shooting in your kitchen or at restaurants.