Format: Hybrid (Online + Practical Photo & Styling Labs)
Level: Culinary Professionals, Food Stylists, Content Creators, Executive Chefs
Duration: 6 months | 24 weeks | ~140 hours
Weekly Load: 3–5 hours
Certification: Certified Food Photography & Styling Professional (CFPSP)
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
• Understand the fundamentals of food photography, lighting, and composition
• Apply advanced styling techniques for different culinary presentations
• Shoot professional-quality photos for social media, publications, and menus
• Create visual narratives that enhance culinary storytelling
• Edit and post-process images with professional tools
• Develop a personal portfolio and digital content strategy
• Document styling setups and workflows using WRID standards
| # | Module | Duration | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of Food Photography | 2 weeks | Camera basics, exposure, lighting principles, composition |
| 2 | Advanced Styling Techniques | 3 weeks | Plate design, props, color theory, texture emphasis |
| 3 | Lighting & Studio Setup | 3 weeks | Natural vs. artificial lighting, modifiers, reflectors, shadows |
| 4 | Food Photography Techniques | 3 weeks | Angles, framing, macro, depth-of-field, motion capture |
| 5 | Digital Editing & Post-Processing | 3 weeks | Photoshop, Lightroom, color correction, retouching |
| 6 | Styling for Social Media & Marketing | 3 weeks | Food branding, visual storytelling, content scheduling |
| 7 | Portfolio Development & WRID Documentation | 2 weeks | Professional portfolio creation, recipe photo documentation |
| 8 | Capstone Project | 5 weeks | Shoot & style multi-course menu, create editorial-quality portfolio |
Styling and photographing appetizers, mains, and desserts
Experimenting with lighting setups (natural & artificial)
Macro & close-up photography of textures
Plating and prop selection for narrative storytelling
Post-processing and editing workflow
WRID-standard documentation of styled dishes
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly photo & styling assignments | 20% |
| Mid-term photography techniques quiz | 20% |
| Applied Lab Projects (3 styled dishes) | 30% |
| Final Capstone: Multi-course styled menu + portfolio | 30% |
Capstone Deliverables:
✅ Styled food photography portfolio
✅ WRID documentation for dishes & setups
✅ Multi-course menu photography showcase
✅ Edited and finalized digital content
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Tripod & lighting kits
Reflectors, diffusers, and props
Styling utensils & plates for food presentation
Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom (or similar)
WRID documentation platform
Food Stylist & Photographer
Culinary Content Creator / Social Media Manager
Executive Chef – Visual Menu Presentation
Culinary Marketing & Branding Specialist
Cookbook & Editorial Photographer
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Self-study | LMS + PDFs + video tutorials | $400 |
| Guided | Live labs + peer review + feedback | $1,200 |
| Premium | 1-on-1 mentorship + hybrid photo lab + portfolio review | $3,000 |
Regional adjustments (UAE / EU) applicable
Food photography & styling workbook
Styling guides, props checklist, lighting setups
WRID documentation templates for food styling
Access to international food photography network
Capstone project guidance and portfolio review
“Visual Feast” — 5-Course Styled Menu
Appetizer: Microgreens & colorful puree, macro shot
Entrée: Sous-vide protein with textured garnish
Side Dish: Seasonal vegetables, plated with color contrast
Dessert: Molecular gastronomy dessert styled with smoke/fog effect
Beverage: Styled cocktail with multi-sensory presentation
Title: Essentials of Food Photography & Styling
Duration: 8 weeks | ~32 hours
Delivery: Online + optional 1-day hybrid styling lab
| Mode | Price |
|---|---|
| Online Guided | $320 |
| Hybrid (1-day lab) | $700 |
| Premium | $1,300 |
Modules:
Introduction to food photography & composition
Styling fundamentals & prop selection
Lighting & natural light techniques
Post-processing & basic editing
Final project: shoot & style 1 signature dish
Badge: Food Photography & Styling Micro-Specialist
Food photography workbook & styling templates
WRID documentation for styled dishes
Digital portfolio with edited photos
Capstone menu & professional visual showcase
