Format: Hybrid (Online + Practical Workshops)
Level: Culinary Professionals, Pastry Chefs, R&D Chefs, Food Photographers, Marketing Specialists
Duration: 6 months | 24 weeks | ~160 hours
Weekly Load: 4–6 hours
Certification: Certified Food Styling & Presentation Specialist (CFSP)
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
Master aesthetic principles in food presentation and plating
Apply color theory, texture contrast, and visual balance in dishes
Integrate photography-friendly plating for marketing and social media
Adapt styling techniques for different cuisines, ingredients, and dietary preferences
Utilize props, lighting, and composition to enhance food storytelling
Document recipes and presentation techniques professionally (WRID method)
Develop visually stunning tasting menus for culinary events and media
| # | Module | Duration | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals of Food Styling | 2 weeks | Visual design principles, plating basics, ingredient selection |
| 2 | Color, Texture & Composition | 4 weeks | Color contrast, texture layering, symmetry, focal points |
| 3 | Plating Techniques Across Cuisines | 3 weeks | Classic French, Modernist, Asian, and Fusion styles |
| 4 | Dessert & Pastry Styling | 4 weeks | Chocolate work, sugar artistry, mousse & cream presentation |
| 5 | Photography & Media-Friendly Styling | 3 weeks | Lighting, camera angles, props, social media-ready plating |
| 6 | Creative Ingredient Manipulation | 3 weeks | Edible flowers, gels, foams, sauces, microgreens |
| 7 | Menu Styling & Tasting Experiences | 2 weeks | Cohesive visual story, course progression, thematic design |
| 8 | Applied Lab & Capstone Project | 3 weeks | Full tasting menu styling, photography, digital portfolio presentation |
Plating for visual balance and storytelling
Color and texture optimization using natural ingredients
Dessert & pastry styling including sugar and chocolate techniques
Food photography & styling for social media and professional portfolios
Microgreen, foam, gel, and edible garnish application
Menu cohesion & multi-course tasting experience visualization
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly plating & styling assignments | 20% |
| Mid-term visual design & styling quiz | 20% |
| Applied Lab: 3 styling & photography projects | 30% |
| Final Project: Multi-course styled menu + portfolio | 30% |
Capstone Deliverables:
Styled recipe & plating sheets (WRID format)
Tasting menu visual storyboard
Professional food photography portfolio
Client & sensory feedback documentation
Professional kitchen tools & plating utensils
Edible garnishes, microgreens, foams, gels
Camera / smartphone with professional photography apps
Lighting kits & backdrops for styling
Digital portfolio & WRID documentation templates
Food Stylist for Media & Marketing
R&D Chef with styling specialization
Pastry & Dessert Stylist
Culinary Content Creator & Social Media Specialist
Tasting Event & Culinary Experience Designer
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Self-study | LMS modules + PDFs + quizzes | $420 |
| Guided | Live workshops + peer review + feedback | $1,200 |
| Premium | 1-on-1 mentorship + lab & capstone support | $3,000 |
Prices adjustable for UAE/EU/Asia regions
Plating & styling technique templates
Photography & social media styling guides
Recipe & visual R&D templates (WRID format)
Access to international food styling & media community
Capstone tasting menu styling guide
“Visual Culinary Storytelling” — 5-Course Styled Menu
Amuse-bouche with vibrant microgreen garnish
Cold starter with layered color & texture
Main entrée with thematic plating & sauce artistry
Dessert with sugar & chocolate decoration
Final course photographed for portfolio & media
Title: Food Styling & Presentation Essentials
Duration: 8 weeks | ~36 hours
Delivery: Online + optional hybrid lab
| Mode | Price |
|---|---|
| Online Guided | $330 |
| Hybrid (1-day lab) | $700 |
| Premium | $1,400 |
Modules:
Basics of plating & visual design
Color, texture, and contrast principles
Dessert & pastry styling
Photography & media-friendly plating
Mini capstone project: 1–2 styled dishes
Badge: Food Styling & Presentation Micro-Specialist
Styling lab workbook
Plating & photography R&D sheets
Portfolio of styled dishes
Sensory & visual feedback reports
Capstone tasting menu styling documentation
