ROME PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Summer light: 11 am – 3 p.m.
Winter light: 11 am – 4 p.m.

Food photography has become increasingly popular, and capturing what’s on one’s plate ever more an art. But as professional food photographers know, there is much more to portraying the beauty of cuisine than the camera button on an iPhone. What does it really take to masterfully capture the imperfect subject that is food?

There is no better place than Rome in which to find out. From the traditional cuisine of the local osterie, to the vibrant sights of the local farmers markets, culture and food are eternally intertwined in the Eternal City.

In this workshop, participants will learn the secrets of lighting, placement and technique that food photographers use to make dishes look as delicious as should taste. We also explore backgrounds, plating and color tricks. Our workshop leader provides tripods, lighting, reflectors and other props necessary for a food photo shoot.

Focus

This workshop focuses on the lighting techniques, backgrounds, and camera settings that make for optimal food photography. Participants will work with a professional photographer and have access to all of the props and accessories necessary to create beautiful food images in both a market and restaurant setting. We focus on raw ingredients at the farmers market. Then we move to chef-prepared small dishes and plates, pasta, entrees and desserts at a top restaurant. The food is then meant to be enjoyed and eaten!

Gourmet or Street?

Whether sampling the famous street foods of Rome – like pizza a taglio or arancini – or the trattoria dishes that the city is known for – l’amatriciana, la carbonara – flavor will not be lost on you in this experience. Our photographer will lead you through the setup, lighting and mood of the photos and how to best express the dish in an image.

Street Food Photography Tour
First, we stop at a renowned indoor market to capture the flavors on display. Then we move on to a cluster of delicious street food stands, where you may select from a wide variety of small plates, finger food and Roman specialties prepared on the spot. We set up a mini-studio on the spot amidst the bustle of a city food hub. The ambience provides ample opportunity for not just food – but the street scenery that makes Rome so uniquely vivid. Plates and drinks vary from 3 – 25 Euros.

Famous indoor food market

Roman street food hub

Gourmet Food Photography Tour
In this more luxurious version of the Food Photography workshop, participants first work on capturing the vibrant beauty of the fresh produce at a farmers market. Next, they will set up at a remote table within a local restaurant known for beautiful plating to create gorgeous images of authentic Italian dishes. Select from inventive small plates to classic pasta courses and robust entrees. Dishes and drinks vary from 8 – 30 Euros.

Local farmers Market

Italian artiginal food stands

Italian gourmet restaurant

Who is this for ?

Hobbyists / amateurs / beginners : Get to know the tips, tricks and tools of photographing food for the first time. Familiarize yourself with the equipment that is necessary, as well as receive guidance on what you can easily purchase to create a mini studio for your food photography.

Professionals / experienced photographers: This workshop provides you with access to local markets and a local chef-run restaurant to practice your food photography techniques. We will have tripods, lighting, reflectors and other tools on hand for you to work with. Work with a professional food photographer to craft your style and hone in on different ambience effects.

Students: Classes of up to 25 undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to take this workshop. Please inquire about our student and group pricing.

Extras

Since this workshop is also lunch – we invite you to bring one or two people along to enjoy the meal after you’ve photographed it – provided they don’t mind waiting while you receive instruction and take the shots you desire.

For the gourmet experience, we have a special relationship with a local, beautiful restaurant and its chefs. We highly recommend this location. However, if you are interested in photographing in a specific restaurant or locale, or a specific type of food, please just let us know! We’d be more than happy to accommodate you.

Price of the food is not included in either workshop. Lighting and photographic accessories are provided.