Launch a lucrative career as a food photographer
Get job-ready skills and a perfectly polished portfolio to start immediately. With great freelance shoots for social media, books, food blogs, and restaurant ads, you're good to go.
Live 1-on-1 personal mentorship from industry experts
online Bootcamp
ESTIMATED TIME
Start date
ALL YOU NEED
4 Months
2-5 hrs/week
2-5 hrs/week
A mirrorless or DSLR camera and basic photography knowledge.
See requirements in detail.
See requirements in detail.
Join the first class as soon as you enroll
Prerequisites you needed
Any Mirorless or DSLR Camera with telephoto lens such as:
Note: We do not recommend any specific camera or lens model. There is no good or bad camera for food photography, it's all individual. The best camera is the one you have and it gives you an opportunity to start learning today.
Objective criteria for camera lens in food photography are:
Basic photography knowledge — you know such primary photography theory as:
During the first month of bootcamp you need to get the following lighting equipment: strobe or continuous light source, synchronizer, stand, softbox (the approximate cost of the kit is $500-800). More information on manufacturers and the best lighting kit options can be found in the training program.
- For Canon: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens
- For Fujifilm: FUJIFILM XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens
- For Nikon: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
- For Sony: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
Note: We do not recommend any specific camera or lens model. There is no good or bad camera for food photography, it's all individual. The best camera is the one you have and it gives you an opportunity to start learning today.
Objective criteria for camera lens in food photography are:
- it`s suitable for your camera;
- the focal length varies from 60mm to 135mm;
- macro mode;
- prime lens is perfect, but zoom lens is good too.
Basic photography knowledge — you know such primary photography theory as:
- technical features of the camera and its` construction;
- exposure: aperture, shutter speed, ISO. You know how to deal with semi-automatic or manual mode;
- basics of light pattern: what is soft and hard light, what is key light, fill light, backlight and background light;
During the first month of bootcamp you need to get the following lighting equipment: strobe or continuous light source, synchronizer, stand, softbox (the approximate cost of the kit is $500-800). More information on manufacturers and the best lighting kit options can be found in the training program.
Primeclass helps you reach your goals faster!
Learn from the best photographers, photography coaches, and image editors. You get only expert, up-to-date instruction – all you need in the real world. Our experts continually review and update the lessons to keep them current and relevant for you.
Learn from top-rated photographers
Real-world projects give you experience. It makes you stand out to prospective clients so that you hit the ground running and enter the market fast.
Hands-on Projects
Your talent is unique. Get professional reviews, personal guidance, and technical assistance on your projects. Our respectful experts dig deep to provide targeted feedback that results in your perfectly polished portfolio.
Personalized, expert feedback
Impress your clients with a professional portfolio, even before you finish the course. We build your curriculum around portfolio design so that you build an impressive portfolio as you go. By the end of the course, you have created a complete collection of projects that showcase your skills, allowing you to construct a unique personal style and brand – and truly set yourself up for success.
Job-Ready Portfolio
Our online classes are MORE than just lessons and tests. It is more importantly about collaborative learning and practices through creative assignments and real-world projects. Giving you all the skills you need to start a freelance career in a global market.
Take a Peek Inside Our Highly-Vetted Bootcamp
CURRICULUM
Lessons
30%
Collaborative Learning Process
20%
4 months
Practice
50%
Here is what you will learn:
- Discover just what a food photographer is, what you’ll do, and how much you can earn.
- Learn about the essentials of a food photographer`s kit in 2022 and fundamental tips for food photography.
- Get clear instructions about taking perfect food shots with just your phone.
- Learn photography analysis.
Find out:
- The kind of camera and lens you need to start your career.
- What you need in a studio and additional equipment.
- Learn how to choose professional lighting set to create your home studio.
You will get:
- Photography projects as a powerful tool to change your career and get the customer waiting list.
- The basics and step-by-step instructions to help with creating your real-world project.
- The best case studies of successful projects and failures by food photography experts before you. It will help you learn what to do and what not to do.
- Learn how algorithms work for planning a food photo shoot and how to select a team.
- Learn how to manage the photo shoot on set and automate processes, prepare accessories, and handle logistics.
- Learn how to take food shots using natural light and different focal lengths.
- Practice with composition assignments on a simple mobile phone photoshoot.
- Explore the use of slow shutter speed with natural light.
- Learn how to take photos of food in a restaurant using a combination of natural and artificial light.
Learn:
- How to use a polarizing filter to take food photos
- How to take food shots with the chef's hands in the frame.
- Practice shooting doughnuts, bananas, and currants with one light source while learning light patterns and simple compositions.
- Learn how to perform a step-by-step photo shoot for a cooking blog or book.
- Learn to create high- and low-key shots with one light source.
- Learn to take photos of dishes on a white background with two light sources.
- Explore shooting with a macro lens and the abstraction technique.
- Learn how to take photos of glittering cutlery and burning steak coals.
- Practice a simple composition with two light sources.
- Try your new skills while shooting drinks and desserts with the help of references — mulled wine and chocolates.
- Learn how to tell a story using hard light.
- Explore ways of working with volume to engage your viewers even more.
Create your own "alchemist's laboratory" in photography.
- Learn how to freeze liquids with the help of pulse light and how to create a festive mood for Christmas shots.
- Practice with promotional photos of limoncello.
- Delve into shooting beer with three light sources.
- Learn how to tell a fragrance photo story for a perfume commercial.
- Start your project for a restaurant menu shoot.
- Work with a spectacular fast food assignment.
- Learn how to take more than 70 photos of restaurant dishes in two days.
Create your graduation project and take the final test.
Earn your Certificate and kickstart your career in the beautiful world of food photography.
Earn your Certificate and kickstart your career in the beautiful world of food photography.
We use real-world projects to improve your talent
Our curriculum is based on real-life projects that reproduce the conditions of real work in the real world with real clients. You’ll shoot everything from basic and trendy to advanced professional photos. At the end of the course, you’ll have a perfectly polished, personalized, professional portfolio.
Patisserie & Sweets
Learn to make desserts look as delicious as it is in any product shoot.
Juicy Steak
Learn how to work with meat on fire and create hot charcoal special effects.
Hot Mulled Wine
Discover the secrets of telling a story using classic images of winter drinks and spices.
Glass of Lemonade
Learn how to make icy drinks and cold glass look tantalizing.
Shiny Kitchen Tools
Learn how to deal with tricky mirroring surfaces like cooking pans, fancy plates, knives and forks.
Fruits & Berries
Learn the tricks of keeping fruits, berries, and greens juicy and fresh for photo shoots.
Сhristmas Party
Use your new skills in special effects to create a shoot for a festive Christmas dinner.
Comfort Food
Learn to craft creative compositions of chips, snacks, hotdogs, sweets and popcorn.
Every online class is a thrilling experience with thorough instructions and a new project. Plus, you get practical assignments in every unit. It results in an extensive, rich portfolio for your UpWork, Fiverr, or Behance profile.
Our mentoring feedback is the key to your perfection
Every step of your learning journey is filled with consistent, detailed feedback to ensure you learn rapidly and progress brilliantly. We give you personalized feedback and advice. Our mentors are always there for you with professional reviews, emotional support, and encouragement — everything you need to succeed.
projects reviewed
hours of feedback given
photography advice given
1,000+
10,000+
∞
- Feedback sessions
- Project reviews and practical tips
- Career insights and job overview
- Support for every technical question about the tools and the platform
- Fast answers and clear instructions
- Meet-ups and brainstorming sessions
Live support from a community of TOP industry experts:
Get a user-friendly, full support experience when you use the Primeclass platform:
Feedback
Technical Support Service
+
Program Offerings
- Workshops created with experienced photographers
- Real-world projects
- Project reviews
- Personalized feedback
- Student advisor support
- Technical support
- Student community
Bootcamp content
Student Services
A Certificate of Completion
At the end of your training, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion of the program. Primeclass Bootcamp operates under the laws of the state of Delaware, USA. This is one more reason you’ll successfully enter the global job market immediately after training.
EARN
Years experience in professional photography
Years experience in teaching and coaching aspiring photographers like you
TOP-100 best food photographers in the world, according to the British Journal of Photography
Has worked with some of the best Michelin restaurants in Europe and Asia
15+
10+
Aleksander Slyadnev
Meet Your TUTOR
Hi, I’m Aleksander. I haven't always been a famous and popular photographer. I had a time when I took ordinary, boring photos. For 4 years, I tried to study on my own. I read articles on the Internet. I watched free video tutorials. I even read photography books. But 70% of that disorganized, unsystematic information was never useful to me. At all. Anywhere.
Then I changed my approach – I began to study systematically. In just one year, everything changed dramatically. Michelin-starred restaurants, top chefs worldwide, and companies like McDonald's and Johnnie Walker Red Label began inviting me to photo shoots. Magazines began to write about me: Saveurs, Forbes, and many others.
I was even included in the top 100 photographers in the world. In just one year, I grew from a good but ordinary photographer who takes ordinary photos to a world-class photographer with the biggest orders and clients and name recognition.
I've got news for you. I plan to share all my techniques with you. The same techniques have allowed me to become one of the best and most successful food photographers in the world. So join me. Let me make you a star.
Then I changed my approach – I began to study systematically. In just one year, everything changed dramatically. Michelin-starred restaurants, top chefs worldwide, and companies like McDonald's and Johnnie Walker Red Label began inviting me to photo shoots. Magazines began to write about me: Saveurs, Forbes, and many others.
I was even included in the top 100 photographers in the world. In just one year, I grew from a good but ordinary photographer who takes ordinary photos to a world-class photographer with the biggest orders and clients and name recognition.
I've got news for you. I plan to share all my techniques with you. The same techniques have allowed me to become one of the best and most successful food photographers in the world. So join me. Let me make you a star.
Author of articles and other publications in world-famous international and domestic publications:
Author of cookbooks. Sold over 25,000 paper copies and 35,000 electronic copies on Amazon. Books are marked by editions:
And here is your mentor
Welcome, I'm Renae, your guide through the exciting world of professional photography.
With two decades of experience in education and a specialization in commercial, wedding, portrait photography, and beyond, I'm here to mentor you towards rapid growth in your craft.
I'll provide personalized feedback on your work and share insights on how to land your first clients. Let's embark on this journey together and unleash your creative potential!
With two decades of experience in education and a specialization in commercial, wedding, portrait photography, and beyond, I'm here to mentor you towards rapid growth in your craft.
I'll provide personalized feedback on your work and share insights on how to land your first clients. Let's embark on this journey together and unleash your creative potential!
Ranae Keane-Bamsey
has a three-month waiting list of clients in Europe
Why did I choose food photography? It provides endless opportunities to play with light, angle, and staging. And this is one very important factor if you want to stay creative and inventive in this line of business.
I try to absorb as much knowledge as possible from different professionals. Alexander has his unique style and his natural way of teaching, which really interested me.
While studying, I simplified the knowledge that I had and also learned a lot of things that I didn’t know.
For example, how to create a book and find clients in the US and Europe. Thanks to the assignments on the course, I gained more experience and self-confidence.
I try to absorb as much knowledge as possible from different professionals. Alexander has his unique style and his natural way of teaching, which really interested me.
While studying, I simplified the knowledge that I had and also learned a lot of things that I didn’t know.
For example, how to create a book and find clients in the US and Europe. Thanks to the assignments on the course, I gained more experience and self-confidence.
Before
AFTER
Before
AFTER
Mary Sokor,
Dave Kim,
First, I got free workshops from Alexander Slyadnev on Instagram. I thought it could be a relaxing hobby for me. But I was so inspired that in a month, I switched to the full-fledged Bootcamp program to study 2-3 hours a day. Now I am a professional photographer, and my main income comes from food shoots.
I've come a long way from photography basics to specific portrait and food photography only. I put all my energy and free time into practicing and doing projects for my portfolio. That gave me a chance to get clients throughout the course.
Thanks to the Bootcamp, I have not only photography skills and a diversified portfolio, but also marketing and networking competency to promote myself on the market.
I've come a long way from photography basics to specific portrait and food photography only. I put all my energy and free time into practicing and doing projects for my portfolio. That gave me a chance to get clients throughout the course.
Thanks to the Bootcamp, I have not only photography skills and a diversified portfolio, but also marketing and networking competency to promote myself on the market.
Before
AFTER
Before
AFTER
after graduating from the course moved to the big city and started a career as a food photographer
Max Svyativoda,
The moment I first started a photography course with Alex, food photography was something unknown and distant to me. Because I'm a chef, working with food is so natural for me. But thanks to this Bootcamp, I discovered something more than just food photography! It opened my soul. I can now say I cannot choose between cooking and photography.
Besides, the Bootcamp experience and my new career saved me a lot of money. Now I can make shots for my cookbook by myself. There is no need to pay more than $3000 for a professional shoot! That sounds great, doesn't it?
Oh yes, it does!
Besides, the Bootcamp experience and my new career saved me a lot of money. Now I can make shots for my cookbook by myself. There is no need to pay more than $3000 for a professional shoot! That sounds great, doesn't it?
Oh yes, it does!
Before
AFTER
Before
AFTER
saves up to $3000 a month as a food photographer for his own recipes
Liana Ruchka,
I was already a professional photographer, but I wanted to grow and develop my income opportunities. I took the food photography Bootcamp to boost my skills and get new project ideas.
Each month of my studies at this Bootcamp was so encouraging: my shots improved with every new assignment. Great results motivate me to move on and reach higher goals! I have a waiting list of clients now, long-term contracts with food companies, a steady, regular income, and I travel a lot!
Each month of my studies at this Bootcamp was so encouraging: my shots improved with every new assignment. Great results motivate me to move on and reach higher goals! I have a waiting list of clients now, long-term contracts with food companies, a steady, regular income, and I travel a lot!
Before
AFTER
Before
AFTER
switched to $50 000 annual income thanks to food photography
Olga Kudryavtseva,
I have always been obsessed with photography and cooking. In 2018, I started sharing recipes on Instagram. I couldn't take pictures as I imagined, so I studied food photography. I chose Alex Slyadnev's course because I liked his style, his approach to learning, and the fact that he is also from Ukraine.
I got a good foundation in photography from the course (and not only food photography). I learned how to embody my ideas and make the shots that I wanted. I have also written and published my cookbook.
I got a good foundation in photography from the course (and not only food photography). I learned how to embody my ideas and make the shots that I wanted. I have also written and published my cookbook.
Before
AFTER
Before
AFTER
published a cookbook with her own recipes and food photos
Our students always meet their goals!
SCROLL
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published a cookbook with her recipes and food photos
I have always been obsessed with photography and cooking. In 2018, I started sharing recipes on Instagram. I couldn't take pictures as I imagined, so I studied food photography. I chose Alex Slyadnev's course because I liked his style, his approach to learning, and the fact that he is also from Ukraine.
I got a good foundation in photography from the course (and not only food photography). I learned how to embody my ideas and make the shots that I wanted. I have also written and published my cookbook.
I got a good foundation in photography from the course (and not only food photography). I learned how to embody my ideas and make the shots that I wanted. I have also written and published my cookbook.
Before
AFTER
Before
AFTER
Why did I choose food photography? It provides endless opportunities to play with light, angle, and staging. And this is one very important factor if you want to stay creative and inventive in this line of business.
I try to absorb as much knowledge as possible from different professionals. Alexander has his unique style and his natural way of teaching, which really interested me.
While studying, I simplified the knowledge that I had and also learned a lot of things that I didn’t know.
For example, how to create a book and find clients in the US and Europe. Thanks to the assignments on the course, I gained more experience and self-confidence.
I try to absorb as much knowledge as possible from different professionals. Alexander has his unique style and his natural way of teaching, which really interested me.
While studying, I simplified the knowledge that I had and also learned a lot of things that I didn’t know.
For example, how to create a book and find clients in the US and Europe. Thanks to the assignments on the course, I gained more experience and self-confidence.
has a three-month waiting list of clients in Europe
Before
Before
AFTER
AFTER
First I got free workshops from Alexander Slyadnev on Instagram. I thought it can be a relaxing hobby for me. But I was so inspired that in a month I switched to the full-fledged bootcamp program to study 2-3 hours a day. Now I am a professional photographer and my main income comes from food shoots.
I've come a long way from photography basics to specific portrait and food photography only. I put all my energy and free time to practice and make projects for my portfolio. That gave me a chance to get clients throughout the course. Thanks to the bootcamp I have not only photography skills and a diversified portfolio, but also marketing and networking competency to promote myself on the market.
I've come a long way from photography basics to specific portrait and food photography only. I put all my energy and free time to practice and make projects for my portfolio. That gave me a chance to get clients throughout the course. Thanks to the bootcamp I have not only photography skills and a diversified portfolio, but also marketing and networking competency to promote myself on the market.
Dave Kim
Before
Before
AFTER
AFTER
The moment I first started a photography course with Alex, food photography was something unknown and distant to me. Even though I'm a chef and working with food is so natural for me. But thanks to this bootcamp, I discovered something more than just food photography! It opened my soul. I can now say that I can not even choose between cooking and photography.
And of course, the bootcamp experience and my new career gave me an opportunity to save a huge amount of money. Now I can make shots for my cookbook by myself. There is no need to pay more than $3000 for a professional shoot! That sounds great, doesn't it?
And of course, the bootcamp experience and my new career gave me an opportunity to save a huge amount of money. Now I can make shots for my cookbook by myself. There is no need to pay more than $3000 for a professional shoot! That sounds great, doesn't it?
Max Svyativoda
Before
Before
AFTER
AFTER
I was already a professional photographer, but I wanted to grow and develop my income opportunities. I took the food photography Bootcamp to boost my skills and get new project ideas.
Each month of my studies at this Bootcamp was so encouraging: my shots improved with every new assignment. Great results motivate me to move on and reach higher goals! I have a waiting list of clients now, long-term contracts with food companies, a steady, regular income, and I travel a lot!
Each month of my studies at this Bootcamp was so encouraging: my shots improved with every new assignment. Great results motivate me to move on and reach higher goals! I have a waiting list of clients now, long-term contracts with food companies, a steady, regular income, and I travel a lot!
Liana Ruchka,
Before
Before
AFTER
AFTER
Olga Kudryavtseva,
Mary Sokor,
After graduating from the course moved to the big city and started a career as a food photographer.
Saves up to $3000 a month as a food photographer for his own recipes.
switched to $50 000 annual income thanks to food photography
* Different income level restrictions may apply
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FAQS
This Bootcamp program is systematic training for the profession of food photography. We have structured the learning path and our experts' knowledge in such a way that complex information is easy to understand.
You can start your training with basic knowledge of photography. Even before the training is completed, you’ll find your first paying clients.
If you already have experience as a food photographer, then this bootcamp will help you to structure your knowledge well and get new approaches that professional photographers use to increase their work and income.
You can start your training with basic knowledge of photography. Even before the training is completed, you’ll find your first paying clients.
If you already have experience as a food photographer, then this bootcamp will help you to structure your knowledge well and get new approaches that professional photographers use to increase their work and income.
With our systematic, experienced pedagogical approach, of course you can! But this Bootcamp will be most useful for students with basic skills in photography. We are on the way to launch a Photography Fundamentals Bootcamp perfect for your demands. There with the right approach to learning and doing your homework on time, you can achieve results even if you start without basic knowledge. Experienced mentors, who will guide you through the entire course, will help you.
We advise a wide range of students with varying levels of experience! Some are PhDs with multiple past positions and a specific target industry, or photographers with several years to a decade of experience under their belt looking for a new opportunity. Others are graduating seniors looking for their first job or self-taught bootcamp grads. For each candidate, we evaluate both their potential and how much of a difference our program can make before inviting them to be a fellow.
Assignment reviews are conducted by Teaching Mentors and Experts.
We have weekly events and assignments that is obligatory for the students, but they take only 5-10 hours a week of your time. Most of our students complete the program in approximately 4 months, studying in that pace. The program is arranged so that you can combine it with your work, studies, and personal life.
It's up to you. On average, our students study between 5 and 10 hours a week.
You get access to the course immediately after payment.
We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to become a fellow regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. Our internal application selection process is based solely on the merit, value and growth potential of the individual. One of the goals of Primeclass as a program is to help even out the playing field for underrepresented minorities in the field of photography and demystify the part of your career that is not taught in the classroom.
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