Bloggers are now power players in the food and drink industry. The huge appetite for news, reviews, recipe ideas and nutrition advice means there’s scope – and a potential audience – for an infinite variety of blogs. But the blog world’s increasingly high standards mean that to grab the public’s attention, you’ll need to ensure your blog has a strong identity, and that your recipes look as sumptuous as possible.
Led by food writer and photographer Joan Ransley, this one-day course covers the principles of running a good food blog, including how to find a unique angle and target an online audience. You’ll also get a crash course in the essential creative and technical aspects of food photography. Using your own DSLR camera, food and props, you’ll photograph a small set, learning how to make your images more stylish and shareable. Along the way, Joan will provide feedback on your work, as well as guidance on everything from food styling to composition, lighting and shutter speed.
By the end of the day, you’ll have high quality images for your blog or portfolio, as well as the skills and confidence to create photographs for your own recipes and writing. You might be a talented home cook, an artisan producer or just a full-blown foodie – whatever your background, Joan’s practical guidance and infectious enthusiasm will help you to create food content good enough to share.
This course is for you if...
- You love cooking at home and want to share your creations via a blog
- You’re an artisan food producer or restaurateur who wants to promote your products and/or production methods online
- You’re a keen gourmet who wants to engage with the foodie community, whether it’s through exploring new ingredients, reviewing takeaways or testing cookbooks
- You’re a food producer or restaurateur looking to start a blog for your business
- You’re a blogger who wants to move into producing content about food and nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Attendees should be familiar with the basic controls of a DSLR camera, and will be required to bring along their own DSLR fitted with a macro or standard 50mm lens. They will also need to bring along some pre-cooked, pre-cut food and a few basic styling props (such as napkins, tablecloths and plates) to take part in practical exercises.
Course description
This one-day course will teach you how to find an angle and audience for a new food blog, as well as how to develop your food photography skills at home. The course will help you to create a brand identity, and illustrate the articles and recipes on your blog. Topics covered include:
- How to find a fresh angle for your blog
- How to finesse your blog’s look and feel by using scrapbooks, mood boards and online tools such as Instagram and Pinterest
- How to target an audience – for example, food enthusiasts, allergy sufferers or people looking to lose weight
- Photography theory: including camera settings, food styling and post-production tips
- Advice on how to select and use props
- Food styling tips
- Photography practical: create a set and take part in a sample shoot
- Q&A and group discussion
Tutor profile
Joan Ransley is a freelance photographer, food writer and nutrition consultant who has worked with a number of large companies and small artisan food businesses. She was awarded third place in the prestigious Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year award in 2014, and is currently writing and photographing a cookery book commissioned by Pavilion books to be published in 2016. Joan is a regular feature writer for the Yorkshire Post where her recipe shots appear alongside her writing. She also runs the popular blog Cooking for the Sensitive Gut, which offers recipes and advice for people who suffer from IBS. Find out more about Joan on her website.
Details
Date: Saturday 7 March 2015
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £249 (includes VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 16
Dress code: There is no dress code for Masterclasses. Please dress however you feel comfortable.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
