Photoshop Insider

Digital Food Photography Workshop Field Report

By Scott on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 7:40 am | updates.

If you’re a regular here, you know I’ve been shooting food lately in preparation for my wife’s upcoming cookbook, and after looking at many of the leading food photographers, my wife and I both decided that the one guy whose work really stood out was New-York based photographer Lou Manna.

I was thinking how much I’d love to get a chance to learn from this guy, and so I took a chance; went to Google and typed in “Lou Manna” + Workshop. 10 seconds later I’m looking at a description of his next Digital Food Photography workshop, and about five minutes after that, I had signed up for his upcoming May 4th class, and was making flight arrangements to New York.

Well, yesterday I took his workshop and I was just blown away at what I learned. So much so, that after about the first 90-minutes I sent a text message to my wife that I had already gotten more than my money’s worth. Shooting food is just plain tough; making that food look really appetizing is even tougher, and lighting for food is just, well…it’s WAY harder than it looks, and that was what I was most interested in.

Luckily, the focus of the day was on lighting, and the insights he gave in just the first hour or so more than covered the class tuition. In fact, I’ve rarely been to a workshop that was such a value that I thought it was actually under-priced, but this truly was an $800 workshop for only $250.

(Above: Chef Dennis styling the dessert I’m going to shoot).

(Above: You don’t have to go out for lunch when you’re shooting food!)

When you take a shot, it immediately displays on the HDTV so the class, and Lou, can see the work in process.

Here’s some brief highlights:

The workshop was held in his 5th Ave studio, and it was very warm and inviting, with a large kitchen right in the studio.
He had a wonderful chef and food stylist on hand, Chef Dennis Williford, who’s also a kick butt food photographer in his own right.
At lunchtime, Chef Dennis made the whole class just a wonderful meal, and it was great to sit down with the other students (10 altogether) and Lou and get to know each other and share stories
Lou had each student show some of their photography portfolio, and then their food photography, and his critiques really helped you to understand what makes a successful food shot, and included invaluable insights on both lighting and composition. This was a really worthwhile and eye-opening segment, and Lou really handled these portfolio reviews with grace, courtesy, humor, and wonderful insights.
The morning was spent going over the basics, looking at some of Lou’s own amazing work, and he showed us a number of tricks, behind the scene’s photos of his main lighting set-up (amazingly simple, but I would have never figured it out on my own), and lots on backgrounds, props, styling, and more.
After lunch we dug in deeper, and saw how complex some really tricky shoots can get, and he gave us ideas how to handle the shooting tough objects like liquids (beer, cocktails, liquor bottles, etc.).
We ended the day by either styling our own food, or having Chef Dennis style it for us (I used Chef Dennis—I’m not a food stylist by any means), and then Lou left it up to take the techniques we learned in the class and put them to work (which is where my shot posted yesterday came from).

Lou was such a gracious host, Chef Dennis was just amazing, the students were just ecstatic, and we all left wanting more (which is the sign of a truly great workshop). Lou is such a giving teacher, who doesn’t hold anything back, and you really felt like he wanted to see you be a success in shooting food, and his energy and enthusiasm kept everybody excited and engaged the entire day.
If you’re into food photography, you’ve got to take Lou’s workshop. It’s an insane value, and you’ll learn things, gain insights, and pick up tricks that you just can’t learn anywhere else. If you can’t get to one of his workshops (they sell out in advance, and his next one is Sunday, June 22nd—here’s the link to his blog for more info), then at very least, get his great top-rated book on digital food photography (link).

Even if you’re not into shooting food, and you just appreciate great photography, take a moment to check out some of Lou’s wonderful work (click right here).

Comment form for this post

^#1

So are you going to have Lou do a online class for Kelby Training?

Sheldon on May 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am

^#2

I was wondering why you never mention one of your own PSW instructors Joe Glyda when talking about food photography? Do you ever ask for his advise in this matter? Although I don’t photograph food, I took one of his classes at PSW Boston because it sounded interesting. It was a great class & I learned some cool techniques that I could probably use for some other subject.

Lavonne on May 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am

^#3

I took a glance at Lou’s website & gallery…wow! Not a site to look at when you’re hungry.

I’m wondering if part of good food photography is having good food on hand to shoot–not sure the peanut butter sandwiches I whip up for the kids’ lunches would look quite as stunning…but then again, judging from the evidence, I bet Lou could do it. I think my favorite shot was the hot dog in Gallery 2. Not only was it a nice shot, but I actually recognized it!

Mike

Mike Rodriguez on May 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am

^#4

Garden Shooting.

“Look at this corner cut, see how natural it looks?”, I said. “Well, well” she said, here eyes rolling like a bowling ball down a dirt hill. “We will talk later”, as she laughs and walks away. “But honey, I took Scott Kelby’s class on the 7 point system to photograph this and Joe McNally’s class in lighting this wonderful angle, you just gotta love it”!.

http://kblawson.wordpress.com
In my latest adventure of gardening. I even blame Scott

Ken

Ken on May 6th, 2008 at 9:45 am

^#5

wow! what an opportunity?! i saw his workshop advertised at adorama’s website, but could not go since i was getting married. lou manna is totally awesome when it comes to shooting food, i really want to get to his level. i bought his book, and have read half so far. it’s very informative and understandable. i hope he has another class, i would LOVE to attend!!!

Diane on May 6th, 2008 at 10:30 am

^#6

dear Scott,
I second everything you wrote!
I had a great time in the workshop, I only wished it would take at least another day.
To all readers, Lou’s workshop is highly recommended, you will learn a lot, have fun, eat wonderfully, and meet great people.
And I was so lucky to have met Scott there too !

Ana

Ana on May 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm

^#7

Scott,
So when are you going to shear some of the things that you learned from Lou? I will be looking forward to that!

Thanks
JM

Jason Sliger on May 6th, 2008 at 1:35 pm

^#8

+1 for getting Mr. Manna (what a name for a food photographer!) signed up for Kelby Training ASAP.

Sam on May 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

^#9

We need a West Coast presence for these amazing workshops!

Lou Manna’s Digital Food Photography book is excellent. It’s a must-have if you’re getting into food photography OR just really to even appreciate the details and true art of photographing food. Thanks for the review on the workshop, Scott!

Cristina on May 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

^#10

This workshop was awesome, it totally surpassed my expectations. Lou, Dennis and Christine are not only talented pros but also the warmest people. The whole class was a bunch of great people and with Scott throwing in cool tips… you can’t get it better than this!

Ruben on May 6th, 2008 at 8:34 pm

^#11

Lou is a true master of his art form. I first heard of him on a podcast and went to check out his gallery. If you can look at his photos and not want to go get a snack there is something wrong with you. I don’t think you could have found a better instructor.

Gene on May 6th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

^#12

Nice, I’ve been playing with food photography in my business. I like the variety. Defiantly goona check him out… Gav

Seim Effects on May 7th, 2008 at 1:57 am

^#13

Hi Scott:

Any chance you could persuade Lou Manna to offer a Digital Food Photography workshop as a Pre-Con Workshop at the Photoshop World Conference being held this September in Las Vegas? Food Photography is truly an art form and I’m sure many folks would be interested in this subject.

Cristina on May 7th, 2008 at 11:07 am

^#14

Scott,

I’m curious to know… you have talked very highly of Wescott lighting products (daylight Fluorescent). Knowing that Lou Manna shoots with strobes, are you still recommending that an aspiring food photographer (like me) choose fluorescent over strobes?

Your website absolutely rocks!!!

Pascal on May 7th, 2008 at 11:26 am

^#15

I’m looking forward to reading Lou Manna’s book which should arrive today.

Thought you and others might find this enjoyable:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afNIRFCiKEo

Linda on May 8th, 2008 at 7:55 am

^#16

Hey, Scott:

Could you tell me what type of equipment is needed to get the most out of Lou’s workshop? I’m particularly interested in type of lenses as well as lighting gear to practice what you learned when you get back home. BTW, love your blog!

Tim Chaney on May 10th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

^#17

I haven’t as yet had the pleasure of meeting Lou Manna, but I can attest to the fact that (Chef) Dennis Williford IS indeed a kick-A photographer and chef. My agency has used him on many occasions and I feel lucky to have had him work closely with us on food-related projects as well as product shots and portraiture.

Karma Martell on July 17th, 2008 at 11:01 pm