Module Details

Module Code: ARTS7060
Title: Food Styling & Photography
Long Title: Food Styling & Photography
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2024/25 ( January 2025 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2110 - Visual Arts
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: In this module the learner will be introduced to the fields of food photography and styling. The module will enhance students' artistic skills in relation to food and build on knowledge through the exploration of practical, technical and creative skill sets, all of which can then be applied in an industry setting.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically examine and research photographic techniques and artists within the food photography & styling industry. Identify the influence of media on the world of food photography and styling and the emerging trends within.
LO2 Operate a digital camera effectively in relation to food photography. Technical skills; natural and artificial lighting, camera settings, exposure triangle and equipment.
LO3 Observe and apply design techniques in relation to styling, composition, principles and elements.
LO4 Engage in effective post-processing skills and workflow.
LO5 Analyse the practical application of content in a commercial and industry setting in relation to usage, ethics and legality.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Food Photography & Styling Industry
Identify the key elements of the profession, career pathway and job roles within Food Photography and Styling. Critically analyse the artists who inspire the individual student and complete detailed visual research. Focus on development and implications for the future in relation to food photography and styling. New emerging trends on how food photography is used in an advertising and industry setting.
Photography Technical Settings
Balancing creativity and technicality. Equipment and gear used. Camera settings specific to Food Photography, advanced shooting modes, exposure triangle, focus, depth of field, white balance, composition and framing. Lighting techniques; Artificial vs natural, lighting props and equipment.
Styling and Design
Understand the importance of food styling and its impact on viewer perception. The roles and responsibilities of a food stylist in the culinary and photography industries. Essential tools and techniques of the trade including location, props, preparing ingredients, composition, colour, texture, design principles and design elements.
Post-Processing
The role of image editing: overview of professional editing software and tools. Cropping, colour correction, colour grading, exposure, highlights, shadows and contrast. Advanced techniques such as masking, retouching, detail enhancement, filters and effects. Effective workflow: the stages of process; from planning to output, transferring files, organisation, backup & storage, workflow optimisation, file saving formats (e.g. Jpeg, PNG, TIFF, Raw) and outputs for different mediums (e.g. Print, Social Media, Web and Packaging).
Commercial Usage
The impact of food photography and styling on culture and society. The Ethical and legal implications within a commercial setting.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Reflective sketchbook consisting of weekly entries, documenting key technical information along with individual creative processes, research, preparation, process and development and in-class workshops.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Portfolio of learner generated project work showcasing a selection of photographs examining the core components of food photography and styling.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Practical/Workshop/Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Workshop/Theory Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Work on project and reflective journal. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Practical/Workshop/Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Workshop/Theory Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Work on project and reflective journal. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Julia Konovalova. (2023), The Ultimate Guide to Food Styling, Page Street Publishing Co., p.272, [ISBN: 1645677265].
  • Lauren Caris Short. (2022), The Complete Guide to Food Photography, Rocky Nook, p.288, [ISBN: 1681988151].
  • Kimberly Espinel. (2021), Creative Food Photography: How to capture exceptional images of food, Delish Books, p.208, [ISBN: 1527258351].
  • Liz Wells. (2021), Photography a critical introduction, 6th. Routledge, p.383, [ISBN: 9781000390643].
  • (2020), How to Photograph Food, 1st. Ilex Press, p.0, [ISBN: 1781576912].
  • Susan Bright. (2017), Feast for the Eyes: the story of food in photography, Aperture Foundation, p.320, [ISBN: 9781597113618].
  • Robert Klanten,Anja Kouznetsova. (2017), Visual Feast: contemporary food staging and photography, Gestalten, p.240, [ISBN: 9783899556957].
  • Nicole S. Young. (2016), Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots, 2nd. Peachpit Press, p.272, [ISBN: 9780134097138].
  • Helene Dujardin. (2011), Plate to Pixel, Wiley, p.288, [ISBN: 9780470932131].
  • Delores Custer. (2010), Food Styling, John Wiley & Sons, p.419, [ISBN: 9780470080191].
  • Lou Manna. (2005), Digital Food Photography, 1st. Cengage Learning PTR, p.298, [ISBN: 9781592008209].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Nath-Sakura. (2023), Product Photography, Rocky Nook, p.264, [ISBN: 1681989298].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources