Back to Home Page

English

Website

Email

Aaron Van 

Independant Photographer

About

Even though my 27 years of experience have taught me those core fundamentals of photography, I am forever a student, ever evolving my craft to find the uniqueness in every piece of food. Let’s have some fun, eat, drink and create work that will make everyone CRAVE!

My Courses

LIGHTING FOR FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

—  Aaron Van 

Intermediate 

In this comprehensive course, the instructor sets the stage for an in-depth journey into the world of professional food photography. From the basics of gear and technical details, to the practice of artfully staging food and capturing it in the best light, students are taken on a step-by-step exploration of the field. Initially, the course outlines the importance of understanding the equipment involved, focusing not only on the camera and lenses but also on other gear that helps capture stunning food images. This fundamental knowledge serves as the bedrock for future lessons, enabling students to grasp more complex concepts with ease. The class then transitions into practical application, illustrating the theoretical knowledge acquired. Students observe firsthand how theory translates into practice, gaining a clearer understanding of the intricacies involved in capturing delectable food images. Following this, the course delves into the world of lighting, an aspect that can make or break a photograph. An array of lighting gear is introduced, helping students to discern the types of lighting that are best suited for different food photography scenarios. Furthering the topic of lighting, light modifiers are discussed, illustrating how one can alter and control light to achieve the desired effect. This is followed by a practical demonstration of the discussed light modifiers, allowing students to visualize the varying results that can be achieved. The course then guides students in assembling a scene and modifying its lighting, demonstrating how all the previously covered elements come together. By observing the practical application, students can comprehend the intricate interplay between these elements in achieving the perfect shot. Switching gears, the class moves on to create a natural light look and feel, demonstrating the versatility needed in food photography. Techniques and adjustments for this style of lighting are discussed and demonstrated. The use of V-flats, large pieces of foam core that allow bouncing light into the scene, is explored next. This tool can be essential in achieving well-lit, balanced images. The course continues with a two-part lesson on top-down shooting, an increasingly popular style in food photography. The instructor demonstrates how to adjust camera positions, lighting, and food arrangement to capture the perfect overhead shot. A highlight of the course is a two-part lesson on shooting a charcuterie board with a bottle of wine, where students learn to highlight both food and drink in a single shot. Particular attention is given to making the bottle look chilled and appealing, showing the importance of attention to detail in this field. Towards the end, the course takes on a fun and challenging task of capturing a cookie splash in a glass of milk. This two-part lesson is not only engaging but also serves as an excellent opportunity to learn more about timing, speed, and lighting in food photography. In conclusion, the instructor provides closing thoughts and advice, encouraging students to take what they have learned and apply it to their own food photography journey. By the end of the course, students are equipped with a deeper understanding of food photography, ready to take their skills to the next level.

English

Read More
LIGHTING FOR BEVERAGE & SPLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

—  Aaron Van 

Intermediate 

Take your beverage photography skills to the next level! Join Aaron Van, an Orlando-based commercial food and beverage photographer, for a complete behind-the-scenes look at everything you need to know to create pro-level photos of beverages. To begin, Aaron takes you through the tools, props, glassware, and light shaping tools he uses every day. From there you’ll join Aaron in the studio for a series of shoots where changing up the lighting allows for a variety of creative looks that help to tell a story.

English

Read More
Scroll to Top