Food Photographer

Create

Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.

Dorothea Lange 
Food Photographer

In A Nutshell

I work independently or with a food stylist to set up photo shoots that make the food look delicious.

I choose the location and arrange the lighting and camera settings to get the best pictures.

I manage the business side by talking with customers, handling money, and finding new clients.

Swipe

Potential Salary Range

$12.00- 30.00 Hourly

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

I capture images of food that tell the story of where it comes from and how it’s made. Photo shoots are busy and fast paced with lots happening at once. Back in my office, things slow down as I edit each photo carefully to show the colours, textures and details that make food look its best.

Workplace

Indoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Work independently or with stylists and chefs to create attractive food presentations for photos or videos
  • Photograph food products, dishes, or agricultural ingredients in a way that is appealing and tells a story
  • Review photos with clients to understand their preferences and make adjustments as needed
  • Edit photos for final use, ensuring colors, lighting, and presentation highlight the food or product
  • Track time, resources, and costs for each photography project
  • Connect with farmers, food producers, restaurants, and businesses to find new photography opportunities
  • Work in studios, on farms, or at markets to photograph products in real-life settings

Education & Training

  • A specific degree is not always required, but a diploma or degree in photography, visual arts, or media can be helpful. Hands-on experience photographing food, farms, or agricultural products is highly valued.
100all

Job Outlook

    Food photography is a specialized field, and building a strong portfolio and reputation is important. Skilled photographers who can showcase farms, local food, and agricultural products creatively have opportunities to grow in this career.

Related School Subjects

Arts Education
Ed. Prof. et Tech.
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Food Photography

Important Skills

Computer & Technological icon

Computer & Technological

I know the ins and outs of working with a digital camera, and I’m also very comfortable working with photo editing software. 

Detail-Oriented icon

Detail-Oriented

When taking pictures of food, every single part of the photo is important. When I’m editing, I make sure I fix every single tiny imperfection so that the final product is beautiful!   

interpersonal-man-people-communication-Relation

Interpersonal

I work closely with a food stylist and talk with customers to make sure my photos match what they want, so they’ll want to work with me again.

Money Management

Most food photographers work freelance, so I’m responsible for managing the money I earn and making sure expenses are paid.

Swipe

The Best Things About This Job Are…

Creative Work
Own Boss
Work Changes Daily
Using Technology
Flexible Work Environment