18 December, 2019

Cork Institute of Technology Food Photography students presented their final work in the James Barry Exhibition Centre in December 2019.

The exhibition was the culmination of a 13-week course which saw participants from a variety of backgrounds produce their final six images. The 13-week Certificate in Food Photography evening course, which runs again on February 3, 2020, covers all the basics of photography.

Topics include (aperture, ISO, shutter speed, etc.) design principals in relation to food photography, lighting (natural & studio-based), food styling, editing using Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom, videography and social media as a marketing tool. Attracting a wide variety of participants, the course is coordinated by food photographer Shaunagh O’Connell.

With over 5 years of experience in the industry, Shaunagh’s clients include The Cornstore, Coqbull, The River Lee, Tequila Jacks, Liberty Grill & Kinsale Mead Co. Her work can be viewed work on Instagram: @Shaunaghoc & Facebook: Shaunagh O’Connell Photography.

Shaunagh feels the course is ideal for anyone who’s a ‘foodie’, working in a food-related industry or just for individuals with an interest in capturing nice food photos. “A previous knowledge of photography is not required, but an interest in food and the enthusiasm to get stuck into creative food photography projects most definitely is!”, she said.

Rob Murphy is currently a social media photographer whose main objective is to make a living from food photography. During the course, Rob collaborated with Clonakilty Black Pudding. “I was asked to photograph several dishes brought on-site at Clonakilty and at a few restaurants, it was a pleasure to be part of it. I’ve also started photography for a cookbook for a different client which is very exciting”, he added.

Peter O’Toole works as a packaging designer and while he has directed photoshoots, he’s never had the opportunity to style and shoot his own. “The course has given me more confidence in setting up products and getting the lighting correct. I also learned how to use Instagram as a marketing tool and to network with fellow photographers”, he said.

During the course, students run a professional portfolio of their work and progress on social media platforms such as Instagram. Laura Kilmartin, a UCC student studying Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship already had a food page on Instagram but wanted to improve its content. Since completing the course Laura and a fellow UCC student have been asked to run the Cork University Business School’s Instagram account. Laura said, “I’m looking forward to utilising the photography skills I have acquired from the course and showcasing them to the UCC student body”.

Chef Gavin Murray undertook the course to get creative and take professional quality photos of his food. Gavin hosts Vegetarian Indian Supper Clubs in his home and said the course had served as a great advertisement for these events. “I’ve become a more confident and capable photographer and I’ve picked up loads of post-production tips and tricks. Personally, it’s been great to meet and connect with people coming from different backgrounds all passionate about the same subject”, he said.

The course will run again on February 3, for 13 weeks and applications are currently open here but will close on January 31. Any questions regarding the course can be sent to Shaunagh.oconnell@cit.ie

Below are some images from the exhibition.