"Beyond Technique" with AaronVan

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Screen shot of the final image from AaronVan's lighting technique video. It's only 18 minutes - take the time to upgrade your technique in lighting food.

by Skip Cohen

​​Anybody can take pictures of food and beverages. I see images all the time, especially from event photographers, but the challenge isn't in clicking the shutter; it's understanding lighting and how to make the food "craveable!" It's all about knowing how to cross the line into the feeling of fine art by utilizing all the skills of great lighting and composition. Meet AaronVan, a true artist in the world of food and beverages.

At a time when the pandemic has restricted so many different specialties within imaging, food photography has never been in greater demand. Think about all the restaurants that, before the pandemic, never needed photographs of their favorite dishes. Needing to offer carryout service and outdoor dining, opportunities abound to meet the needs of a whole new target audience - restaurant owners.

I met Aaron on a phone call with a Platypod project. Then, we expanded the conversation in this podcast. He's great to talk to, and the passion for his work comes out loud and clear right from the start. From a college course in photography as a freshman, he developed a long list of skills over the years. And a twenty-year career in advertising, gave him an outstanding understand of relationship building, which we talk about during the podcast. 

I've written in the past, "You can't create images that tug at people's hearts if your own heart isn't in it!" Well, on Aaron's about-page, he wrote:

It has been an amazing journey of growth, love and passion, and food! Every shoot is a chance to push my skill and work with other passionate artists and producers. There is nothing quite like walking into a shoot, throwing on some music, setting up the lights and preparing to tell another craveable story of food for my clients.

Whether food photography is in your future or not, AaronVan needs to be on your radar. Why? Because no matter what you usually photograph, sooner or later, you're going to need to raise the bar on your skills in closeup and lighting. Watch the short video he created below, and you'll understand so much more about what it takes to make your food and beverage images craveable.

You'll also find ​​his class on food photography at Kelby One a terrific investment in expanding your skillset.

​Missed any of the past "Beyond Technique" podcasts? They're all just a click away at Photofocus.com and included conversations with some of the most respected artists and educators in imaging today.

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The "Beyond Technique" podcast is thanks to Platypod!

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