Composition Essentials

Everything you need to know to style, compose and photograph food.

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Improving your compositions improves your photographs.


It’s as simple as that.


Imagine if:


Nailing composition essentials became second nature and you wondered how you ever struggled in the first place?

You didn’t need to take a million shots to get it right.

You were more organised and went into the photo shoot with a clear vision for what you want (rather than winging it every time). You could achieve the right ‘feel’ for your images and tell a story with your photos.

You could curate a knockout prop collection while cruising your Instagram feed and you could make an image look stellar with only minimal props.

You were able to define your personal style to make your food photography truly recognisable and memorable (and land you that dream gig!). Your portfolio was cohesive and represented your unique style and flair.

When doing a shoot, you could get into that ‘zone’ of inner peace and joy (which is utterly rewarding and completely addictive!).

 












With the power of essential composition skills,
YOU CAN:

Envision fresh and different composition options before you even take your camera out of the bag.

Train your eyes to see things that would make an amazing image.

Evoke a mood and sensibility with each delicious shot.

Plan and style shoots with ease and simplicity.

Construct compelling and vivid food imagery every time.

Develop your trademark style that is true to your own personality and taste.


Does this sound familiar?


You love taking photos but you struggle to find fresh ideas to style and compose a shot.

You keep reverting back to the same old, familiar setups (plate in the foreground, glass in the background) because when you try something new it just doesn’t work out.

You hurry through the shoot and forget to plan it out so you rely on the same composition, background and props as usual (Read: the photos end up boring and uninspiring. The food looks unappetizing)

Or you take no less than 60 shots and you still don’t LOVE any of them!

They all just look dull and same-samey. Or the food looks, well, a little brown.


I understand.

 




When I started out,

I didn’t know which composition techniques to use to get that perfect snap.

My images never turned out the way I wanted them to - I was just rehashing the same styling and composition as other photographers and never really finding my own groove.

I didn’t know which tools would help me tell the right story and create seriously mouth-watering food photos.

I was tired of creating the same old boring compositions and had no idea how to step up my game.

I wanted to be unique and recognisable. I wanted to create my own vision and signature style.

That’s why I created Composition Essentials.

This course will not only make the photography process fun and seamless – it will seriously up-level your food photography so you can blow your audience away.

Composition Essentials is a system and structure for anyone who feels lost and overwhelmed when trying to build a still life scene from nothing.

I want you to feel at ease with the creative process rather than finding it downright daunting.

I want you to feel excited and inspired to produce original imagery – and not just duplicate the same old ideas for photos and compositions all the time.

Because deep down you know you are worthy of being a skilled and successful creative photographer.

And you know you have the talent to master the art of food photography – if only you could style, plan and compose the shot like the professionals and magazines.

 

It’s the art of composition.

One of the most basic and most important things you can do to improve your photography is to understand the essentials of photography composition.

Many people skip this step because they would rather hurry up and get snapping – but with food photography, it really does pay to learn how to construct and compose images correctly.

The success and beauty of your photograph hinges on how you organise the subjects within the frame.

#TBT

Let's take a trip down memory lane with these now and thens. This is the power of understanding essential composition.


POWERFUL COLOURS
Discover how colour balance is the key to beautiful images and how to use colour composition creatively and effectively.


GOOD-LOOKING BROWN FOOD
We'll cover techniques to make brown food your bestie. Let ‘brown’ and boring food be your nemesis no more!


NATURAL, NOT STAGED
Learn how the subtle art of intentional, yet natural styling and say goodbye to overdone and staged.

IMPACTFUL SIMPLICITY
I'll show you how to make stellar images with minimal props to create that perfect ‘minimalist’ look.

 
 












Meet Melissa
Photographer + Blogger, Ice Cream Inspirations

"Composition Essentials was the missing piece I needed to finally get the professional-level pictures I've been striving for. I am BLOWN AWAY by the incredible information in this course and am so excited to finally have the exact tools I need to create drool-worthy food photography and achieve that WOW-factor. This course is worth every penny, with a value that far exceeds the price tag".

Why composition matters

An amazing photograph is never a fluke -
there are certain fundamentals that come together to create that shot.

Really great photographers make clear and conscious decisions about what they put in the frame and what they leave out.

They know how to arrange certain elements and how each one interacts with each other.

It’s about making all the right decisions for the story you’re telling, the season, the food, and even your own mood.

So whether you’re photographing a delectable truffle dish or trying to make brown stews and lasagnes look effortlessly beautiful (so frustrating!) understanding the principles of composition will help you produce better photos, every time.

Composition skills will empower you to know why certain tools work for certain imagery and recipes so you know which ones to select to create amazing images.

 

My program in a nutshell

In this course, we’ll take an in-depth look at the principles of composition, beginning with the basic foundations and moving on to more advanced techniques.

We’ll look back on your portfolio to see what type of tools will elevate your food imagery and help step up your compositional game.


We’re going to focus in on the true goals of composition and what makes an image next-level.

This course will take you through all the high-level composition theories you need to succeed (most of which you won’t find on the internet for free and for which you really need some professional guidance.)


You'll have ongoing access to all online materials, as well as the chance to learn as you go in your own time. I'll help you to understand the tools of composition like it’s second nature (no more guessing about the right ones to use). Then you'll approach each photo shoot feeling confident and organised (and get it all done in way less time)


With over 35 video tutorials and cheat sheets, spanning across 5 modules, I'll teach you where to place hero subjects and supporting elements to create breathtaking images, and how to use the tools top food photographers use to make their images stand out.


We'll uncover how I use composition in my own work, by reviewing over 100 images from my portfolio to help you find the right compositional principles to create your own trademark style.

Discover the powerful tools of essential composition so you can create interest and dynamic tension in every image. You'll be using leading lines, diagonals, symmetry and cropping guides with ease, (aka just like a pro).

An entire module is dedicated to finding your trademark style (and know how to evolve it once you’ve nailed it). You'll know which techniques to use for the different narratives and moods you want to create, and how to follow the formulas but break the rules when you need to.

Create magazine-worthy compositions by putting everything you're learning into practice with a bunch of activities designed to push your composition up a notch. Including 10 mock magazine covers to create around text constraints.



Get intimate access to your Instructor, ask questions and personalised feedback on the things you're learning and applying. Be supported by an entire community of creative pals just waiting to cheer you on!


RISK-FREE MASTERCLASS
I'm confident that you'll LOVE this course and I genuinely want you to succeed, which is why I offer a generous 30-day money back guarantee. If you do the work, complete the activities and don’t see any improvement in your work, simply let me know within 30-days if you’d like a refund.

Meet Oriol

Linguist + Blogger


"Before enrolling Composition Essentials I always felt insecure about how to face a photo session. With Rachel's guidance through the ins and outs of composition, it's given me the confidence to explore new paths and improve my skills in food photograph".

This course is closed for enrollment.

 











Nail your composition

Work through guided activities so you can be empowered to know why certain tools work for certain imagery and recipes so you know which ones to select to create amazing images.


CROP FOR AESTHETICS

I'll share how you can create more interesting and aesthetically pleasing images by going beyond the Rule of Thirds and using more powerful cropping grids + guides. Plus how to use them in your editing tool of choice.


6 STYLING VIDEOS

We’ll also watch the creative process from start to finish in 6 styling videos, with three featuring a professional prop + food stylist. Plus the key compositional steps they take from raw and unfinished to polished and professional.


CLEAR + CONSCIOUS PLACEMENT

You’ll also get an exclusive insight into how I use 12 different compositional tools to achieve a simple image using less than two props! (AND sometimes even no props).

Meet Winola

Baker + Writer

"There are times when I created good work, but I'd feel like it was by fluke. I think that was a result of not knowing why a photograph works. With Composition Essentials, I've learnt to be intentional with my composition to get the exact end result I want. This course has allowed me to truly enjoy the creative process and revel in my talent & skills!"

 





What you get with Composition Essentials
I’ll take you through how I use composition in my own work and how it can help you find the right compositional principles to create your own trademark style.

BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE
Learn why composition is so important and the goals your image should strive for. We’ll also explore the different styles of food photography and how to begin the important journey to finding your true trademark style, accompanied by fun guided activities to help you get there.

ESSENTIALS TOOLS + COMPOSITIONAL INGREDIENTS
Discover the essential tools and skills every savvy photographer needs to stand out from the crowd and the most important compositional ingredients to use when creating that perfect shot. I’ll show you what they are and how to use them to best effect. I’ll also empower you to know *why* they are important in creating magic with your images.


EVOLVE YOUR OWN TRADEMARK STYLE
What comes next once you’ve found your signature style or you feel like you’ve outgrown it? Photography is an adventure into the heart of you and it evolves with every image you take. In this module, we’ll uncover how to go further with composition and build upon your styling prowess. We’ll tap into your preferred ambience and take you one step closer to that dream style.

TAKING YOUR COMPOSITION TO THE NEXT-LEVEL
This is where you take your composition up a notch! From how to use ellipses, dynamic symmetry, the ‘golden ratio’ and more, you’ll step-up your game by learning the advanced tools that the pros use to craft eye-catching images. They’re the cream of the crop secrets and professional techniques for creating high impact and breathtaking pics.

STYLE FOOD LIKE A PRO
In this module, we’ll uncover my compositional ‘go-to tools’ and how I can harness 12 compositional tools without using a single prop! We’ll also watch the creative process from start to finish in 6 styling videos, with three featuring a professional prop + food stylist. You’ll learn how to select tools and take pics like a true food styling pro.

Course Curriculum


  Getting Started + Getting Help.
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  Module: Bringing Your Vision To Life
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  Module: Foundational Concepts
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  Module: Food Styling How-to
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  Module: Evolve Your Own Style
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  Module: Advanced Concepts
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  Module: Styling Photoshoots
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  Module: Creative Photo Assignments
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  BONUS: Group Critiques
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Your Instructor


Rachel Korinek
Rachel Korinek

Hi! I’m Rachel, an Aussie transplant, professional food photographer and the founder of Two Loves, a studio and online workshop platform that blends my passions for food and photography.

I love to capture visual stories and create bright, uplifting imagery that emphasizes the beauty and emotional connection of real food. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m travelling or tracking down my next favourite dish.



Want to compose brilliant shots with me now?

Superb. I’d love you to dive in here with me too.

BUT let's just check this is the right course for you!

Who it’s NOT for:

This course is not for complete beginners who've only just picked up a camera. If you're very new to photography, taking a foundational course first is highly recommended.

If you're new to food photography, but have practiced photography in other niches, then I invite you to join if composition is your jam.

Who it’s for:

This course covers the basics as well as builds up to higher level concepts, so motivated beginners through to well-seasoned photographers will get their much-needed dose of compositional inspiration.

Anyone who shoots food (food photographers, bloggers, Instagrammers - if food’s your game then this is it!).

Photographers who want to make compositional theory work for them and tailor it to their own style.

Anyone who wants to know my go-to composition concepts and how I use them to create unique food photography and images.

Beginners
If you’re a beginner who's just learning about the rule of thirds, I’ll ease you into foundational concepts at the start and then usher you through to higher-level theories once you’ve got the basics down pat. This is a masterclass, so some expereince with photography would prepare you to explore composition fully.

Through to well-seasoned
And for the well-seasoned (or advanced) photographers who are craving some higher-level concepts, our advanced training will give you the intellectual and creative challenge you need so you can create memorable shots you’re proud of and become known for with your work.


Sound like you?

 






Frequently Asked Questions


Is there a money-back guarantee?
You bet ya! I'm confident that you'll LOVE this course and I genuinely want you to succeed, which is why I offer a generous 30-day money back guarantee. If you do the work, complete the activities and don’t see any improvement in your work, simply let me know within 30-days if you’d like a refund.
What currency is the enrolment fee?
The enrolment fee is in USD. Payment plans are available to select at checkout.
I'm new to composition. Is this course suitable for beginners?
If you’re a beginner and you’re only just learning about the rule of thirds, I’ll ease you into foundational concepts at the start and then usher you through to higher-level theories once you’ve got the basics down pat. I’m not going to bedazzle you with crazy hard theories or jargon. Cheat sheets, lesson recaps, activities and guides will ensure you retain all the knowledge you need to find your trademark style.
What if I have questions? How do I get help?
My job as your instructor is to anticipate any questions and make sure they are covered in the lessons, however making sure your questions are answered is important to me. You'll have access to me and the ability to ask questions and get feedback on your work in our exclusive Facebook group.
How are the lessons delivered? How long do I have to take the course?
The Composition Essentials lessons are taught via video lessons. You have ongoing access to the course material, so there is no time limit on the course, so you can learn at your leisure. It's kinda like Netflix, you can watch it on your terms when it suits you.
I'm a well-seasoned photographer looking for advanced concepts.
For the well-seasoned (or advanced) photographers who are craving some higher-level concepts, our advanced training will give you the intellectual and creative challenge you need so you can create memorable shots you’re proud of and become known for with your work.
 

Composition is an art form.

It’s about how to choose the right plate and deciding when messy is okay and knowing which lenses are the best.

It's the props, the lighting, the colours, the finished product and creativity all at once.


It’s where picture perfect styling and stunning photography meet.

It’s time to get ahead of the styling game now.

It’s time to be that food photographer or Instagrammer that everyone flocks to for serious inspiration and joy.


Let’s compose works of art.

This course is closed for enrollment.