I recently participated in the “Eating with your Eyes” course hosted by the Leica Akademie and Tamarkin Camera in Chicago, Illinois. Food and lifestyle photographer Jim Sullivan led the course, offering valuable tips and techniques to enhance culinary and cocktail photography in a hands-on learning environment.

I had the unique opportunity to practice new food and cocktail photography skills with a group of photographers of all different backgrounds at two iconic locations in the Windy City. The picturesque Jeong Restaurant provided an elegant backdrop for capturing Asian cuisine prepared by a top chef, while Billy Sunday's ambiance offered the perfect setting for photographing crafted cocktails.

Throughout the course, participants delved into composition, lighting, and styling to bring out the best in their culinary and cocktail photos. From examining the art of plating to understanding the importance of capturing the perfect pour, students honed their skills under Sullivan's guidance.

"The 'Eating With Your Eyes course was truly inspiring. I learned how to infuse emotion and storytelling into my photographs, creating images that not only look appetizing but also evoke a sensory experience."

I left Chicago with a newfound appreciation for the art of culinary photography. Equipped with the tools to bring out the beauty and flavor in every frame, I look forward to using these techniques in my upcoming travels and photo shoots.