Home Chef with Plating, Food Photography & Styling

Overview:

Enhance your culinary presentation with professional plating, food styling, and photography techniques to create visually stunning dishes.

Objectives:

• Master the principles of color, contrast, and composition in plating.
• Develop garnishing techniques for artistic food presentation.
• Learn essential food styling methods for an appealing visual impact.
• Understand lighting and camera settings for capturing high-quality food images.
• Utilize smartphones and DSLRs effectively for food photography.

Outcomes:

• Participants will be able to present dishes with refined aesthetics.
• Gain knowledge of lighting, composition, and editing in food photography.
• Develop proficiency in food styling for professional-looking images.
• Understand modern plating trends and their applications.

Assessment Criteria:

• Create a visually striking plated dish showcasing balance and artistry.
• Capture and edit a high-quality food image with professional techniques.
• Demonstrate an understanding of composition, lighting, and styling for food photography.

What to Expect:

• Hands-On Cooking: Active participation in preparing dishes.

• Small Class Sizes: Personalized learning experiences.

• Cultural Storytelling: Learn the history and traditions behind each cuisine.

• Group Dining: Enjoy the dishes you’ve created with your classmates.

• Purpose-Built Kitchen Studio: Experience cooking in a modern, spacious environment designed for optimal learning.

Key Features of the Program:

1. Hands-On Workshops: Participants actively prepare dishes under the guidance of expert chefs.

2. Cultural Storytelling: Each session includes stories of Melbourne’s multicultural communities and their influence on the city’s culinary identity.

3. Locally Sourced Ingredients: Highlight Victorian produce and multicultural traders from Victoria Street.

4. Networking Opportunities: Encourage community building and connections among participants.

5. Take-Home Recipes: Provide a professionally designed recipe booklet.

6. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Cook in our purpose-built kitchen studio, designed for comfort and efficiency.

Daily Schedule:

Class Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• 10:00 AM: Meet the chef at Otao Kitchen to begin your cooking class.

• 10:15 AM: The chef highlights today’s special cuisines and presents the day’s menu. Prepare to roll up your sleeves for hands-on preparation of a glorious meal in our purpose-built kitchen studio.

• 2:00 PM: Enjoy the fruits of your labor with an epic feast you’ve created, complemented by local wine.

• 3:00 PM: Conclude the day with a full stomach, a recipe book, and unforgettable memories to share with your family and friends.

Enrol Now: Visit our website or contact us to reserve your spot in the next available module!

10 Things to Learn in Home Chef with Plating, Food Photography & Styling

1. Principles of Plating Composition – Learn how to balance elements on a plate using the rule of thirds and focal points.
2. Color Theory in Food Presentation – Understand how color combinations enhance visual appeal and create contrast.
3. Texture & Height for Dimension – Master techniques to add layers, height, and texture to plated dishes.
4. Garnishing & Final Touches – Develop skills in delicate garnishing for artistic and elegant presentations.
5. Using Negative Space Effectively – Learn how to use empty space to make plated dishes look more sophisticated.
6. Food Styling for Photography – Explore techniques for arranging food to look natural, fresh, and appetizing.
7. Lighting Techniques for Food Photography – Understand the role of natural vs. artificial lighting in capturing perfect shots.
8. Camera Angles & Perspectives – Learn when to use overhead, side, and close-up shots to highlight a dish's best features.
9. Editing & Post-Processing – Enhance food images using editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness.
10. Modern Plating Trends – Stay updated with contemporary plating styles, including minimalism and deconstructed dishes.

These essential techniques will help participants refine their plating skills, create visually stunning dishes, and capture professional-quality food images.

Home Chef Program Overview

Melbourne is a world-class culinary destination, renowned for its rich food culture shaped by diverse communities over decades. The city’s gastronomic diversity offers a tapestry of flavors, unique specialties, and authentic recipes that tell the stories of generations. Here at Otao Kitchen, we believe that food isn’t just to be admired—it’s meant to be experienced, savored, and mastered!

The Otao Kitchen Home Chef Development Program is designed for food lovers who aspire to take their cooking skills to the next level. Whether you’re a home cook, an aspiring chef, or simply passionate about food, our program provides an immersive and flexible learning experience. Participants can join at any stage or select specific modules that align with their culinary interests. This hands-on course integrates in-person chef-led training with access to a digital learning platform, featuring step-by-step recipes, instructional videos, and supplementary resources.

Our Intensive Full Cooking Program offers a deep dive into Melbourne’s rich culinary traditions. Each full-day, in-person training session is led by expert chefs and is supplemented by ongoing digital learning. Participants engage in guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and structured assessments to track their progress. Additionally, every module begins with a one-hour foundational session on food safety, knife techniques, and essential cooking methods to ensure a strong culinary foundation.