This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop. All opinions are my own.
Recently, Brandy and I hosted a free photography workshop at the Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop in New York City. The shop blends a whimsical, modern print shop atmosphere with a well-curated selection of photography books, scrapbooking supplies, cameras, lenses and printers. It has a lively, creative energy and a welcoming back space perfect for hands-on classes and community meetups.
About a dozen people joined us to learn how to capture professional-looking food photos using their phones and Instax cameras. The workshop was structured to be practical and interactive, giving attendees immediate tools they could apply while shooting on site.
We split the first half of the hour-long session into three focused sections:
Composition – We explored different visual approaches such as messy, candid arrangements versus carefully styled setups; macro close-ups versus wider, pulled-back scenes; and how each frame can tell a story or evoke a mood.
Lighting – Participants learned how lighting choices shape the final image, contrasting dark, moody atmospheres with bright, airy aesthetics and how to work with available light.
Editing – We covered basic editing techniques using VSCO and Instagram, emphasizing how subtle adjustments can help set the tone and reinforce the narrative of a photo.
In the second half we put theory into practice. With plenty of donuts, apples, pears, muffins, bagels and coffee, everyone was encouraged to experiment. Some attendees borrowed props from the shop, while others moved to the storefront windows to take advantage of natural light. A few even shot from low angles on the shop’s beautiful wood floor to create dynamic perspectives—one of the favorite images from the day came from that setup.
The group produced a variety of strong images and it was rewarding to see attendees apply new techniques right away. The workshop was casual, social and full of creative energy.
If you’re near New York City and interested in learning more, the Wonder Photo Shop regularly hosts events and classes in its community space. It’s a great place to practice photography, discover tools and meet fellow photo enthusiasts.