Leica Store San Francisco
Eating with Your Eyes: A Culinary Photography Workshop with Jim Sullivan at Californios | May 30-31st, 2025
Pickup available at Camera West Rancho Mirage
Usually ready in 24 hours
Note: Pickup not immediately available for Pre-Orders
Whether you realize it or not, food photography has become ubiquitous in today’s society. Everyone has a “camera” in their pocket, but understanding various techniques associated with producing stunning culinary photography is multi-layered and complex. Students who attend this workshop will be directed by Leica photographer Jim Sullivan on a very personal level while experiencing one of San Francisco's most distinguished restaurants, Californios. To conclude this exceptional experience, participants will enjoy an exclusive Saturday evening dinner at Californios, featuring their tasting menu of contemporary Mexican cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Step behind the scenes at Californios, a 2 Star Michelin restaurant and one of San Francisco‘s most distinguished culinary establishments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of pre-service and the communal spirit of the kitchen staff including participation in the family meal. Witness the culinary craft firsthand, interact with the process and capture unique behind the scenes moments not many get to experience when visiting a Michelin restaurant. Following this exclusive kitchen experience, each participant will enjoy a personalized food photography session. Equipped with their own table and lights provided by Harlowe, you’ll learn Jim’s profession techniques, receive one-on-one guidance and create your own portfolio of exceptional food photography while savoring a unique dining experience.
This two-day workshop offers a comprehensive culinary and photographic experience. Day one features a morning session at the Leica Store SF, followed by a hands-on masterclass at the two-Michelin-starred Californios, and concludes with a tasting menu experience. Day two starts with Chef Val Cantu leading a class at the SF Farmers Market at the Ferry Building, and finishes with a closing presentation and image critique at the Leica Store. Limited to six participants for personalized instruction.
This workshop includes a full multi-course dining experience at Californios, the only two-star Michelin Mexican restaurant in the U.S.
Key Topics:
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Food Photography
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Lighting
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Composition
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Gear selection
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Business Aspects of being a freelance photographer
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Inner workings of both Back & Front of House
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Farmers Market
Who Should Attend:
Designed for foodies and photographers seeking to elevate their culinary photography skills, this workshop welcomes participants of all experience levels. The limited enrollment ensures a personalized learning environment, where Jim provides tailored advice, constructive critique, and individual encouragement. Regardless of your current skill set, you'll learn how to capture and savor culinary moments through the art of photography.
Agenda:
Day One: Friday, May 30, 2025
10am Leica Store SF
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“Eating with your eyes” presentation
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Jim will review all aspects of being a professional food photographer from lighting techniques to gear and business aspects
12pm Lunch
1pm Californios
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Restaurant tour, FOH/BOH
1:30pm Food photography demo
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Jim will walk students through his typical light setup and photography style while shooting tethered so students will have a full understanding of his approach.
2pm Student photography
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Participants will have individual lighting setups to use in their own photography while Jim will be close at hand to offer help.
5pm Day 1 wrap up
Day Two: Saturday, May 31, 2025
9am at the Ferry Building
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Students will be joined by Chef Val and Jim while touring the famous farmers market at the Ferry Building. Students will get an opportunity to experience the chef/farmer relationships while photographing the market. Jim will give a demo on his style of street photography aspect for this setting. Students will then have free reign to work on their photography.
11am Lunch break
1pm Meet back up at Leica Store SF
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Review class images. Jim will lead a constructive discussion on his images as well as student work.
4pm Wrap up, final thoughts
6pm Group Dinner Reservation at Californios. Tasting menu included. (Beverage pairings will be selected and paid for individually by each guest and are not included in the workshop cost.)
About Jim Sullivan & Chef Val M. Cantú
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